Is it worth it? Boat restoration

[PaddyConlan]

Hi,

I came across a Sea Ray SVOB16 recently in a storage yard, which has been sat in a sorry state for 3-4 years (if anyone has anymore details on this boat, that would be great).

i would very much appreciate some advice on whether this would be a good project.

I have had a look over the boat today, and it would need some TLC for sure. The hull looks good from the outside, and the transom seems solid.

The deck is rotten (which just had carpet on, wasnt glassed), but as far as I can see the rest of the boats structure looks good. Obviously I would have to get the deck off and thoroughly check the stingers. It would need a rewire, and completely re-upholstered.

The engine is a Johnson 150 V6 VRO, which seems to be in good condition. It moves freely, both gears engage. A small amount of rust on the steering arm assembly but otherwise is in good condition.


If I was to purchase this as a project in this condition, at what price would I be looking at to offer or to offer at all? I am capable of doing most of the restoration work myself and dont mind taking my time with it.

All thoughts are appreciated.

 

[Bondo]

If I was to purchase this as a project in this condition, at what price would I be looking at to offer or to offer at all?

Ayuh,...... Whatever the trailer is worth, 'n no more,......

 

[JimS123]

Not a particularly good vintage boat to begin with. You need to figure $thousands to get it in usable condition and then if you decide to sell kit, the selling price would be less than what you have invested.

 

[southkogs]

Dime a dozen kind of boat ... if they pay you to take it, you could consider it. But $0 is the most I'd give for that one.

 

[CaptainSteveo]

Hi,

I came across a Sea Ray SVOB16 recently in a storage yard, which has been sat in a sorry state for 3-4 years (if anyone has anymore details on this boat, that would be great).

i would very much appreciate some advice on whether this would be a good project.

I have had a look over the boat today, and it would need some TLC for sure. The hull looks good from the outside, and the transom seems solid.

The deck is rotten (which just had carpet on, wasnt glassed), but as far as I can see the rest of the boats structure looks good. Obviously I would have to get the deck off and thoroughly check the stingers. It would need a rewire, and completely re-upholstered.

The engine is a Johnson 150 V6 VRO, which seems to be in good condition. It moves freely, both gears engage. A small amount of rust on the steering arm assembly but otherwise is in good condition.


If I was to purchase this as a project in this condition, at what price would I be looking at to offer or to offer at all? I am capable of doing most of the restoration work myself and dont mind taking my time with it.

All thoughts are appreciated.

That depends on how much you like it and how much (back breaking work and money) you want to put into it. Boats from that era are notorious for rot and I can pretty much guarantee if the deck is rotted so are stringers, and even if seems solid, the transom. Trailer and motor are also sure to need work too.

I would not offer much if anything for it. If you really like it and want a project that big maybe a couple hundred at most. They might be willing to have you just haul it off if you can.

 

[ahicks]

I'm with the Captain above. YOU need to make this call. If YOU like the boat and think it's something you'll use frequently for quite some time to get your investment back, then go for it.

If you are thinking of doing it for resale, that would make it a bad plan. You're very likely going to have so much time and money wrapped up in it you'll never see the light of day there. This is something you have to do because you want to. That makes it a hobby - and generally speaking, most are not able to justify what they spend on their hobbies.

On the upside, most that actually complete a project on this scale have an incredible sense of satisfaction from bringing something like that into serviceable condition or better.....

Last, selling the trailer and piecing out the motor are on the table as options too.

 

[H20Rat]

Water seeps to the lowest spot. Boats rot from the bottom up, so if the deck is trashed, everything below that is going to be in worse shape.

Unless you really like working on fiberglass more than boating, I'd avoid that thing. It should be in a scrap pile.

 

[JASinIL2006]

If I were looking for a complete gut-and-restore, I’d look for a cooler hull to start with.

It is up to you and your fondness for the boat, but also think they should pay you to haul it away. (And even then, don't even touch it without whatever titles your state requires.)

 

[PaddyConlan]

Thanks all! Appreciate the comments. I think for me it would just be a hobby project rather than trying to flip the boat for any money. There seems to be a unanimous decision by everyone on this boat so I think I'll just keep searching for another.

Thanks.

 

[jebby]

See if you can get it for free. tinker the motor back to life and sell it, chop the hull and dispose of it, sell the trailer. buy a few cases of beer with your profits.

 

[tpenfield]

Assume the boat is a pile of poo and will need a complete rebuild, including the structure. Rarely is just the floor rotted . . . The boat has a net value of about -$4,000 (minus $4k . . . as in it will take about $4K in materials and parts to fix it up). So they should give you the boat for next to nothing.

How long did you have to wait in line to get a look at that boat? . . . thought so


If you are looking for a challenge, this would be it.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Thanks all! Appreciate the comments. I think for me it would just be a hobby project rather than trying to flip the boat for any money. There seems to be a unanimous decision by everyone on this boat so I think I'll just keep searching for another.

Thanks.

if you want to make a small fortune flipping boats, start with a large one....... seriously, to do it correctly, you never come out ahead unless you get into much much newer boats where the owner blew the motor..... as in under 10 years old

if you want a hobby project, start with an aluminum boat. worst case, the transom and floor need to be replaced, that is only a few weekends in an aluminum boat.

 

[CaptainSteveo]

Thanks all! Appreciate the comments. I think for me it would just be a hobby project rather than trying to flip the boat for any money. There seems to be a unanimous decision by everyone on this boat so I think I'll just keep searching for another.

Thanks.

If you want a good hobby project I would look for an early 2000's boat with all fiberglass hull. I have a Glasstron that has VEC all fiberglass hull. Wonderful to not have to worry about rot. Sometimes you can find similar boats with blown or missing motor or outdrive for $500 to $1000 or so. Then you have motor, outdrive, interior, wiring, etc.. to work on, but you don't have to worry about the transom falling off or other hull intergrity issues.

 

[Scott Danforth]

to worry about the transom falling off or other hull intergrity issues.

until the plexus joints start to fail on the stringer tubs...

 

[CaptainSteveo]

until the plexus joints start to fail on the stringer tubs...

Well I suppose that is possible over time, or due to faulty assembly, but I have not heard of to many cases. Rot in older hulls is as common as dirt...

 

[Scott Danforth]

Well I suppose that is possible over time, or due to faulty assembly, but I have not heard of to many cases. Rot in older hulls is as common as dirt...

Boats are still only designed for a 15 year life

 

[harringtondav]

...same as most replies above. Any old boat stored uncovered in the weather is mush. ...maybe the seller will pay you to haul it to the dump.