What did i get myself into? video link

[joburocks]

First off, I love these forums. Have been checking some project boats out while waiting to pick up mine and love the pics of different stages. I have learned a ton by browsing and am now realizing I may be in deeper than I thought. Also I would like to say HI to the community as I think this will be my first post.

I wanted to learn about boats and to own one for skiing, tube and maybe to fish from. Also to camp from and tote the family around.

Searched for a project boat, one popped up and here I am, a boat owner. But if it doesn't float is it a boat?

Here is what I know.

2nd owner claims the engine runs great but the hull is a basket case.

Here is the plan.
Step 1, change oils and lube engine and see if it runs.
Step 2 if the engine is good, depending on what iboats members say, I will rebuild the boat, or buy a good hull and do an engine transplant.
Step 3 go have fun.

I was ready to tackle the floor, but now that I look at it, it seems i would have to split the top half off the bottom of the hull. I am seeking advice on how hard that is and where I find a guide or more info. thanks.

Please peek at the vid and let me know if you think the hull is worth restoring, or would be better as scrap. Ideally I would like the boat to be worth something when I am done with it.
Its a 1996 ski and fish, by glassport.

http://www.youtube.com/v/B1L07_RaRJo

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What did i get myself into? video link

welcome to the forum, yes it is a major project, it is do able, whether you will be able to get your money out of it afterward, is questionable. but, where can you get a boat that size, for what you will have in it. to do it right, it is going to be a total rebuild, spliting the cap and hull, pulling the motor and outdrive. while in the process, do the transom also. 99% change part of it is bad.

get the motor started. pull the distributor, and prime the oil pump, before anything, get the oil back on the parts. then pull the spark plugs, and turn it over by hand, wrench on harmonic balancer. don't use the starter until you have done this. doing this, you can feel any hard spots, could save alot of $. i learned the hard way, bent push rods. here are some good links.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=245351

http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/projectTut,p,346,00.html

 

[jonesg]

Re: What did i get myself into? video link

It depends on how much you initially paid,
what you want to do as a hobby
and do you like this boat.

If it came cheap, and you don't want a boat building hobby then it might make sense to find a similar boat in good condition minus an engine.
You could pick one of those up for almost free around here.

Or if you find working on boats interesting as many of us here do, then check the engine out as per above and get stuck in to popping the hull apart. I don't see it as a lot of work, to me its a lot of fun but I have to like the boat first. Great idea to post the video .!

 

[joburocks]

Re: What did i get myself into? video link

I honestly have not seen enough boats to know how much I like it. I find it a little cramped. 16ft. Total price with matching trailer $550. It sounded pretty fair to me. Has trolling motor as well. I will keep my eye open for a new hull. Seems like everyone in NC has an uncovered boat sittin in thier yard.

I did a few searches and cant find a procedure for getting the top deck off. I guess I will just pop off the seal and most likely figure it out from there.

Any ideas on total cost? 1000-2000-3000? All work myself.

Thanks

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: What did i get myself into? video link

Excellent video! I wish more people would do that to get a better idea of the project they have on the go, and get more accurate advice that way.

That windshield fitment issue is a sure sign the floor is shot, and most likely the stringers. If the transom is in good shape, I think you may be okay to try and salvage that hull. You'll never break even on a hull restoration, especially if you go for a good factory style re-upholstery job. You are likely looking at spending in excess of 3k to get that boat back in A1 shape.

I agree with other members suggestions.... find a good hull with blown powerplant and swap out the motor (assuming yours is good). You'll likely be way ahead financially, and be up and running on the water much sooner.

Good luck.