Sea Sprite project

[Marc J.]

I need some opinions on this boat I made an offer on. It's a 16'or 17'1987 Sea Sprite Mark IV. I'd call it a walk-thru with a large bow area. It's set up for a outboard, although the motor, controls, and steering cables are missing. The interior is gone and the floor feels spongy. The exterior, underside, oddly shaped transom, and trailer look ok. The guy wanted $1000 back in August, I offered half. He called and left me a message today. Does it sound worth $500 or should I potentionally blow the deal and offer less?

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Sea Sprite project

To put it in perspective, I just saw a motorless (inboard/outdrive) hull, about 19 feet, on a trailer for $150. It went very quickly. I bought my nasty old boat, with excellent running motor but trashed structure on a trailer for $800. If the trailer is in decent shape, and you really really love the hull, then MAYBE $500. As far as I am concerned, a rotted motorless hull should be free, or at the dump. Good luck...

 

[Marc J.]

Re: Sea Sprite project

Thanks Jason. I got the same opinion from a co-worker. The drive-on trailer has got to worth a couple or few hundred right? It would make a really cool-looking custom F&S, but only after a lot of work and money. I'm still unsure. By the way, nice job on the "Beast"! You're an inspiration to us all.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Sea Sprite project

Yeah, the trailer, if in good shape (not needing tires, bearings, wiring, lights, paint) should be worth a few hunskies. I guess its all a matter of perspective. If the end result will get out on the water for a reasonable amount of money, then the initial cost isn't as important. I am a big fan of getting things as cheaply as possible, so the less you can get it for, the better off you'll be. I imagine it will need a total rebuild. You can always keep looking for another boat. I was told by many to walk away from my project, to look for another boat, but they didn't quite understand that I did not have one lump sum to drop on a boat. I did mine as quickly as my income allowed. Yeah, I could have just save money over the same period of time, but that would be pointless. For me, it is actually building the project that I do it for. Once completed, I start to get the itch for another project. That is why I have been through countless cars, motorcycles, you name it. I just gots ta tinker....