To buy or not to buy

[bc28036]

I am in a bit of a situation and I was hoping you all could help make the decision easier. I have a line on a Duratech Commanche, that to be honest is a good looking boat. It is a 1962, has a 120hp 75' Chrysler with power TT. The boat's condition is vey good, I did not see any hull repairs, the transom looks good, several coats of paint (but that is to be expected), and the normal wear and tear that comes from being a 49 year old boat. Here is the bad news, motor is currently toast....it appears to be an electrical issue, but as it sits it does not run. Are the Duratch Commanches collector items? I would classify this boat as a survivor in that it is, for the most part, origional. What would be a reasonable offer? $1000.00, $2000.00, $3000.00. I know you have no idea what the boat looks like, but what would a reasonable price be for a servicable Commanche with a blown motor.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: To buy or not to buy

That is a super-cool boat for sure, however I don't think too many boats apart from wooden classics a few others that are "collectible" to the point of being worth an inflated price. You're looking at an old tinnie with a non-running obsolete outboard. $1k would be about the most I'd want to drop on it.

 

[bc28036]

Re: To buy or not to buy

Thanks for the input....1k is about what I had in mind as well. Unfortunately the owner is solid at 1500.00....I just wanted see if I was way off on my estimation of worth.

 

[crablegs]

Re: To buy or not to buy

If the motor doesnt run, 250$ is too much money.

 

[bc28036]

Re: To buy or not to buy

Thanks for the input....1k is about what I had in mind as well. Unfortunately the owner is solid at 1500.00....I just wanted see if I was way off on my estimation of worth.

 

[JoeMan]

Re: To buy or not to buy

I agree with Ezmobee. The Comanche is built on the Galaxy hull. If this is an original in pretty good shape with a good trailer, it's worth 1k. While Duratechs are as tough as any aluminum boat then or now, it's true, they're for the most part not collectible. Do you have a line on a motor to replace the blown motor?

This guy can stay firm all he likes at $1,500. Unless you're just dying to have it now...come back at him in a month and see that he's dropped his price, or is likely willing to. Reminds me of people selling old movies from the 80's for 5 bucks apiece on vhs tapes at garage sales. They can demand that price all they like, but....

 

[ezmobee]

Re: To buy or not to buy

Yeah JoeMan is right. Let the guy know you're serious about your $1k offer and to let you know if he decides to take it.

The motor might not be blown, maybe it is something simple. A compression check will tell for sure. Despite their obsolescence, we have some Chrysler GURUS here that can help you get it running and source parts.

 

[bc28036]

Re: To buy or not to buy

Many thanks guys. I'll go ahead and stick to the 1k max.....and we will see what happens. The motor isn't a total waste. The owner reported that the boat was swamped in May...some powerful local thunderstorms blew in and tipped the boat to the side and filled up the rear of the boat and unfortunately submerged the motor as well. The current owner is only the second owner of this vessel and a new boat owner to boot, he didn't have it tied up properly at ths slip. I looked over the motor carefully when I went by even pulling out a plug. I couldn't see rust but I would like to go over it in more detail. The motor will turn over freely with the starter and has fuel just no fire. I expect that the CDI got wet or the triggers under the flywheel were wet and now unable to function......my experence with Mercs and johnnyrudes tells me that electronics can get expensive quick......so I am just considering the motor an anchor stuck on the back of the boat, may be repairable may not. To be honest I don't need another boat (I have a 61 whitehouse now).....I just really like the old tin boats...

 

[bc28036]

Re: To buy or not to buy

Thought you all might like to know, I scored the Commanche yesterday. Owner thought the 1k was reasonable after mulling on it for a bit. Even better news, brought the boat home, took off the distributor cap and looked at the points...they were very cruddy. Cleaned them with 2000 grit sandpaper, put the cap back on and turned the key and she fired right up! Definitely a good day. I'll post some pics for you all in the next couple of days.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: To buy or not to buy

Sweet!!

 

[JoeMan]

Re: To buy or not to buy

Great news! Send the 5 digit serial to us at duratech@duratechboats.com - we'll date it and provide specs. You'll also get the annual newsletter...and zero junk mail. ;-)