So, my husband buys a boat...

[Silk]

Sounds like the begining of a joke, well I think it is a joke, but I don't know the punch line

Anyway, a couple years ago my husband broke down and bought me a boat, we both love to fish (me more than him), we have kids too, so we needed something that could move and pull a skier/tube as well as take a big lake.

Unfortunately, my husband has a disease, he cannot let go of money when buying something he considers frivolous, unless he gets that thing cheap. So he ends up with a 1976 Century ski boat of some sort, it is 17ft long and has an inboard/outboard, I think 140hp. It came with yucky seats, a mildew smell and a soft spot on the floor. But, it did run and float.

After replacing some engine parts and getting the engine humming, our "cheap" boat now has an additional 1500 tacked onto the original price of 1700. Even though it runs good, it looks like a ghetto boat. So I called around and it seems I can get the floor completely replaced, some new captains chairs and back chairs and a new dog house cover for around 3k (seen the tech's work in person, very nice).

My question, is this going to be a forever money hole due to its age? or now that the engine is going well, once the interior is complete will be simple maintenance issues?

I'm sure someone here has had to make this decision before, cut our losses now and bail, or procede forward with an interior restore?

Yes, my husbands "cheap" boat will end up costing over 6k when all is said and done,

We do use it quite a bit, we have place on a lake up north in Minnesota and get quite a bit of fishing once the ice is off and fishing opener hits.

Any advise greatly appreciated and no neither one of is handy, whatever we do will require hiring someone.

 

[saumon]

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Sell the current boat 2000 then add the 3000 you plan to redo the interior. You'll get a lot better boat for 5000.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Welcome to iboats.

This is going to get a ton of responses so just hang in there....... my short answer...Yes it is always going to cost allot. Use it for now and wait for a good deal. You will never make a 1976 Century worth more then market value unless you hide envelops full of $100 bills in the glove box.

 

[QC]

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Well first let me extend a Welcome Aboard to you!!! Frankly we don't get a lot of women here, so we promise to be extra nice . . .

Assuming you've decided you want a boat in the family and I think you have answered that, I think the very first question before you spend another dime on this boat is: does this particular boat fit your family and the location you boat on? If the answer is yes, then there is absolutely no question you can get her to a point where maintenance is all she'll need. It just so happens that you are on the largest boating forum in the world and the majority of our members keep older boats, make them perfect, and then keep them that way . . . Lucky you I suggest you head down to the Restoration section vvvvvvvv and take a look at some of the finished restorations and the ongoing projects. You'll see what can be done with an older boat. I hope this helps.

Edit: great, we're already disagreeing . . . lol

 

[ajgraz]

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

All boats are money pits. Even almost new ones.

Sounds like you're kind of in that "grey area" where you bought a fixer with no predefined budget or plan for fixing it. So you've spent some money, now you've got it running (is it at least floatable?), but you probably couldn't sell it for much because of the looks (and the soft deck). And now you're wondering whether to "throw good money after bad."

You've already said you guys are not handy, so options for low cost fix-up are, unfortunately, extremely limited.

First question I'd ask myself: Would this boat meet your needs if fixed up? If no, sell it.

Second question: Could you find a boat that does meet your needs, in the condition you'd like, for less than the cost of fix-up minus whatever you'd reasonably expect to get if you sell? If yes, sell it.

Third question: Assuming you still own the boat after the first two questions ...it may look "ghetto," but is it safe to use? Cosmetics, especially if they are done for hire, cost big $$$ but add very little other than "curb appeal" to an old boat.

EDIT: Wow, those guys above me said exactly what I did while composing my response, they just said it faster!

 

[hrdwrkingacguy]

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Sounds a lot like my GF and I...We bought my former boss's 18 1/2' bayliner capri from 1988...spent 4k on it...had to buy 175$ worth of tires to get home...Then we spent 1200$ on shift cable, service, carb rebuild, and a new prop...The end of the same season we brought the boat to the mechanic and he says the transom is gone...so we spent $1400 on that as well as some hull scratches...I put batteries, a starter, perko switch, altenator in myself...So basically 10k into the boat and I ask the mechanic what he thinks and he says..."I would pull the engine and drive and take the rest to the dump..."

So this year we took our 4k boat with 6k extra worth of work to a dealership and traded it in on a $43000 glastron deckboat...And we have never been happier...We love our new boat that seats 13 people, has a fuel injected 5.0l volvo penta GXiC engine and does 50mph on the water...It also comes with a $347.00 a month payment...

The kicker is we only got $1500.00 for our $10,000 we put into the other boat...

Old boats suck unless you see something in it that makes it worth more then money to you...I was willing and able to do a resto on this boat...but why fix a bayliner that underpowered from the 80's

Questions we had to ask was did the boat have enough room for our growing family, and did it have enough power to do the things we wanted to do...I didnt feel that a 160hp 3.0l OMC cobra was worth the time for a resto...

 

[rallyart]

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

B ring
O ut
A nother
T housand

If you love, your boat spend the money keeping it nice. If you don't, spend the money on one you might.

 

[steelespike]

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Welcome. If the floor is soft the stringers underneath could be weak as well.This could weaken the hull.If the stringers have started to fail the rot has to be removed while fixing the floor.With the boat on the trailer look at the bottom it should have a uniform shape,no hollow spots or bulges especially back near the transom usually can develope a hook or hollow just ahead of the transom. What is the wide open throttle rpm and speed? Does the trim work as it should?
with the boat at no wake speed turn all the way left and listen for noises turn all the way right and listen.Let us know if anything.If you have to hire the work done I think your better off selling and add the fix up money toward a boat that needs less.
Does the boat seem to respond to trimming up/out?Not trying to scare you just need to be sure the boat is worth investing in.

 

[Silk]

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Awww thanks for the responses and warm welcome. I don't frequent "boating" forums, but I do frequent fishing forums, not a lot of women there either, lol. My hobbies tend to involve lots of water and fish, I have to admit it is a guys sport, but there are some hard core fishing women out there.


Hmmmm lots to chew on. My boat restore/repair man is this older guy with lots of experience, he called me back after I posted this and said he would give it a look and advise whether or not to sell and buy or spend the money to fix and have it be worth wile.

To the questions above, yes the boat floats and runs, never had a problem starting it and since the engine work has been done on it, it does hum along. I am a bit nervous as the lake we have our place on is rather large (114,000 acres) and I want the boat in shape both mechanically, and everywhere else.

My husbands concern is if we get another boat in the 4500 range, are we just getting ourselves into another unknown and this one is a known entity and has never died on us anywhere (yet)...ahhhh decisions!:facepalm: :facepalm:

I would love to have a spiffy new boat, unfortunately, since purchasing our lake place, I am keeping all my transactions in cash so we don't have more payments, which limits what we will spend without killing our savings account. Perhaps I'll just have to break down and purchase a much newer boat and be done with it.

I'll post what the boat repairman says on Tuesday!!

 

[Silk]

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

B ring
O ut
A nother
T housand

If you love, your boat spend the money keeping it nice. If you don't, spend the money on one you might.

lol, this cracks me up


I do kind of like my ghetto boat, it has grown on me with its smelly cracked seats and funky carpeting...not!! It is a decent boat and I don't hate the thing, but it does lack a little in the aestetics..but all in all, it does float and it has been pretty darn reliable, so thats a good thing.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Hello Silk and welcome to Iboats ..

One thing to keep in mind about resto boats ( especially Old boats ) is there will never be a return on your "investment".

Meaning..you can sink moneys that you didnt even think of that will add up Quick.

If you looking for a boat that is SAFE ( first and paramount ) and runs good..then a resto is the way to go ( You know what you have..and it will cost you some $$. ). Or find a Higher doller boat that has been Inspected..

You will never recover cost in a resto ( generally speaking unless you find a Keeper/hard to find/unusual boat ).

Sell it or reavaluate the cost comparison to outcome of what your family wants/needs.

Just me though..

YD.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

You're absolutely right about what will the next one need for upkeep, and I agree once you've exorcised the demons from yours, you may be better off. However if your guy you have says it's not worth it to fix what you've got, move on with something else. Buying anything older comes with risks, but with a good survey you hopefully can avoid the moneypit ones out there. I budget $1500 a year for boat stuff, whether it's recovering a seat or new trailer tires, hoses, a fresh cover or whatever. It's ongoing, but I don't worry about my 21 yr old boat when I hit the water. It keeps it fun overall, I plan for it and my boat looks like new. Overall, I spend $2800 for slip fees, fuel, etc. It's what boats cost like mine and I'm OK with it. I use mine probably 20 times a season. A good week vacation costs at least what I spend a year for two people, so my boat is my vacation. I just get more of it...It's the price of fun and an investment in my piece of mind. I know very well none of that money is ever coming back.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

lol, this cracks me up


I do kind of like my ghetto boat, it has grown on me with its smelly cracked seats and funky carpeting...not!! It is a decent boat and I don't hate the thing, but it does lack a little in the aestetics..but all in all, it does float and it has been pretty darn reliable, so thats a good thing.

The Boat acronym is pretty accurate just so you know...

Actually this is the way it is done right in my opinion, get a boat and learn boating then upgrade to the boat that will complete your boating experience. Boaters that have been boating for a long time will happily tell you the multiple boats they have had in their boating life, its just not something you can get perfect, you and your husband's interests in boating will probably change as you grow with your boat which is partly where the boat acronym comes from in the first place. Get your tail out on the water and enjoy your boat, at the same time look and learn about boats, I wouldn't sink too much money on your first boat, make it safe and fun but understand that your boat has limitations, give it a couple seasons and then look for the boat that will take you to the next level.

Enjoy and have fun...and be safe!!

 

[Silk]

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Thanks again for the advise. I like the idea of just planning on spending a bit every year on boat maintenance and be done with it, just would rather that be 1500 annually and not 3k annually

If we keep this boat, it would only be for a few more years, five at the most, as my kids are leaving the house now and it will just be my hubby and I can get a serious fishing boat.

Santa (dearest husband), I want two live wells, rod storage, front foot operated trolling motor, lawrence gps/fish/depth finder, net holders..you name it, I want it but that will have to wait for the kids to move. I have a wonderful husband, he will probably do this for me, I just have to be patient.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Thanks again for the advise. I like the idea of just planning on spending a bit every year on boat maintenance and be done with it, just would rather that be 1500 annually and not 3k annually

If we keep this boat, it would only be for a few more years, five at the most, as my kids are leaving the house now and it will just be my hubby and I can get a serious fishing boat.

Santa (dearest husband), I want two live wells, rod storage, front foot operated trolling motor, lawrence gps/fish/depth finder, net holders..you name it, I want it but that will have to wait for the kids to move. I have a wonderful husband, he will probably do this for me, I just have to be patient.

Do you have a sister??????

 

[Rumley]

Re: So, my husband buys a boat...

Last year I did the same thing that you did. I was very inexperienced and bought a 1975 19' caravelle with a 165 merceuiser. The floor had a soft spot but I thought that was minor. When we pulled the carpet out the whole floor and stringers were rotten. My friend and I did all the work ourselves but just the marine plywood, fiberglass resin and carpet cost me 1200. I also needed to upgrade all wiring, do the bellows waterpump etc. By the time I had it close to where I wanted it I had over 8000$ into it and knew there was no way I would ever recoup that cost. The boat didn't exactly suit my style either with only getting 36mph wot. This year I fell into a great deal for a 21' with a 350 merceuiser that needs no work. Luckily my dad bought mine for 3500 which is what I paid for this other boat. To him he saw the money and work and that there is absolutely nothing wrong with my old one but if I had to go out onto the open market I probably could have got the original 2500 I bought it for and lost the 6000 I put into it. If you are planning to get rid of it in a few years then now may be the time to get rid of it because the 3000 you put in now is probably going to be a complete loss when you go to sell.

Just my 2 cents from someone who went through it all in the last year, and after rebuilding everything it taught me a very valuable lesson on what to look for on used boats and also taught me that I never want to do a rebuild again and miss 1/3 of the short boating season in Ontario.

 

[infideltarget]

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Do you have a sister??????

Sorry Lipp...I must have married her sister 16 years ago. My wife told me the other day that as soon as we get the Four Winns all straightened out, I (we) need to start looking around for a nice bass boat. She really likes my buddy's new Bullet 20XD. AND...I am to teach her how to pull, launch, and retrieve so she can fish while the kids are at school........GOD...I LOVE HER!!!!!

 

[Blake0912]

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Re: So, my husbannd buys a boat...

Have you looked at a "fish and ski" style boat? i have a 18ft Ebbtide Dynatrak with a 90johnson(but its rated for up to a 150hp motor i just got a good deal on this one) it has 2 live wells/trolling motor/alot of storage space, plenty of room to fish and seats 5 comfortably. If it were me i would sell the 76 Century and cut my losses, that 3k repair cost could easily go up after they start ripping her apart. And i would look for a newer boat in the 5-7k range with an outboard motor if your looking for low maintenance cost and reliability.
From my experience with boats Outboards are they way to go.. we currently have 3 boats with outboards and have no issues what so ever with any of them.

 

[Silk]

Re: So, my husband buys a boat...

Ooooo I like your wife!!

Lipp, my sister is into a whole different class of boat, she does the whole sailing regatta thing, racing sailboats, rubbing elbows with the rich and famous and wouldn't touch a fish unless it was with a fork. But she knows her way around a sailboat, that is no small accomplishment.

Infideltarget (in Iraq or Afghanistan? ) , it sounds very similiar to our situation..sighhhhh.

 

[infideltarget]

Re: So, my husband buys a boat...

Ooooo I like your wife!!

Lipp, my sister is into a whole different class of boat, she does the whole sailing regatta thing, racing sailboats, rubbing elbows with the rich and famous and wouldn't touch a fish unless it was with a fork. But she knows her way around a sailboat, that is no small accomplishment.

Infideltarget (in Iraq or Afghanistan? ) , it sounds very similiar to our situation..sighhhhh.

Iraq. Just started year 4. Where's your husband?