newbie questions

[USSEnterprise]

Hi.
My name is Joe and I am thinking about getting a boat to restore over the summer. I have always loved being out on the water, and I think this would be a great way of getting more of that, without having to rely on other people's boats. I've found a few boats for free around where I live, all needing refit/restoration. Not sure as to what type I want, or what size, but its all being considered. Now I just want to know, how complicated and expensive is the process of boat restoration? All of the boats I am looking at need engine and/or cosmetic work, but are complete. The hulls on them are intact. How much time, effort, and money could I potentially be looking at?

Thanks
Joe

 

[OhioLowell]

Re: newbie questions

Joe,

WELCOME! You've come to the right place.

Unfortunately, I don't think anyone here could put a dollar amount on what you're looking for. EVERY boat is different and everyone wants something different out fo their boat. Fish, ski, pleasure boating, etc....

I think to help we'd need to know what the specifics are for a specific boat your looking at.

Give us some more details and some pictures and we'll be able to help more.


Best,
Lowell

 

[ezmobee]

Re: newbie questions

One thing you have to keep in mind is that smaller boats are essentially worthless without their motor. The motor is where the value is. Heck even a nice trailer is probably worth more than a decent motorless boat. So if I were you (and I was you) I would find a boat that you can get running for the least amount of money. Then you can spend more money on setting up the boat as you'd want it. We got my boat running, and took out on the water sitting on lawn chairs to make sure it would work out before I sank all the money into the interior.

From what I've seen on this forum, it look like aluminum boats are MUCH easier to restore. You don't typically have to deal with rotted stringers and other sub structure. At worst you'll have to redo the transom.

 

[USSEnterprise]

Re: newbie questions

Here's a pic of one of the ones I'm considering.

 

[Robj]

Re: newbie questions

Hello there,

Looks great, but I think a free boat is deceiving. There is no such thing. In my opinion, you are much better off to buy a complete boat and then do the repairs. Getting a free hull and then buying everything can get expensive, fast. With a complete boat at least everything is there and i think it is cheaper in the long run.

As for the cost, make your best estimates of all the material required, resins, wood, glass, etc and then multiply that estimate by 2.5. It is always more than you think. There are some surprises hidden in that hull and you will only see them when you start digging.

Good luck and have a great day.

Rob.

 

[sdunt]

Re: newbie questions

I would recommend the Jim Anderson's book "Runabout Renovation" to help you get started: http://www.amazon.com/Runabout-Reno...0255336?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1175550388&sr=8-1

Also if you are looking at an outboard, read: http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/07/columns/max/articles.htm

If you are headed down the outboard route, just get Max's book.

Also depends. I bought 14 ft fiberglass boat, running 45 HP outboard and workable trailer for $100. Put probably $500 into it getting it out on the water. Amazinf how just the parts to tune up the outboard cost $100. Also don't forget those WONDERFUL government fees: Boat registration, title for trailer and plates (got to LOVE Illinois) Launch permit for local lake. Insurance, etc.

My wife calls the boat the hole in the water to throw money into..

 

[tmh]

Re: newbie questions

A very difficult question to answer....but I'll give some ideas I've learned.

IF you are a master mechanic on older engines and IF there is no major engine issues, just tinkering meeded, then you may consider a boat with an engine not running great. However, if you are not sure YOU can repair the motor with mostly used parts. then forget that route. As said above, if the engine isn't worth something then the boat is worthless normally.

Interior restore, on the other hand, can mostly be done with grunt work and minor talent. Floors can be replaced, used seats purchased, etc. Mind you, this stuff isn't free, but at least you can do most of the work yourself.

Anyhow, I'll repeat what others said that it will cost more than you expected, by quite a bit usually. Funny, I just basically "finished" my re-flooring and other fix-up jobs and had a "whew.....THAT's done!" feeling. Then, I took the boat to the canvas shop for a small amount of cover work (to protect my new interior!).....$415 just like that. No way around it if I want to keep the boat in a slip.

Fortunately, my engine/drive/mechanicals were running great when I pulled it out last year. NO WAY I do ANY restore work if that wasn't the case! You can buy a used, running well and OK interior boat for less than restoring the inside yourself AND major engine work.

Good luck. It's fun looking around for "deals". Try and find one with a good engine.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie questions

i think you need a smaller project for a 1st boat restore. take a look at my photobucket page, these are only a few of the 7 i have done in the last 2 years, never made a buck, but it's good dirty fun.

deleted link to photobucket

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie questions

here's probably the best free one around. bet he'd delivery

http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=26;gtid=1291920

 

[USSEnterprise]

Re: newbie questions

Yeah, I already saw that. Funny
I really want the boat for fishing in the bay, and I'd also like to be able to go somewhat fast. Was thinking about a bowrider. Found one on eBay with trailer and engine for $400 so far. Will probably go out of my price range, though.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie questions

if you are on a limited budget, you don't need to be getting into a project like you pictured above. at the least your talking $1500 -2500 just for a trailer to move it, then you have to start work.

find a 16 -18 ft aluminum that has a running outboard engine.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie questions

i have over $4500 in this one. will never get it out of it, but it's setup the way i like to fish. will run 45 mph, and take rough water. it's an 18 ft alumunim hull.

 

[USSEnterprise]

Re: newbie questions

Wow!
I didn't realize what one could do with something so basic. That is a nice boat! And 45mph? I was hoping for 30. I need to look around and see what I can find. That does look to be the proper route to take. Could that empty hull do it? I'd need to get a trailer and an engine at the least, but it might work I suppose.

Joe

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie questions

that empty hull i sent you is really heavy boat. probably 1300 lbs. with out any improvements. this boat of mine is a total weight of 1200 lbs, including the 90 hp engine. thats why i say find an aluminum hull. you don't need 200 hp to push it. i take mine to the Fl Keys, and been out over 7 miles. you just have to watch conditions. i've also hit a rough wave and gone air borne in it . i will take this boat where i won't that our 1999 23 ft Chris Craft, 5.7 L volvo I/O, 4500 lbs, rated for 13 people. it's the family boat. i don't work on it either, i hate to work on inboard/outboards. this is not my boat, but pics of one just like it.

 

[tmh]

Re: newbie questions

The empty hull route is a very expensive one! Unless you can find a very cheap boat with a good engine AND you have the ability to use it in the hull you're looking at $3-5k MIN. to get that one going.

 

[USSEnterprise]

Re: newbie questions

All right, then that one probably wouldn't work. I'll look for one already with a motor.

 

[KyleM]

Re: newbie questions

Im not to sure about this but comming North of the boarder isnt a bad idea.

There are quite a few American neighbours that come upto Georgian Bay area of Southern Ontario to purchase older boats.

Any day of the week I can find atleast 10 aluminum boats in the area for under 2000 CDN with good running outboards.

If your like myself, you dont mind driving 10 hours for a good deal.

By the time you factor in gas and time consumed its not so much of a deal anymore but it makes for one heck of a good time.

Finding a good deal on boats usually puts a big smile on my face. Though Im on my first runabout resto, I have owned a few boats over the years and usually end up selling them for what I paid plus a couple years use.

 

[2broke4this]

Re: newbie questions

I just have to chime in on this one... I, like many others, am in the process of bringing my "cheap" boat back from the grave. In my case, I spent some money on it, but the engine has less than 160 hours on it. All the work I still have ahead of me has me thinking that I should have kept the old boat.... but I keep reminding myself that it's going to be a lot of fun after I replace the floor... oh wait, the stringers are rotted.... and the vinyl all has to be redone.... and probably the steering cable.... and all the little bits and pieces that rot after sitting for years have to be replaced on the engine.... which reminds me, I have to go look up some more parts prices!

Seriously though, I'm kinda wishing I had started with a smaller boat (mine is just over 20 feet long), but I wish you luck with whatever you choose! Just remember that you will spend a LOT more than you expect!

-Carl

 

[tmh]

Re: newbie questions

USS, I read thru this thread again and all of us are posting fairly discouraging "advise".....just wanted to say don't think that means it can't be done! IF you have patience and can do the grunt work yourself, a boat will come along that is cheap and has life left in it.

Interior can be restored in steps to fit your budget. Floor/stringer replacement, when done "right" may cost $400+ or so, but you could just rip out old and put in 1/2" PT ply as braces for deteriorating stringers and floor for $150-$200 and have a boat that is sound for 10+ yrs. I replaced some of my seat bottoms (rotted) and seat cushion foam, but re-used the vinyl - maybe $200 for the entire 19' BR seats, and they sit great - still look like 1985 seats though.

eBay is great for parts, etc though it's amazing how most items wind up not too cheap - a local marine salvage yard or old type marina with lots of junkers laying around is another source for "stuff".

As said, a smaller boat will get you out there much cheaper in all respects. Finding one with a decent outboard may be the key. Many owners of an older boat just want to be rid of it. The interior may be shot so they sell the boat very cheap to get it off the lot. However, in many cases the parts if sold seperately would fetch 3x what they get for the boat, especially if the engine runs. If I was on a very low budget i'd maybe look to buy for next to nothing then sell the usefull parts to get some working capital as I worked on another one. Check what OLD used engines/outdrives go for and you'll see what I'm talking about! Cleats, steering wheels, blowers, pumps, cables, seats, cushions, tow eyes, etc....they ALL sell on eBay for decent money (I know - I' bought mine there!).

So keep looking. Check Craigslist, etc. and just look around. Negoitiate like crazy on price - again, you're looking for someone who wants to unload it! Who knows what they'll take from a willing buyer. Always test the engine first though.

Good luck. Be patient and you'll get it done!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: newbie questions

i'm trying not to be negative, just realistic. my center console could have been done for less. i could have put a smaller older engine on it. but the one i bought, only had 50 hours on it. 1988 88spl $2500. which was on the high side. new steering, new console, stainless steeriing wheel, trolling motor $450. stereo, vhf. fish finder, tires, all new.