[jinnyh345]

First is that the people who can best afford to do them, usually don't. Followed by those who can't afford such projects are usually the ones that attempt them. Such projects usually go wrong because the owner failed to appreciate the costs, and to estimate them in advance. There are no good deals on fixer uppers with boats. There is just expensive and more expensive. Money is the name of the game, and if you haven't got it, then it's a mistake to think that you can do a refit on the cheap.

[ruano]

Not all boats make for good projects. In fact, most don't. The ones that do are those that have enjoyed an excellent reputation, and are sometimes referred to as classics, or just have that certain "something." we can't name. A well-known example would be a 31 Bertram. Just because a boat is old, and you can get it for next to nothing, doesn't mean that it's a good subject. What makes for a good subject is a boat other people would want to pay good money for when you're finished. Basically, this means the high end boats that most people can't afford when these boats are still high on their depreciation curve. here

[Acro]

Money. If you think you can buy an old boat and fix it up with the leftovers from your weekly paycheck, you are mistaken. Old boat restoration is very costly, and no one who is employed full time has sufficient sweat equity to be able to complete a project in lieu of significant cash transfusions. These usually come in the form of hiring professionals to complete some of the more technical jobs. This is where most people who attempt such projects go wrong. They think they can get the job done for next to no money if only they can work hard enough. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. If you doubt that, just take a tour of the back lots of boat yards and observe all the failed attempts. The best you can expect for you sweat is about 25% - 35% of the total cost. The remainder you will pay to someone else. [links]

[ziablik]

The first area you should concern yourself with is the actual condition of the boat.

[maxidresses]

Inspecting these is a bit of a no-brainer. You’ll need to turn the lights on and then visually check them to see if they are indeed on. Just be sure that all of the necessary lights are still on the boat. Some sneaky owners may remove a broken light so that you won’t think to check it. [links]

[tamara]

If you see any rust, you may be in for a repair. more

[dacoinminster]

Question: What advice and cautions would you have regarding buying older aluminum boats? I have been told to pay particular attention to the area under the heads and engine and around the through-hulls. Is there anything else you might be wary about in an older aluminum boat?

[endian7000]

A more fundamental question is whether such a boat is a good buy. (Morgan’s Cloud was only six years old when we bought her.) The key is whether the boat has been consistently upgraded to modern standards (like Morgan’s Cloud); if so, you may get a great deal. If not, you could be looking at a refit that will cost more than a new boat if you pay someone else to do it, or that will take several years if you do it yourself and still cost a lot of money. [links]

[icaro]

There is no fundamental reason why a 15 to 25 year old aluminum boat should not be sound, but a good survey is essential. Also the surveyor should have a lot of experience with aluminum. I would suggest Tony Knowles of Newport Marine Surveyors. more

[morize]

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant. [links]

[farmer]

you haven't mentioned whther you were looking at wood, aluminium or fiberglass. i will guess you are talking about a 60's wooden runabout.​

[alexaverbuch]

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself. [links]

[eugene2k]

Re: How old is too old when looking to purchase a boat? more

[!0suspectedof]

IF I were looking for a 21-24' bowrider for around $15k here's what I'd consider. First, I'd narrow size down more as that range goes from the bigger end of new boater comfort (21') to a pretty big BR (24'). let's say 21-22', plenty big for little kids and friends. FIRST, I'd find one with deep seating, some newer especially have bows I'd never put my little kids in and kids much prefer the bow by age 7. Next, I'd look in the 7-10 year old range at better brands like Cobalt, Chap, Bryant, maybe Regal and several others. This is because no matter how well kept a cheap brand, the seating/cushions are lesser quality material and are well on their way to worn out in 10+ years. Now, mind you this is just if I had $15K to spend as I could overlook that if I needed to to get a good boat for cheaper.

[woola20]

Re: How old is too old when looking to purchase a boat? more