Resto project, fleetform

[Ballinamuck]

Hello, I'm looking at starting a winter project to restore a small 14ft Fleetform. Haven't purchased it yet, but have been talking to the seller. He's asking 500, and has most all original trim parts minus the seats and a spotlight. My main concern right now is that the trailer has no plates, and it's 90 minutes away from me. Is 500 a decent price for one? And does anyone have any thoughts on towing it home without a plate on it?

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Resto project, fleetform

Have, but I think I've been lucky to not be stopped. Often low cost boats have expired trailer tags, and most states around me suggest a 'temp move tag' but I've never gotten one...............

No tag for the trailer, is there paperwork for the boat?

Still lots that will likely need done to a $500 14ft Fleetform.......

 

[Ballinamuck]

Re: Resto project, fleetform

Thank you for the reply. I'm in CA, and the DMV says the only way to get even a temp would be to bring it in, which would be impossible for a weekend. The seller has the pink slip for the boat. Thinking I may just go for it and stay on the smaller highway rather than the 4 lane.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Resto project, fleetform

$500 seems high, esp if it doesn't have a motor, in which case it's really high. Still high if the motor doesn't run.

 

[Ballinamuck]

Re: Resto project, fleetform

It has a non-running 35hp Evinrude. What's an average price for one needing a rebuild? There's another one closer by in about the same shape but the guy is asking 2750, I know they're only worth that much restored if you're lucky.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Resto project, fleetform

IDK off hand, if you LOVE that little 14ft'r, maybe $300 if it's a 'decent' motor, it just doesn't run. Seems to have compression when you rotate the flywheel, is in generally good condition, has the wiring present, even if worn/damaged, has controls, cables & etc....

Less if you don't absolutely LOVE IT.... Possibly much less depending on the trailer & how CA handles expired boat/trailer registrations.

 

[Ballinamuck]

Re: Resto project, fleetform

Fair enough. I have been looking for a smaller boat, 14-16 max. But I think with the trailer being basically worthless since I'd probably not be able to ever register it it's even worse. Will have to go back to looking for a while. Thanks again, you may have saved me a ton of aggravation

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Resto project, fleetform

What are your plans for the boat? Convert old broke down boat into a serviceable fishing boat, not looking for perfect, just useable..... Or whatever you have planned. If it's to be converted, take a look at FcDave''s thread:
Convert 14' runabout into fishing boat for the SW FL flats

You may not want a flats boat, but he's certainly doing good work on a similar sized boat...

And add were you're located in California to your profile.

Someone might dig up a good possibility for you..

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Resto project, fleetform

I would carry cash in different pockets...... a hundred here, there, etc. Offer the guy lower money once you are there.

Depends on what you want. Fleetform boats are classic boats and the only way to restore one it to restore it and not convert it into anything but original.

It's the season for cheap boat shopping so I would encourage you to shop and look around.

The owner is asking 500.....look at it carefully. If you want a classic and have the time and $$$$$ go for it. Seats, spotlight, a motor in unknown condition I would guesstimate 2500 and up to get it back to running.

 

[Ballinamuck]

Re: Resto project, fleetform

Ideally would like to get it back looking mostly original. But not purely original. I fish a lot in the summers, and have my "trunk boat" inflatable for that but fishing is about all it's good for. I go to Tahoe a lot in the summers too so at the least the outboard couldn't stay original. I really do like smaller older head turning type boats.
On top of that I want something to do over the winter months. I used to work about 110 hours a week and now I do 40, and have run out of projects.

Also, I called the owner again tonight, when I mentioned being hesitant about driving 90 minutes without a plate he said he wouldn't trust the trailer for that far anyways, even with new tires. So it's looking less and less likely. Will keep looking for something smaller around and probably ask more questions when something else catches my eye.

And I've been following along with that post you linked, I've spent a good amount of time reading through posts here about restorations and other builds.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Resto project, fleetform

I trailered my 1961 Lone Star about 240 miles w/o a tag when I bough her. The tires were suspect, but I did carry a spare. I got very lucky on my return trip home, but I sure wasn't gonna be able to make it all legal on a Saturday morning. Smooth sailing for me, most LEO's will understand what is happening, and as long as you have tittles, registrations, dated bill of sale in hand, most will let you slide- once. It may be different where you live, so I guess it's up to you on what to do.