What have I gotten myself into...?

[jeffix]

I'm in the process of buying a fiberglass ~18ft 1978 Bayliner Admiralty I/O (not positive on the year).

The boat has a bit of a story behind the ownership/title but that is being resolved and I am now waiting for the title before I hand over the cash. It comes with a beautiful trailer, the owner says it ran great before he parked it.

He's selling me boat & trailer for $200.

Here's the catch: It at one point was covered with a tarp, but said tarp has since torn and not offered much protection, so it may have been lying in the weather for a couple years. The interior is in pretty sad shape, the floor is covered by carpet but felt a little 'spongy' in some spots. I'm guessing this boat is going to need new stringers and a lot of love.

The hull looks great, I couldn't find any cracks or warping, and the trailer doesn't have a spot of rust on it.

I know without pictures it's hard to determine anything, and especially with my limited knowledge, but am I getting myself into a heap of trouble here? I figured $200 was a steal--the guy sold his property the boat was on and needs it gone pronto--but is this thing going to cost me thousands or am I just second guessing myself?

Thoughts? Would you do it?

 

[Bondo]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

Ayuh,... It depends on 2 things,...Just how Rotten it is,+ What/ Who's outdrive is on it...
Otherwise, you bought a Trailer...

 

[boatguy94]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

Sounds like the first boat I bought. A 1978 Imperial almost like yours. If it has an OMC Stringer then your pretty much just buying the trailer and the hull. Those things are worthless, for the most part. If you do happen to get something with a Mercruiser you might be in a bit better shape, i'm still kinda a new guy and don't know that much yet.

One more thing. Make sure you get the registraition and title and a bill of sale from the owner. I made that mistake.

 

[jeffix]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

I'm going to go take another look at it today, now that I've done some research and have a better idea of what to look for.

I don't own it yet, as I said I told him he needed to hand me a title for both the boat & trailer first. He is working on getting it as the title owner is now deceased.

I plan on checking out the motor and seeing if I can pull up some of the carpet and check out the deck--I'm really new to all this so if you have any ideas on what I should check for, that'd be great!

The boat is REALLY similar to this one on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ebaymotors/18-Bayliner-Boat-I-O-Motor-Trailer-T140732-/250585472245

The interior is in better shape and I think it's a "closed bow"? Not sure on terminology =P

Thanks for the input!

 

[boatflipper]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

Sounds like an ok deal to me. Good choice getting the title before giving him the cash-very smart.
As for the work, if you are aware of the fact that it will need new stringers you are one step ahead of the game. You realize that work needs to be done which is good!
If the floor is very spongy, I would count on a total restore (stringers, deck, and transom). This, if done right, will cost in the neighborhood of $1000 for materials. Then, take into account the countless hours of cutting, grinding, and building. For me, it was a very fun process-especially now b/c I am deciding on the interior which is fun for me becasue I am trying to come up with unique designs and this is the part that people will actually see (and hopefully compliment on).
With this forum, you can do anything.

 

[jeffix]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

$1000 I can definitely handle. I'm hoping to fix this up, get a summer out of it then sell it, rinse and repeat with a bigger boat. Thanks for the reassurance I'll go get pictures today and maybe try to get a better feel for what I'm in for.

 

[boatflipper]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

$1000 I can definitely handle. I'm hoping to fix this up, get a summer out of it then sell it, rinse and repeat with a bigger boat. Thanks for the reassurance I'll go get pictures today and maybe try to get a better feel for what I'm in for.

Note that my $1000 'guess-timate' was only for plywood and glass materials-not materials to cover the deck in once completed like carpet or durabak, etc.
Good Luck!

 

[jonesg]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

You can almost guarentee the stringers, deck and transom are shot to mush.

Sitting 2 yrs with a bad cover I'd expect the engine to be blown.
If it was an outboard boat I would be less reticient,but an I/O powertrain is expensive, I expect the current powertrain is blown at that price.
You're looking at several grand to re-power it and you've still got a 1978 hull with completely rotted out substructure.
It will probably need a new fuel tank and plumbing, elecs are probably shot.

I'd pass.

 

[oops!]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

ditto on what jonesg said.

unless you want a project.

do not expect to make money.

and double the cost of the hull refit.....minimum 2k. and thats before we look at the motor.

 

[jeffix]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

An old friend of mine does boat fiberglass work and just looked it over. He says the fiberglass is all intact and structuraly sound, but agrees the deck is shot. He thinks the stringers seem okay, at least near the doghouse where we could see them.

I'll post pics tomorrow when I get a chance to upload pics and let you guys decide.

I really appreciate you guys helping me out here!

Thanks!!

 

[oops!]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

if the deck is rotten the stringers are shot and most likely the transom.
unless the motor/drive is good.....the boat will cost you 7 k minimum.

please understand...we are not trying to dissuade you from owning a boat... but we have ripped the floor of lots of boats and we know what to expect when we see/hear things like spongy floor, boat on a trailer....not run in a few years.

if you want a project boat......thats cool. just dont expect a boat cheap that will be on the water by the fourth of july.

if you just want to go boating....there are lots of great deals out there right now.

but i would politely ask that you read the following post again.

reguardless of what you decide.....we will be here to help you.

You can almost guarentee the stringers, deck and transom are shot to mush.

Sitting 2 yrs with a bad cover I'd expect the engine to be blown.
If it was an outboard boat I would be less reticient,but an I/O powertrain is expensive, I expect the current powertrain is blown at that price.
You're looking at several grand to re-power it and you've still got a 1978 hull with completely rotted out substructure.
It will probably need a new fuel tank and plumbing, elecs are probably shot.

I'd pass.

 

[pilotman]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

Sounds like the first boat I bought. A 1978 Imperial almost like yours. If it has an OMC Stringer then your pretty much just buying the trailer and the hull. Those things are worthless, for the most part. If you do happen to get something with a Mercruiser you might be in a bit better shape, i'm still kinda a new guy and don't know that much yet.

One more thing. Make sure you get the registraition and title and a bill of sale from the owner. I made that mistake.

I am in the same "boat" as you are. I am a very, very new newbie who just received a 1968 Thunderbird Tri-Hull inboard outdrive by Merc Cruiser ?
The hull and outside look great, but the interior has been exposed to Mom Nature for the past 10 years. This came with a very nice solid trailer and a clear title so this is going to be a project for myself and my teen son. The engine and out drive will have to be rebuilt and I know there is dry rot that will have to be dealt with. ANY HELP AND ADVISE would be appreciated.

 

[oops!]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

I am in the same "boat" as you are. I am a very, very new newbie who just received a 1968 Thunderbird Tri-Hull inboard outdrive by Merc Cruiser ?
The hull and outside look great, but the interior has been exposed to Mom Nature for the past 10 years. This came with a very nice solid trailer and a clear title so this is going to be a project for myself and my teen son. The engine and out drive will have to be rebuilt and I know there is dry rot that will have to be dealt with. ANY HELP AND ADVISE would be appreciated.

hi pilotman.....welcome to i boats.....

just take pictures of your boat and post them on your own thread,,,its free and we can help you right thru any restoration or building process you care to do with your boat

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

Welcome to iboats.

BEFORE you take that leap of faith..... find out what motor and outdrive are in the boat...... or once again you have purchased a trailer

There are some motors and outdrives that will be problematic from the start and if you add those problems to a restore project ....... the cost could be huge.

 

[jeffix]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

Okay, you guys have convinced me that this is way more work and money than I want to spend. Thank you very much for that!!

Just for the curious, I finally got the pics uploaded to my photobucket account, so here's the headache I almost had to deal with:

Transom & Stringer:





Thank you ALL for your sound advice & experience. I really really appreciate it!

I'm looking at a new boat now, I'll post it in a minute, if you guys don't mind giving me some more free advice.

 

[jeffix]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

Okay...Here's the next "awesome deal" I'm looking at... I haven't gone to see it yet, but will soon. I'll just cut&paste the craigslist ad:

Let me know what you think, and again, this is very much appreciated!

1977 19' Fiberform cuddy cabin hardtop with full camper canvas with deep v hull. Boat has trim tabs, dual batteries with switch, vhf radio, porta potty, sink and ice box. Registration is current and bottom repainted last summer.
Has a freshwater cooled 302 Ford OMC that I started and ran this afternoon. Engine started right up and ran well. Newer exhaust manifolds.

Comes with EZ loader trailer with rollers and bearing buddies.

Everything works except the outdrive needs a new pinion shaft, water pump, and water pump shaft.

A little money to fix it up but once up and running this boat will be worth much more and great for fishing or crabbing in the straits.

$750 or best offer. Or possible trade.

Pictures taken summer 2009 and I have more if requested. I also have video of the engine running this afternoon.

The seller is a local Sheriff's Deputy.

EDIT: Just got a call from the guy, I'll be looking at it in an hour.

 

[pilotman]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

Can anyone tell me how to get photos posted?

 

[jonesg]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

Pics are good, nice boat.
Check the oil and other engine/outdrive fluids.
Check the transom for rot.
Lots of boat deals out there these days.
Its unlikely you'll find something perfect but the less you have to spend the better. Get as much stuff as you can with the boat, life jackets, anchors, rope etc, it adds up if you have to buy new.

That green bayliner was shot.!

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

I had a 75 Fiberform 26' Baja with twin 350 mags (came with 307's) Loved that boat!

 

[Bondo]

Re: What have I gotten myself into...?

Okay...Here's the next "awesome deal" I'm looking at... 302 Ford OMC

Ayuh,... It Ain't an Awesome Deal,...
It's another hull with a Junk drive,... Even the Trailer Ain't worth the asking price...