1995 celebirty status 240

[vanvranken]

interested in buying a 1995 celebrity status 240.i noticed when going over boat a couple soft spots in floor.trying to find out if this boat has fiberglass stringers???and if replacing the decking is a tuff job??also any other things I should look for when buying a boat of this age.also how to check if transom has rott??thank you for any help.

 

[Woodonglass]

Welcome to iBoats!
Most MFG's did not go to Composite Stringer systems until 2000. Boats generally rot from the bottom up so if the deck is soft there's a very good possibility that the stringers and transom will be compromised as well. The best way to determine that is to drill core samples but that won't be possible until you own her. The next best method is a Moisture Meter. Not sure if you can rent them or not. Might be worth your while to hire a Surveyor. How much they asking for the boat?

 

[vanvranken]

he is asking $7500,but I got him down too 7000.im sure I can him down anthor 500.the boat is in great shape besides the soft spots.they are where you get in the boat from water and one by the ski locker.is $6500 a good price for this boat????my father bought a 93 glasstron that has composite stringers.he bought it new and told me that was the reason he purchased it.my brother now has the boat and is replacing the decking.been around boats a lot but have no knowlage on buying a used one.thank you for your help

 

[Woodonglass]

Well I know the 19 footers have wood core stringers. One of our members rebuilt one and that's what it had. I think if you have to rebuild the deck, stringers and transom on that boat, $6500 is Double what I'd pay for it. You'll be spending around $3K in restoration costs.

 

[jigngrub]

I agree that price is more than anyone should pay for a boat that needs that kind of work.

I'd say the seller either spiffed it up for a quick sale hoping to find an unsuspecting buyer that wouldn't realize just how much work the boat needs, or the seller is unaware of how much work the boat needs and has greatly overestimated the boats worth.

I'll take 2 to 3k to fix that boat and a lot of man hours, lots of nasty work taking it apart to fix it too.

If you're looking for a project boat, I'd find something cheaper unless the seller is willing to cut the price in half or more. If you're looking for something that just needs a quick fix or is water-ready I'd keep looking.

 

[vanvranken]

I am for sure not looking for a big project boat.also not looking to spend double what boat is worth.i thought something was wrong when boat was on craigs list for so long..do most boats of this age have the same problems??is this common??can someone with alittle know how take on a job like this?or should it be left to someone with experience?

 

[Woodonglass]

Most of the projects on this forum are done by rank amateurs with little or no knowledge of boat restoration when they begin. By the time they finish they could all probably hire out in most marinas!!!! That's a big boat that could have BIG problems. OR It might not. Not being there to See and Inspect it I sure as heck can't give a definitive answer. Like I said, hiring a Marine Surveyor might be worth it if you really like the looks of the boat and want one of this size and style.

 

[mrdjflores]

"Look before you leap"

 

[jigngrub]

I am for sure not looking for a big project boat.also not looking to spend double what boat is worth.i thought something was wrong when boat was on craigs list for so long..do most boats of this age have the same problems??is this common??can someone with alittle know how take on a job like this?or should it be left to someone with experience?

We actually have women and teenagers restoring boats on this forum, so yes... if you're a little mechanically inclined you can restore a boat.

The problems with that boat are very common and found in the majority of used fiberglass boats over 10 yrs. old. If you want to buy a "water ready" used fiberglass boat look for one that has been garage kept it's entire life... and even then there's no guarantee that it won't have rot to some degree.

Since that boat has been on craigslist for a long period of time the owner probably doesn't realize the severity of the issues with that boat and has over valued it in his mind. Or he may have bought it for nearly the same price without knowing of the issues only to find out after he bought it and he's trying to get his money back out of it. The sad thing about it is he'll probably find a first time boat buyer to buy it and that person will get raked over the coals for his inexperience.