Need your opinions on this boat, buying today.

I have been through this before, and believe me, restoring a boat is a far cry from restoring a car. I know it seems like they are both just mechanical machines, but it will take you a long time to find out that there are some things that will not work on your new boat that would in a car. You'll go shopping for a part, the auto one is $50, the marine one is $650, and you'll look over the two parts and go the cheaper route because you can't tell the difference. GET A SEATOW MEMBERSHIP, because 15 miles off the coast you'll find out what the difference is! Anytime you want to restore a boat, strip it down to nothing but fiberglass, and add new EVERYTHING. If you don't, you'll be needing a tow more often than not, and if you do you'll realize buying a new boat would've been more cost efficient! Good Luck!!!
 
1978 SRV240 said:
I like the way you think, I dont have 5-7k righ now to buy a boat. I definitly wont finance one, so i figure I can get a good size boat and restore it month to month. I see myself spending 3-6k fixing her up, but when thats stretched over a year it doesnt hurt so bad. I think im going head 1st into this project, I will keep you all posted. Not to mention I have a 5 year old that loves to feel like he's helping out his old man in the garage..

Thanks again for all of the input
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Did you buy it?

Personally, I'd have passed on this one. Although it's hard to see it all because of the forest in there, that's a pretty rough boat. You could easily need to spend thousands just to make it seaworthy. If you're prepared for that so be it, but you said you didn't want to buy a boat that wouldn't see the water- and I see that being a real possiblity (at least for a while).
I've redone much of my '85 Searay, and rebuilt my 1972, 28' Chris-Craft from the bottom up and I've learned one thing- figure the most you think it's gonna cost, and double it. That'll get you close. For real...

I understand the boating "bug"- but I think you'd be better off waiting until you can plunk down 5 grand or so. In this market, you can probably find yourself a pretty turnkey boat in that price range- and save a lot of the headaches. In the end, it'll probably save you money too.

Good luck with whatever you decided.
 
Im going to go against the grain here and say go for it. You could probably talk the guy down to like 400 and you would have yourself a decent project ahead of you. As long as you know going in that it will take a lot of time and money to bring this old girl back to life. Like some have said, be prepared to replace everything and consider anything you don't have to replace a bonus.

I'm not really one to talk I bought my boat for 1000 bucks, sight unseen, 400 miles away, on a gamble after only seeing this picture.

SeaRay.jpg


I got lucky and it was in a lot better shape then I expected but have still spent a lot of money fixing her up to my standards and still have a long way to go. I was in the position of a lot of other people that couldnt afford to drop a lot of money at once on really nice boat and a little at a time while I am able to enjoy the boat is the way to go for me.

Anyway, its your decision, if you go for it keep us posted on your progress!

Good Luck.
 
Hello, I like the boat and the enthusiasm! Take a good look around E-bay and Craigslist and see some of the deals that are out there. I would definitely look for another Sea Ray, thats the best first step. This one however is ALOT of work. I encourage anyone to "project" simply because you will learn more about boats and boating in general than any other way. If this is a task you are willing to tackle, do it. It would make a great start to finish documented project. If your lookin' to get in the water and boating, I'd look around, It's a great time to do it. Take your time and make good decisions, it'll result in a great endeavor. I'm currently in the project of a 80 225 express cruiser and it's a blast. I don't care when it gets done or if it will ever be "done" enough! This is a great forum group and you will learn alot.
 
I am no rebuild it kind of guy, and after looking the pictures over I would vote; move on. But if you don't take that advice keep all of us skeptic's posted and up dated with pictures, and maybe a web cam so we can drop in and watch you work would be nice too.

Best of luck. :thumbsup:
 
I bought my 1979 SRV that needed work but it is in a lot better condition thin this one. This is my
2nd boat project and I will say that it took me 2 years to get the 1st project up and running. I did enjoy
working on it and spending money on it also. I bought it for 500 and put about 2500 into it. I ended
up selling it for 5000 and bought my current 1979 SRV for ***(2400)*** and used it all last season
until my lower outdrive locked up. Like I said I enjoy working on it as it's a hobby. My family also gets
to enjoy it also as we took it out many times last year and had a great time.

I think the boat your looking at buying is in really bad shape. You need to look for a project that is in
a little better shape. I also believe you should walk away and find a better deal.

Here is a few pics of mine in before shape for you to judge and to get an idea what $2400 buys. I
included a few after pics that I did after I did some reconstruction. This is the shape of a
project I think you should look for.


IMG_4611.jpg



IMG_4647.jpg



AftPictureAfter3.jpg



IMG_4650.jpg



InteriorPic2.jpg



IMG_4616.jpg



IMG_4635.jpg



IMG_4626.jpg



IMG_4632.jpg
 
I think y'all scared him off (the site that is).

I can see both sides of the argument. I think it depends on WHY he wants the boat. Is the purpose to have a boat or a project?

If you want a boat then there are better ways to get a good deal and a better boat, especially now, as was already mentioned.

If you want a project then this is a good start but is is different than a car. When you restore a car and something breaks or doesn't function right a test run will leave you on the side of the road. On a boat you may sink or be adrift for awhile...

And they are right about parts. Some are marine specific and pricey.

As for me, I'd buy it for the trailer and parts to finish off our 240 before we try to sell it...
 
H2ONUT said:
Just start with basic things, and do your own research. JUST do re-do the interior with foam and vinyl, along with cockpit seating... your into $1500 to $2000 for materials and doing it yourself. Gauges $400, wiring, god only knows what is good or bad. Once you get the motor tuned up, you have no idea if you will need new risers, elbows, heads... tack on another $1500 to $2000 for that stuff.

Like I said, I would walk... but that's just me. Shop around, you will be amazed what you can find for $5000 to $6000 with a trailer. Prime time to find a boat that you can enjoy right away with minimal work.
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I agree I just picked up an 89 268 Sundance with 600 hrs a single 454 bravo drive and a ton of gear like a 435 Raytheon plotter loads of line etc the boat is close to mint and at 7000 Canadian loons it's around 5000 greenbacks. I'm happy about it and am less money than I would have to put into our other boat an 89 22ft Cooper prowler that needs mostly cosmetics like upholstery. I can pretty much sell that old hull for the value of the drive and motor had come out ahead. Good hunting and don't waste your bullets on the longshots
 
Your money your time If you like this boat go for it
 
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