Mr_Stop
New Member
Same situation. Kids are grown. Thought it could be fun to cruise the Lake Erie islands. Maybe up or down the Ohio River or some of the big lakes in Kentucky/Tennessee. Trips would probably be 1-3 nights.
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Thanks for the heads up on the market. Don't want to be literally and figuratively underwater with the boat. I'm going be up to it this weekend to spend a bit more time going through it. I'm going to pull out all the canvas and poles to assess completeness and condition. The interior looked to be in good condition as I don't think my Dad used it for a lot of overnight trips. I may also try to turn over the engine.
The biggest immediate concern at this point is the trailer. One of the cross members is rusted. I had a local welder come by to take a look and he said there were more issues than that. I may have to locate a good trailer, even if I end up selling it to get it moved.
Might want to contact this guy (from one of the CL links above)....The boat isn't too far from Detroit in Northeast Indiana. I do have it listed for sale: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1002779017295673. So far, not a ton of interest. I'm sure it's partially price as well as some combination of the shape of the trailer, it not running and overall condition.
I have another boat, in worst shape: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1203284347142233. A lot more interest in this one as I'm practically giving it away and in worse case, they end up with a trailer.
At some point I need to get the boat out as I'm selling the property. So either someone buys it as is and moves it, I make it trailer-able so it can move, I also fix it so someone will buy it or I can enjoy it, or I cut it up and put it into a dumpster.
Any rough idea on what size trailer this boat will need?
Definitely not tanking around here yet. Like autos, 5-10 year old boats are still selling for more than they were when new if clean and in good condition. New motors are still 6 mos+ away and probably a big contributor to that.Boat prices are tanking right now - either because a lot of folks bought during the lockdowns or because of gas prices. Just saw a boat similar to yours but running and with canvas and trailer for $4000. Canvas alone will run you $6000 for a camper top - and you’ll be lucky to get it done by August if it’s a reputable shop. The side panels aren’t too hard to DIY reupholster if you don’t want to go fancy - same for seats but it won’t be a pretty boat. The interior cushions will also run you about a grand. If the stern drive is blown, you’re looking at about $1500 - don’t waste your time on a used Alpha 1 unless you know exactly where it came from. I’m writing all of this from personal experience. I’ve easily put twice what the value of my boat is probably worth in the past few years but it has sentimental value plus it’s still in great shape and I know all that’s been done to it.
The boat will easily handle Erie - just watch weather reports obviously.
I'm not sure if I'm brave, or just a glutton for punishment.
The boats up for sale. So that would probably be my first and preferred course. The original owner PM'd me. She was deeply saddened by the state of the boat as she had a lot of good memories. It was heavily optioned with some owner installed upgrades and well cared for until my father purchased it in 2002 I believe.
I don't think it will take much to get the motor at least running. The interior actually appears to be in good condition. I'm going to pull out the canvas on my next visit and see what condition its in.
I have tapped along the hull that I could reach, and haven't found any obvious dead spots. If the mechanical's and canvas check out, I might have a surveyor come out to inspect the hull.
Question: How comfortable is the 250 for cruising size wise? Is it more a day-tripper/overnight boat or could you do an extended trip for 2 people?
What ever happened with the boat? If you restored it, details and pictures please!