Should I even try this?

bwhite41

Cadet
Joined
Jun 15, 2012
Messages
21
Found this online, should I even try to fix? I don't know exactly how to do it. Anybody have a guess on cost to fix or if a rookie could accomplish?
00E0E_92T1TwPfDLZ_600x450.jpg
 

Georgesalmon

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 14, 2012
Messages
1,793
Re: Should I even try this?

How much money? Anything made out of glass can be repaired, its matching colors that's hard. Probably end up with a complete paint job cause doing a whole boat in gelcoat is a LOT of work.
 

bwhite41

Cadet
Joined
Jun 15, 2012
Messages
21
Re: Should I even try this?

$450. Friend of mine has a business that he can do a wrap on it so I can get by with that. Do you know how I can fix this or should I just hire it out?
 

gddavid

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 4, 2010
Messages
193
Re: Should I even try this?

My short answer is no, even if you got the boat for free you would be money ahead to part out the motor or transfer it to a complete boat. That is alot of structural work, and while it is entirely possible the hull is simply not worth it the materials and your time. And that is before factoring in cost to replace the windshield.
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,931
Re: Should I even try this?

I agree with George. How much? What's the overall condition for the rest of the Package? What Year is it? If everything else is In extremely Good condition then doing the repairs on that damage could be cost effective and something that a "Rookie" with the help of the Knowledgeable guys here on the forum, could get you through. I guess the true answer is...We need a LOT more details and info!!
 

bwhite41

Cadet
Joined
Jun 15, 2012
Messages
21
Re: Should I even try this?

Only extra details I know at this time is it's an18' 1989 sea ray. I was told it runs, floor redone 5 years ago. Trailer is in great shape. I haven't gone to see it yet but just wanted some input before I went to see it
 

bwhite41

Cadet
Joined
Jun 15, 2012
Messages
21
Re: Should I even try this?

Here's write up: 1989 Sea ray 180br. Boat hull was cracked by tree but engine (mercruiser 3.0 liter 130hp) and stern drive are not damaged and run good. The engine was just winterized and starts right up. Easy load trailer comes with it. Also has 2 year old trim pump that was installed new. Have titles for both boat and trailer. Make an offer.
 

Georgesalmon

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 14, 2012
Messages
1,793
Re: Should I even try this?

It would never be cost effective to hire it out. Doing it yourself is the only way. It wouldn't cost a DIYer much more than a transom and stringer job which you may have to do along with the tree damage repairs
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,931
Re: Should I even try this?

If you can verify the motor and trailer are both in good condition then they could be sold individually for prolly $750 or more if you wanted to part it out. Without seeing the damage it's impossible to speculate on the costs of repairs. The interior and the Windshield could all be trashed. The Deck and Substructure of the boat could all need repaired as well soooo you could be looking at $5-6 K for a total rebuild. There's just NO WAY to know with out a hands on thorough inspection.
 

jasoutside

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2009
Messages
13,269
Re: Should I even try this?

Heck ya, go for it!

Yank out the driveline, fuel tank, controls, windshield, rails, fittings, gauges, and whatever else strikes your fancy. Keep the good stuff and sell what ya don't need. Then, throw that hull away, it isn't worth anything man.

After that, find yourself an old aluminum boat that needs rebuilding, load it on that nice trailer you scored, drop in the Merc, have fun!!!:thumb:


(my glasser buddies will just love my post there:becky:)
 

jbcurt00

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 25, 2011
Messages
25,236
Re: Should I even try this?

Heck ya, go for it!

Yank out the driveline, fuel tank, controls, windshield, rails, fittings, gauges, and whatever else strikes your fancy. Keep the good stuff and sell what ya don't need. Then, throw that hull away, it isn't worth anything man.

I totally agree w/ this ^^^ IF the motor fires & runs. But don't 'accept' that the seller wants $450 for it. If he wants that much, he can dispose of the hull after doing all the work to yank the motor &

Some places, like where Jas runs his donor boat program {ALL his donors are, unfortunately terminal once they arrive at the processing depot} lets him junk 1 fiberglass hull for FREE at the local landfill. For me it's about $50/boat hull +/- a bit. Other places it cost MUCH more AND they require you to remove gas, oil & anything else that's toxic.....

Heck of a lot of work to rehab any boat. 1 that's sustained a major tree strike, even more...............

BTW: It looks like at least 1 whole side of the windshield is damaged or missing based on the contour of the boat cover:
attachment.php


digi48389283_l.jpg


Windshields that match the profile of the boat hull may be difficult to find unless they are the correct 1 for your year & model, which can make them expensive.

If you happen to find a decent aluminum I/O boat sporting a bad motor, the 3L would certainly be a great motor for one of those too.

Fiberglass boats w/ bad motors are fairly easy to find & cheap as well. But often require much more work & money to repair correctly....

And that trailer can be made to fit a bunch of different boats, and looks in pretty good shape, but check for a bent frame right under that tree.........

You are on the right track:
Ask lots of questions, post as many pix & details as you can get from a seller. You'll find a good match for that motor, glass or tin :watermelon:

Good luck in your hunt.
 

GWPSR

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 25, 2012
Messages
758
Re: Should I even try this?

Looks like the trailer may also be close to touching the ground at the keel. Certainly the port side tire is as far into the wheel well as possible. You may have cracked welds on the trailer or broken leafs in the springs.

Looks pretty bad.
 

tpenfield

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 18, 2011
Messages
18,809
Re: Should I even try this?

I'm thinking it is big money to fix and lots of expertise. Not worth it . . . more money to be had by parting it out. Engine, trailer, etc.
 

Pmccraney

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 26, 2011
Messages
1,734
Re: Should I even try this?

Yeah, I'd pass on it as a project... Selling it for parts is not a bad option... I you are willing to invest a little elbow grease and are pretty savvy on C-list or ebay, you could get a nice little nest egg towards a serviceable boat or better project.
 

Weep'n Willy

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 12, 2012
Messages
831
Re: Should I even try this?

Yea, easy fix......just grab a chainsaw and that tree will no longer be a problem :) Now the boat on the other hand, yea,,, save yourself a lot of grief and money... strip the good and trash the rest.
 
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