Advise please?!?!

[MsXTina]

I recently came across an abandoned boat that I claimed as my own. The interior is stripped of everything, seats are gone, same with all the railings and that, the streering wheel is there but nothing else. So far all I've done is clean it out and touch up the outside from weathering with some Heavy Duty Rubbing Compound (which worked pretty good!).

I'd like to put in new carpeting or some type of astro turf, install 2 or 3 pedestal seats and re-cushion the front seats (horseshoe shaped). I'd also like to try and reconnect a motor to all the neccesary steering equipment (I just don't know whats all needed).

Can someone help?!?!?!

http://s329.photobucket.com/albums/l390/MsXtina1985/My Boat/

 

[TheWoodCrafter]

Re: Advise please?!?!

There are lots of photo hosting site on the web.
Photobucket.com is a good one.
Post there then add a link in your next post.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Advise please?!?!

Just a few words of caution about abandoned boats.

First, you don't have a title. If you dump a lot of money into the boat, then the guy with the title comes along, he can just walk off with it. Because it IS HIS BOAT!

Second, abandoned boats are usually abandoned for a good reason. Especially if it was stripped. That means the previous owner had a good idea of what is worth something and what is not. And they decided the hardware is worth more than the hull. That should tell you something. My guess is there is a serious structural problem with the boat. Either stress cracking or basic rot in the stringers and transom. So be prepaired for major problems with the boat.

If after checking it out well, and you decide to spend money on this boat, first thing is to go apply for a title. If you can't get one, you need to abandon it too.

Free boats are not hard to come by. People giving them away usually have a title and just need the old boat out of the yard. Keep an eye out for old boats in yards that look like they havent moved in a long time. Stop and inquire if they are interested in having the boat removed for free or offer a low price to buy and remove it, especially if its on a trailer with motor.

Another good place to look for free boats is Craigslist.com just brows in your area, you should find a few. Also the local town papers are a great source of used cheap boats.

You will be hundreds of dollars ahead of the game over trying to get a stripped aboandoned hull up and running again.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Advise please?!?!

Ditto the craigslist. I have found about five free boats in the few months that I was looking to buy mine. If not free, some were downright cheap considering the trailer, motor or hull that seemed to be worth the price of the whole rig.
In most states you have to jump thru a lot of hoops to apply for a lost or missing title. And as has been said, the real owner could come along at any time and claim his boat.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Advise please?!?!

agree with above, get clear title first. i have been trying to buy a 1955 immaculate Chris Craft for a year, but can't get clear title.

 

[MsXTina]

Re: Advise please?!?!

Thanks (TheWoodCrafter)!! Well here she is, I posted a link on my original post. When the boat was left I called the DNR and gave them the registration number and they gave me the owners information so I tried to get in contact with him and had no luck. The lady at the DNR said it was a 15 ft. boat and that it didn't require a title, just registration. She said I'd be able to just re-register it to my name. I am going to call the DNR again tomorrow and ask them if they have any other information on the boat, I know nothing else about it.

 

[TheWoodCrafter]

Re: Advise please?!?!

That looks like a great find.
It's not stripped too bad, still has the windshield and helm.
Looks pretty clean.
How's the deck? Any give when you walk on it?
Did you check the transom?

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Advise please?!?!

That looks pretty sweet. As Woodcrafter noted, check the deck and transom for soundness. You can use a drill and small bit to bore some holes here and there on the deck and transom...if the shavings that come out are wet and soggy, it has had water intrusion and rot may have set in. There are lots of posts in this forum that will give you an idea what's involved with a restoration. There should be a square pit in the rear of the boat, lower than the deck, where water will collect. Clean that out and check for a plug in either side of the bilge pit. If you find one, pull the plug and then raise the nose of the trailer as high as you can...then watch for water in the bilge. If there's water trapped under the deck it will run to the back and collect in the bilge. If no water appears, you are one lucky pup. Good luck with your found trihull...they are nice stable boats for lots of uses.