Re: 1965 SeaRay 900
Hi NorthernBoater!<br /><br />Welcome to iBoats. My 2¢ is this: That boat looks to be rather basic design. That is good from a restoration point of view. If you inspect the hull and the fiberglass looks good, then the areas that are typically a bit of work are the floors and upholstry. Seeing as the seating arangements seem sparse, it would be low cost to replace with new. At worse, the floor and stringers would need replacing, the drawback is a lot of labor on your part.<br /><br />Another area of labor is repairing a rotten transom. Check it out by drilling a few 1/4" holes 1" deep from the INSIDE of the transome and look for wet/damp/dark wood. Dry and light is good. Fill holes backup with epoxy. If the transom is rotten inside, then you are into a lot of labor to repair it. Cost is based in materials used. Something like Seacast is a lot easier, lasts forever, but costs about 400 - 500 in product. Plywood is cheaper, but can rot again if not done right.<br /><br />The drive line is an area of $$$. If you can do motor work and the I/O checks out ok, you should be in the clear. Check out the prices of rebuilt i/o's on iboats. <br /><br />Also check out the condition of the wiring/lights/gauges, steering mechanism, and trailer. Trailers are easy and cheap to overhaul. Usually new wheels/tires, bearings, lights and maybe a new jack. Less than $300. <br /><br />Plan on new floors, new upholstry, lots of polishing, engine and i/o work. A free boat is usually an expense. That is why they are free. But if you have the time, ability and some cash, it will be a lot cheaper than buying new.<br /><br />I would make a spread sheet and price out parts on the net and see how much it would cost to revamp everything, then decide if its worth it to you.
<br /><br />I'll probably drag it home this weekend and spend a few hours digging around. <br /><br />Matt