Boston Whaler I/O

[Btg83]

I have an 18 ft. 1983 Boston Whaler GTX I/O that Im trying to get a feel for its value. I cant find much online and I don't know much about I/Os nor do I have the money to do it right now need to get rid of 2 boats. Its has a Mericruiser 488 rated HP is 188. When I first got it I couldn't even find a pic online of another one. It needs a little work. The previous owner has never put it in the water or started it. They wanted to but never found the time etc. They said the owner before them said it just needed a battery. When I got it I was told it needed a battery and the owner had the carb out to have rebuilt, a 4 barrel Rochester, which I have. Its needs some hoses and some tlc from what I see but again I don't know much about sterndrives. If anyone had any input I greatly appreciate it

 

[Scott Danforth]

the 488 subtracts from value. especially if its been sitting with a bad head gasket or coolant in the oil (common problems)

however its value is based on condition condition condition location and condition

if the hull suffers from wet foam like many old whalers do, then its worth nothing. if the hull is pristine, and I mean pristine (not rose-colored glasses version of it), I mean no spider cracks, no hull breaches, well maintained, see your reflection in the gloss pristine....... estimate $1000-$3000

the motor and drive in good condition about $500-$1000 usd. much more if you part it out. if the motor has been sitting with a bad head gasket or coolant in the oil from the cam seal, about $100-300 for the drive, about $150 for the heat exchanger if its the updated HX

the trailer under the boat may be worth $400-$1000.

without pictures, a status on its condition or location....... its just guessing.

 

[racerone]

Run away from that 488 unit.

 

[mr 88]

www.continuouswave.com or Everything Boston Whaler on Facebook are probably your best two sources for your BW questions.

 

[Btg83]

thank you so much for your input everyone. There are spider cracks inside. I’ll see what I can do as far as parting out. Thank you again

 

[mr 88]

Wouldn't worry about the spider cracks , in most , if not in all cases , they are cosmetic on a BW. Pretty much all fiberglass boats in the age group will have some spider cracks . I also would sell it complete ,not part it out. The engine MAY be good and if updated and properly maintained will last a long time .