Sorry for your loss. As to whether the boat is worth saving, I think it depends on your skill level, desire, and time to put in the sweat equity. Probably not worth spending a lot on a mechanic as his bill will end up more than the value of the boat pretty quick. Sitting out in the open likely means a lot of work if the structures aren't rotten. If they are rotten, then forget it as the work will tripple. If it's reasonably sound, and you're reasonably handy you could probably make it serviceable. Good luck.

 

Again, our sympathy for the loss of your Dad.

As to your question if this is all DIY repairs and you want to put a lot of time and some money in then maybe only for the sentimental value because it was your dads boat. If you're paying for the work then the costs will quickly outstrip any residual value.

-Kevin

 

Thanks for the replies and sympathy. I'm more of a sailboat than a power boat guy and the boat doesn't have a lot of sentimental value to me. However, it would be fun to make a couple of final trips before selling the boat. My biggest objective would be to save the boat from the dump so someone else can enjoy it if economically feasible.

I can handle most work myself. That said, I have my own business and projects so I don't want to spend a ton of time and money to get it to a salable condition unless I can get a return on my investment. I guess I'm trying to figure out if "the juice is worth the squeeze." It looks boats of similar spec and vintage range everywhere from $1000 to $15,000 depending on condition and location. Boats of running and fair to good condition being around $4,000 - $8,000. Is that a fair assumption?

I'm heading up to my Dad's lake property this weekend to start cleaning it out (he was a bit of a hoarder). If I get some time, I want to take a closer look at the boat. The motor was supposedly rebuilt shortly before it was set out to sit. It seems like the biggest concern on these boats would be any rot to the transom and stringers. What/how should I look for any damage? Anything else I should look at to determine if the boat is salvage or rebuildable?

 

Welcome aboard CSR. Take lots of pics. Inside, outside and bilge/engine. Post them here and this will help us, help you, with your assessment. As others have said, sorry for your loss.

 

Post up some over all pictures of the boat so we may get a good view of what you have to work with.

Unless you are into boating having a project boat as your first is not a good way to start.

Maybe someone on here from OH with DIY'ing in their blood can swing by and give you an opinion either to keep or to cut loose.

 

Thanks everyone. I'll get some detailed pics. And yes, not really looking for a project boat. The boat is located in NE Indiana near Angola.

 

you are looking at a lot of work doing it yourself. And a lot of expense having someone else do it.
Once they get to wood rot, upholstery ($$$), the boat may not recoup the cost.
Your prices on other boats are accurate. With minor repairs needed.
Your words “not looking for project boat’” tells me you really don’t want to get into this.
Put on Craiglist for the winter, see what happens. Fact is this boat hasn’t cost you a dime, you may have to settle for “free to a good home”.

 

Here are some pics I found on my Dad's phone. Hopefully I'll have some time to do a bit more digging this weekend in person.

 

Without seeing interior; the boat isnt scrap (though the hanging dash gives pause). Upholstery is faded, not totally bad, little restoration stuff might help for someone not particular.
Any canvas? Tried starting it?

 

@Pirate Lady I haven't tried starting it yet. It's been sitting for awhile, so I want to take my time before I start it especially with winter approaching. Supposedly the lower unit is bad. Will I do damage to the engine or other parts if I start the engine with a bad lower unit?

At one point, he had a canvas top and cover. I'm not sure if those are still around. He was a bit of a hoarder, so I'm hoping I find them when I clean out his barn this weekend. Any ideas what new canvas and upholstery would run? Are covers available aftermarket, or is everything custom?

@nelson Gay Thanks for the tip. I have watched a couple of youtube videos describing what you suggest. The hull/stringers/transom is my biggest concern. I'm hoping it's just light mechanical and cosmetic work, but I'm fearful!

Unfortunately, this is just one piece of his mess. However, if the hull is sound it's the nicest (relatively). There's also a Rinker V190 Cuddy Cabin that has been sitting even longer as well as a 31' Class A motor home in disrepair. Not to mention a ton of stuff to go through. What a wake up call to get my affairs in order so my kid's don't inherit my problems!!!

 

Honestly, by the time you get that boat semi-fixed up you will be into it for far more $ than it is worth when finished. If you are looking to flip it to make a bit of money, sell it now for whatever you can get for it and take the "bird in hand". The risk of spending more than you increase value is very high. If you really want to get into boating, make your first boat a positive experience, and sell this one and buy one that is closer to turn-key state.

I would guess that new canvas (and framing assuming you need that) will be about $4,000 or more for basic stuff. Camper top would add a couple grand easily. New upholstery if it needs new bases and foam could be a few thousand for the outside seating alone.

 

Agree with Creek. You cannot imagine how crazy expensive canvas is. And if no poles, sell your daughter into whatever.
Cheaper to replace engine. Upholstery- fugefaboutit!
Seriously, some guys on here are project guys. Give it to them.
Saw a guy on here did his own full cockpit upholstery. Freakin amazing, i wanted to adopt him.

 

Now that winter is over, I think I'm going to try and get it put back together and started. Any resources for how to operate this thing?

I did learn that it is a Sundancer 250 (25') and not a 260.

 

You are braver than I am. YouTube is probably your best friend for this.

 

Well, last time I saw this thread was October. Took another look.
Most of cockpit wood is rotten, all vinyl is shot. God only knows the interior, and whatnot. (That’s a Pennsylvania word. I ain’t from there.)
You really might want to rethink this. I can sell you my fully restored boat with all new interior and canvas for less than you will sink into that. Oh wait, it’s not for sale, just making a point of reference.

 

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?

 

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?

I had a 25ft pocket cruiser before my 330. Our family of 4 with younger kids it was "Ok" for a weekend (keep in mind we tend to go and anchor in coves on Georgian Bay, not at a marina). Gets really small for any longer than that. So "extended trip" would be tough IMO, although people do it up here all the time, generally not with a large crowd though.

 

As creek said. We have a 250. Kids grown and gone. When we had kids. 268 or 270 fit our needs better. Separate dinette. Now just wife and me, the v bunk table is fine. Lighter boat, don’t burn a lot fuel, works for 2 of us. Takes any weather the Chesapeake can throw at it. Was really not my first choice, wanted larger, but in this market, everything we looked at in spring 2020 was junk. This was nice for the price, so we took it.
In review of your bold text… the wife and I can easily do a 7 day trip on it, alone, no kids, no guests.
Hope that helps.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

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.
Hopefully the op will be able to get this one home, running, and wet for some fun on the water. Being handy with tools can make that possible.

 

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.

 

Once again, speaking from experience, the best trailer I've found that will safely hold this type of boat was at least $1000, and it needed work. Sea Rays are sturdy and heavy boats and a really good trailer will cost at least $2000, usually a bit more - I'm trying to find one right now and it's been a frustrating experience. I was going to comment that the trailer might be worth more than your boat before you said it had issues.

This link won't last for long but take a look at some of the prices in this link - most of these boats are up and running:

https://detroit.craigslist.org/search/boo?query=sea+ray

 

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?

 

Might want to contact this guy (from one of the CL links above)....
WANTED 18-35' PROJECT BOATS 1989 OR NEWER - $1 (MICHIGAN)
Wanted 18-35' PROJECT BOAT3 1989 OR NEWER

I'm looking for a 20-30' project boats 1989 or newer. Must be complete with engine/engines prefer with trailer, structural issues soft deck, stringers etc. Email me what you have! Thanks


Also, if you do end up proceeding, I'd be doing the canvas LAST. If you know anyone that can sew, you could rig a workable and decent looking tonneau cover out of Sunbrella for when the boat is not in use. I also know a canvas "shop" (husband and wife operation) that do some pretty good work for very reasonable costs and they are located not too far north of the MI/OH border. I'll see if I can find their contact info and PM it to you.

 

Like I mentioned, boats are kind of an emotional thing - they really don't make a lot of sense financially, especially up north, but that's pretty much anything material. I'm sure someone with the right skill set would love to buy it and your price isn't that bad, especially for a Sea Ray on the lakes. I've seen people do a lot with a lot less than you're offering.

As far as the trailer, the main thing I was told to look for was the axle capacity and that I should look for a six lug axle as opposed to a five lug. I thought rollers were better than bunks but apparently it's the opposite - bunks apparently are better.

 

Gotta be honest. 2 kind of boats, those with a huge monthly payment, those that get fixed up, this looks like neither.
Canvas, cockpit upholstery is crazy expensive. I’d rather replace an engine.
Look. I bought a nice 91 250 2 years ago, had immaculate cockpit upholstery and a brand new interior and all new $8k worth of canvas. i heard the PO spent $10k gutting the cabin down to the glass and putting all new in, it’s really nice. Real leather headliner. He had money.
For $10k. Since then I have put about $5k into outdrive, new water heater, bunch of stuff. Best I can get it maybe $12k.
You are so away from that. That boat will cost you a fortune to get in sellable order.
Part it out then scrap the rest. Sorry. The way it is.

 

Thanks. I'm extremely handy. I can fix about anything that can be, or is worth fixing. I'm a home remodeler by trade so woodwork/carpentry is not an issue. I perform all my own maintenance and repairs on cars, bikes, house, electronics, tools, etc. I can even sew. Outside of where it stands in my long list of projects, I'm not too worried about being able to make it run or look good.

My biggest driver is that I don't really want to see it thrown in the dump if it can be saved. I'm going to try an make that decision this weekend.

 

Took a closer look at the boat this afternoon.

The trailer needs a new tongue, winch riser and cross member m. The rest of the trailer looks to be ok. The previous owner tolde the trailer has 10,000 lbs axles.

I have the canvas and poles. The poles need repair. The canvas top is pretty hard and has shrunk (won't fit the snaps on the windshield). The side canvas looks in good shape and barely used. Inside the cabin, a lot of the wood and carpet will need replaced. Cushions may be salvageable, but probably not. Then there is the unknown running state of the boat and whether the stringers are in good condition.

I have decided, as much as I would love to see it saved, it's too much of a project for me.

 

smart