1969 16' Stuery, Is it worth it?

[acarter92]

So, I'm new to the forum and new to the world of boats. About two weeks ago I finally bought a boat, been wanting one for quite a while to take camping, fishing, and maybe try some waterskis/tubing. It's a 1969 Stuery with a Johnson 33hp outboard, 15-16'. The boat wasn't in horrable shape, floated and ran decent. So for $400 I couldn't turn it down, and the guy had all the paper to go with it. Trailer needs some help, but nothing a little welding and some paint won't fix. It even came with a trolling motor

Anyways, I was in need a of a winter project so I decided to fix it up a little and make it nice to use next year. The plan was to replace the rotted floor, put new plywood down and outdoor carpet over it. Sand and repaint the top (blue) half, rewire the whole thing, full lighting, maybe use one of my car radios laying around and throw some speakers in it, and difinetely get a bigger outboard in the spring because it's rated for 60hp and the 33 didn't do much. So, you guys get the point, don't need it to look like new, just want something nice to take out that will be reliable and fun.

So last week I gutted almost everything out, ripped out the soft fiberglass floor (rotted plywood underneath), and replaced it with treated 3/4" plywood. A couple days ago I was getting ready to start my sanding, I was took the trim off the top of the transom, there was a crack all the way across the top of the transom, I spread it out a stuck a screwdriver in there and sure enough the wood was completely rotted. I though about it being rotted before, but it was solid with the motor on it so that's where I left it. I did a little research and found the Seacast stuff that seems like a good product with a straigh forward process, then I was reading about the stringers, now I'm wondering if they weren't rotten too? I also though about replacing the transom with new treated plywood, or marine plywood. My theory is that the plywood would still probably last longer than I'll have the boat. As with any project I expext to spend money (always more that I think), but I don't want to put 3 grand into it.

So the question running through my mind is: is the boat worth the trouble and money (motorless hulls are cheap if not free on craigslist), should I just find another hull?

More pics coming tomarrow, I have the boat out of the shop (already dark out)


Thanks in advance for opinions, ideas, advice, ect...
Austin

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: 1969 16' Stuery, Is it worth it?

Its all about you and what you want to do. I've been your route and for the experience I got I'd probably do it again. Also its about how much money you want to spend. I would recommend not using treated plywood though. You should use a good AB grade ply with resin. The only reason to spend the money for marine plywood is if you need the veneer to match something you already have. AB/C ply uses the same type of exterior glue and is not nearly as pricey.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1969 16' Stuery, Is it worth it?

So the question running through my mind is: is the boat worth the trouble and money (motorless hulls are cheap if not free on craigslist), should I just find another hull?

In my opinion, no it is not.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1969 16' Stuery, Is it worth it?

I agree that you could find a better/cheaper/freer hull online. It would probably cost more to fix it, than to simply get a newer hull. However, the 33hp "Big Twin" motor is great. I had one for years and it was very strong, reliable and easy to work on. Here are some handy links to keep her running strong.

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/04/s/columns/max/24/index.cfm

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167352

 

[Pmccraney]

Like others have sad, it's probably not worth it if your goal is to just be on the water as quickly as possible with a serviceable boat. Really, a full gut restore (which I am in te middle of right now) is usually only in order if: (a) you have very strong sentimental attachment to the boat (family boat left to you; boat you have always wanted, etc...); (b) its a rare/valuable collector-type make or model; (c) you are already pot committed because you paid too much or already spent a bunch before realizing full gut resto was needed (due to inexperience or seller fraud); or (d) you want to pay much more than your boat is worth for hands-on education (i.e learning by taking one apart and putting it back together). If (d) is your only "yes" to this boat, then I would Make sure you are handy, love projects, and have plenty of room in the budget and the patience of job. Also, (d) is a better answer if one of the other factors is present. If this is just another boat to you, I would look for something else. Its way too much time and money and sweat, unless you have an irrational love affair with the boat.. You will quit or burn out unless there is annoying, relentless voice in your head telling you THIS boat must be rescued and restored. Hope this helps.

 

[Numlaar]

Re: 1969 16' Stuery, Is it worth it?

As with any project I expext to spend money (always more that I think), but I don't want to put 3 grand into it.

So the question running through my mind is: is the boat worth the trouble and money (motorless hulls are cheap if not free on craigslist), should I just find another hull?

Thanks in advance for opinions, ideas, advice, ect...
Austin

I have to agree with most here, that unless there is some strong attachment, or you would like the experience, you may be better off looking for another hull... sometimes people give em away or at least cheap because the motors are trashed... in regards to your money portion, to do a "complete" and proper restore on that boat (deck, stringers, transom, gelcoat, wiring, etc.), you will more than likely be over 2k (I spent almost 4k on a very similiar boat to do what you want to do). Totally regret it now, because I was so upside down in it, I could have just bought something nicer, and been on the water sooner! But once I got into it, had to finish or end up with nothing!

But all that in mind, if you do want to tackle it, we're here to help, and you won't find any better advice anywhere else on the web!

Good luck!

 

[acarter92]

Re: 1969 16' Stuery, Is it worth it?

Hey guys,

Thanks for the honest reply's and advise. Thats what I was looking for, some down to earth opinions. I'm still not sure what I'm gonna do with it yet, been working 12 hour days lately so not a whole lot of time right now, but that will end soon.

If I do decide to move forward with the project I'll keep ya'll posted.

Thanks,
Austin

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: 1969 16' Stuery, Is it worth it?

The old saying 'you get what you pay for' stands for this, however, most used boats this age will be in this condition. I paid a lot more for mine and spent a lot into it, but I know it will outlast me. I have no regrets and will be doing another one very soon. It can be a lot of work but very satisfying when it's completed. There are a couple of ways to do this, one expensive, one a bit cheaper. If you just go and put plywood down and carpet on top you will be doing this every couple of years. Before you make your mind up read some of the rebuilds on here and then decide. Do it right the first time and you won't have to do it again, ever. Well, maybe a bit of paint here and there. Anyway, just my two cents worth.