1988 smokercraft

[Fishermen Steve]

Well the Glastron I was going to look at got sold before I could view it, so I found this 1988 smokercraft for sale with a 90 hp chrystler charger out board. Before I decide to go give it a thorough look over, does the hull/transom or engine have any know issues I need to watch out for?

Steve

 

[bonz_d]

Probably less than the glass hull of the Glastron. Engine is very outdated and support parts might be hard to find but if it runs strong I wouldn't worry too much about that. As with any old boat look for the obvious. Wet, soft floor, any signs of weakness in the transom and in this case any rivets that look wet or may have cracks around them.
My opinion, the Smokers are generally a pretty well built hull.

 

[airshot]

In my experience the Smokers are very close to the same quality as a StarCraft, aluminum doesn't rot so you are good there, rivets are easy to repair/replace so keep an eye on the wood transom. If rotted it is still much easier to replace than stringers in a glasser. With that outdated Chrysler you should get a good buy on the package, even if the motor runs strong that are not worth much. For the right price you can run the Chrysler into the ground and then upgrade your motor. I have owned numerous boats in my lifetime....all but one has been aluminum hulls, I did loose my mind one time and bought a glasser but came back to my senses after a few years and went back to alum. Learned my lesson and still have alum today.

 

[Fishermen Steve]

The seller wants $3000.00 or best offer. Comes with a bow mounted trolling motor, big john down riggers ect.

Steve

 

[64osby]

Looks like your water is still hard where you live, so testing the motor on the water is not an option. Run it on muffs and do a compression test.

As stated above check the transom and floor for soft areas. Check the trailer, lights, tires, springs, winch.........

Don't know the value of downriggers. The Chrysler motor detracts from the value IMO. No clue from the pics on the interior.

My thoughts on price would be in the $2 to 2.5K range if everything checks out good.

 

[Bob_VT]

It seems a bit steep. An aluminum boat in my opinion is great Here is an example of what I am saying http://burlington.craigslist.org/boa/4923201427.html that one seems reasonable and with a more up to date motor. Keep shopping !!

 

[Bob_VT]

Shoot me a PM and I will give you my phone # I am in the Rutland area.

 

[Bob_VT]

http://burlington.craigslist.org/boa/4913719301.html how big is your family or should I say how many will be going on the boat at one time? This one does not look bad either.

 

[bonz_d]

My regional observation this late winter/early spring used boat prices are up a good bit from last year.

If everything checks out good even with that old Chrysler on the back it seems like it would be a fair price. Not a Great bargain but fair. If that Chrysler is a strong runner and kept up with like all others it could run another 20 years.

 

[Fishermen Steve]

It seems a bit steep. An aluminum boat in my opinion is great Here is an example of what I am saying http://burlington.craigslist.org/boa/4923201427.html that one seems reasonable and with a more up to date motor. Keep shopping !!

I have spoke to the owner of this one. I'm third on the list. Owner said the bow floor was a little soft. Not a big deal to me. He wants to wait a couple of weeks to warm up so buyers could come and listen to the engine run and look it over.

Steve

 

[Bob_VT]

Soft deck that is doable but at least $300+ in materials be glad you are third.....if they get to you....turn it down.

 

[airshot]

Soft deck that is doable but at least $300+ in materials be glad you are third.....if they get to you....turn it down.

Skag on motor looks a bit rough probably run in shallow water, only a pic but inside appears a bit rough as well. Lots of accessories to make it appear to be a better buy. If the motor checked out well it would bring a lot more in my area so that is why I would question that one.

 

[airshot]

My regional observation this late winter/early spring used boat prices are up a good bit from last year.

If everything checks out good even with that old Chrysler on the back it seems like it would be a fair price. Not a Great bargain but fair. If that Chrysler is a strong runner and kept up with like all others it could run another 20 years.

I would have to agree there, you can always offer him less.....worst he can say is no. Pic does not help to see the inside but if all is good then OK.

 

[Fishermen Steve]

I spoke to the owner and he said the floor was soft where the fuel cell is. Soooooo, that one is out.

Steve