Considering buying a '68 Cheetah I/O 17' w/ trailer

[Nabstar]

I love boating and have been surrounded by boats since I was a child. I've been dying to get a boat (for Southern California harbor cruises & small jaunts into open ocean) but have started a new company and cash is a little tight. I have access to a small fabrication shop that could handle the interior work of an older boat ... and have some time for labor or light repair but overall, cash is tight. I'm a designer by trade (know very little about engines) and love the look of the older boats but am nervous that I could be getting into a project that may require lots of cash.

This hull on this boat looks okay but the owner hasn't used it for 4 years. It's been taking up garage space. It's always been covered or garaged and has a 289 Ford v8 engine with a Volvo out-drive on a Vanson trailer. There's no way this guy will bother taking me on a water trial as he's only asking $650. He's the 2nd owner & bought it in '76. Says he's had years & years of fun on the boat and even taken it to Catalina Island a few times .....26 miles across the sea ... as we all know. I also know that I'm only looking at this boat aesthetically .... and not mechanically or structurally.

What do I need to watch out for? I'd love some expertise.

Thank you.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Considering buying a '68 Cheetah I/O 17' w/ trailer

Old, OLD Ford powerplant = run away in my book. You won't find parts for it. No sea trial? You can't even tell what's working right and what isn't. I don't want to sound harsh, but unless you're planning to part out that boat this is a bad, bad choice.

My .02

 

[southkogs]

Re: Considering buying a '68 Cheetah I/O 17' w/ trailer

Too funny - I'm a designer as well (trade show exhibits) and was looking at older boats because I like them better too (like old cars - much better styling). I wound up buying one last year (in my signature) in almost a similar deal as you (and had no clue that OMC I/O's were such bad karma). Went to look her over, and was going to run it on the lake - lo and behold, the drive wouldn't shift into gear ...

Seller decided he wanted it GONE and on the spot said "$500" - hull was solid and in fantastic condition - interior was original and NICE - engine sounded and looked great - outdrive was somewhere between fixable and a viable candidate for a big paperweight. I really liked the boat (total designer "form over function"), and thought except for the shift issue it was solid. I decided that I could afford to risk $500 and see what would happen.

Over the course of the following year, I've had to put in several hours of work replacing bits and pieces (starter, tilt motor, etc) and have had to fix the outdrive. But, I've done almost all of it myself (not that mechanical) and I've got less than $2,000 into the boat. It works great for my family, and I've gotten to kinda' like playing with it in the garage because it's so different (wrench turnin') from what I do on a day-by-day basis.

Remember hull repair/fiberglass work is totally different than mechanical work. If you're looking at having to restore/rebuild the interior, take a spin through a few of the restoration threads and then go price some of the stuff out - in several cases it's probably cheaper to buy a new boat! Mechanical work is a little less crazy (IMHO), but with older systems can be like treasure hunting (and yes, I regularly prowl Craigslist for "donor" boats I can grab parts out of).

You said cash is tight, so a $600 risk might be too much for you. If not, and you're in for a project (and all of the frustration they can bring) - it might be a fun element to boating for you. Kinda' like pinning your kids drawings on the 'fridge - "I did it!" But have expectations of as much time in the garage as on the water ... even if things go reasonably well.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Considering buying a '68 Cheetah I/O 17' w/ trailer

If cash is tight, stay away from OLD I/O's.

Best way to get on the water cheaply with least chance of financial ruin is an outboard-powered aluminum hull.