Cruisers Bonanza

[077tango]

Good morning, I would appreciate some feedback. I have the opportunity to purchase a 1979 Cruisers Bonanza for next to nothing, <$500. The owner says he purchased to restore, pretty much gutted the interior, removed all seats / hardware and removed the cabin flooring. Also states he did have it on the water last summer before purchasing with no leaks and the motor (1979 Johnson 150) did run. Life got in the way and he wants it gone hence the low price.
I know to check the hull for damage and cracks, inspect the transom best as possible and see if I can get the motor running before purchase. What else do you recommend? My son and I will try to do most the restoration work and this is our first endeavor at this. But for $500 hard to see how I can go wrong!?!?? Appreciate your thoughts....

 

[Maclin]

Welcome Aboard!

Does it come with a trailer?

Did the previous owner buy it intending to restore? Or did they buy it then find out it was rotten?

It will be a lot of expense in $$ and time, with a result at the end that is very much up in the air as to whether or not it will get finished.

If you can ring out the engine and it is all good then you may have some value between that and the trailer if you decide to bail out. If engine is not good compression then it may be an anchor. The trailer may be worth $250 or maybe more depending. Probably not higher than $500. But even if you can unload the trailer for that it can be a hefty expense to get rid of a hull.

In general boats do not become classics just due to their age, like some cars can. They just get older and rougher and worth less and less, and when kept too long the owners have to pay to get rid of them.

 

[garbageguy]

I'm not familiar with what you've got just from it's name, but from your description and age...

I think the answer to your question depends a lot on your situation, outlook, etc. If' you've got the time, money, location, drive, knowledge, etc. you could have a great project to do - especially if your son is into it too.

There exists the possibility that you pay to take some else's garbage - that can be expensive and a real pita.

But you've come to the right place if decide to dig in - lots of great people here that will help you immensely. Got any pics?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Cruiser boats in the 70s were balsa cored. If the core is wet or rotten, you should pass

If the transom and stringers are fubar, expect to spend about 2500 on the hull alone

 

[077tango]

Thanks all, what's the best way to check the core?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Drill into the core and check shavings

 

[077tango]

thanks for all the help, decided to pass on this one