Newbie QUESTION SHOULD I BUY???

[zarillus]

Okay guys i saw another boat for sale a 1985 17 Foot Stingray with 3 liter GM engine which runs great!! The owner said there are soft spots in the floor and he is not sure if the lower unit is good or not.The gelcoat is in great condition and the Hull is solid.

He thinks a Universal Joint or clutch dog might be bad.If the lower unit is bad what am i looking at to fix if i do it myself.Also the seats need to be bolted in and cleaned up.

My question: Is this worth $400.00 bucks? If i have to put a few hundred in to replace floor i'm okay with that.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Newbie QUESTION SHOULD I BUY???

looks like a good trailer, $150. engine $250, so you won't loose any money. but it could cost a bit if you have to rebuild or replace the outdrive. $3-500 on deck, boats do not have floors.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Newbie QUESTION SHOULD I BUY???

What kind of outdrive is on that boat? You might check around for sources of parts for the gearcase and u joints. If the clutchdog is bad, it can be a real PIA to replace on some outdrives. What shape is the exhaust manifold? On a boat that old, it probably needs replacing. Check for availability. What about the drive boot? Is it still useable, or will it need to be replaced? What is it's replacement cost?

 

[zarillus]

Re: Newbie QUESTION SHOULD I BUY???

Are Stingray boats any good? If i have to spend less than $500 i'm in.I just don't want something that needs a couple grand to go in the water.What should i look for when i go see it.



"It's good.... to be.... a.. florida gator...."


"Sorry Okies..."

 

[abj87]

Re: Newbie QUESTION SHOULD I BUY???

Any boat that size is going to cost a couple of grand. Either you spend more now or spend it later fixing up a cheaper boat. My advice buy a usable boat and enjoy it, there are lots of deals now.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Newbie QUESTION SHOULD I BUY???

Stingray boats are fine but going back to 1985 it doesn't really matter the brand. It matters how it was maintained and this one clearly wasn't. All the wood in this boat is going to be rotted out and it is a big project to replace it. If you want to get on the water cheap, the best way to do it is to find an aluminum boat with an outboard. On an aluminum boat, even if the deck and transom are shot they aren't a big deal to replace.

 

[DDog11]

Re: Newbie QUESTION SHOULD I BUY???

Take it out on the water then decide.

 

[JB]

Re: Newbie QUESTION SHOULD I BUY???

"Soft spots in the (deck or sole)" !!!

Unless you have a year or two to restore the boat before using it walk away.

 

[tmh]

Re: Newbie QUESTION SHOULD I BUY???

It's a huge job to replace the deck and stringers .... and likely the transom. It's most likely a worthless pile of junk. You can fix it, but it's a lot of work, then when you're done you have a boat worth no more than $400 plus the cost to fix it. Your time must be worth something.

A boat like that in good working condition goes for about $1500 these days. It's small, a value brand and it's a buyer's market.

How do you know the engine works great, btw?

 

[thegreatpiscator]

Re: Newbie QUESTION SHOULD I BUY???

Listen to words of wisdom, and take a pass on this one. Could be the gimbal bearing, and who knows what the stringers or the lower unit look like? Spring is coming, and those guys that fall in love at the boat shows are going to be looking to unload their old boats. Also, considering the state of the economy, there doesn't seem to be any shortage of bargains out there. Start hanging around somebody who's got a reputation for buying and selling boats, NOT a dealer, just a small-timer. He can keep his eyes open for what you're looking for, and if he makes $100-$200 on the deal, it's money well-spent. I always paid a mechanic a few bucks to look at any used car I was considering buying. Why couldn't you do the same with a boat, and spend a few $ to save $$$$$?