hmmm... should? shouldnt?

[racemybuick]

This boat may be free to me... Depends on a few things...

I barely know anything about it, and even less about its old motor, but maybe there might be an expert here to help a newB out!


It is a Sountern Fiberglass Products (fla.), Cobia runabout?

Pix attached... It needs seats (owner sold them when getting divorced by accident with another boat... Rails also missing, and interior is stripped... no throttle control, and steering cable is partially broken... motor is apart, for unknown reasons... OLD!!!!


So... SHould I take it? Should I craigslist it? Is it worth building up?

I live local to the largest lake in NJ, Lake Hopatcong, and I am pretty mechanically savvy... What do you think?


Thanks!


p.s... i know the windsheild is upside down, it was soaked with nasty old water sitting in the hull, so it was just placed on top of the bow... it has since been "up-righted" lol

John

 

[racemybuick]

Re: hmmm... should? shouldnt?

just a couple more pix for you!


John

 

[freddyray21]

Re: hmmm... should? shouldnt?

there is no such thing as a free boat. If you are handy and want to fix it up it will cost you. I have done it and have been pleased with the results, but don't ever expect to get your money back out of it.

 

[lowkee]

Re: hmmm... should? shouldnt?

Freddy is right on. I think it would be cheaper to buy a decent boat than revitalize that one. Don't buy a project boat because it is cheap, buy it because you love it and must have it at all costs. The difference is whether you hate it when you finish it or finish it at all.

 

[racemybuick]

Re: hmmm... should? shouldnt?

the only thing I would have to pay for, for this boat, is the repairs... it needs seats, carpet and the motor fixed up, but most of it is there...

as far as costs go, carpet isnt too expensive, the floor is hard with no noticible soft spots, the transom is in one peice with no rot, and the motor is complete and just needs finishing.... Reason i was looking at it for any reason was that it is free, with trailer and a title... For the cost of seats and carpet and some scrubbing, I think it could be a fun little boat for the lake... what do you think?


John

 

[twintrades]

Re: hmmm... should? shouldnt?

Oh heck if its free get it. If all else fails you could sell the trailer and motor.

I sold 3 boats and motors i got for free and bought a 10 , 15 and part of a nicer boat.

Its all how you play the cards.

I say do it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: hmmm... should? shouldnt?

99% it is going to need the deck and transon replace. if you want a vintage boat to cruise in, it is worth the effort. it will be a love project, and you will not get your $$ back selling it.

there were many boat companies in the Sanford area, does not look like a Cobia.

love projects:

 

[5150abf]

Re: hmmm... should? shouldnt?

The key phrase in your post was "sitting in nasty old water in the hull", fiberglass boats don't like water inside the hulls so unless you really enjoy the smell of fiberglass I would pass on this one as the hull undoubtedly needs rebuilt.

Now, if you want to sink the time and money into it this could turn out to be a really nice boat for you, just be sure how deep the hole you are about to jump into is.

 

[jonesg]

Re: hmmm... should? shouldnt?

That transom is shot already, its open to the elements along the top lip and has the black line of death running down it.

Your gonna spend close to $1500 before its all done, now take a look on craigslist with that in mind.

You can get 3 times the boat and have something you actually want to own and can be sold to someone other than an antique dealer.

 

[racemybuick]

Re: hmmm... should? shouldnt?

I knowI will have to replace the transom, even for good measure... the black line of death is actually oil based paint the previous owner spilled and even tried wiping up!!! The boat used to be red on top... The deck will need some re-doing, as it looks like it was done not too long ago, never coated... If I were to take this boat, it would be a labor of love... i want a neat project, and I have never seen a little boat like this on the lake in recent times... I like the look of it, and it looks like it could move pretty quick...

The steering wheel says cobia, and as I was told, has never been changed, original... the name plate says " souther fiberglass products, capacity 4, 40hp max, and a serial number 75XXX... Is there a way to tell what year this is?

if I were to re-do the deck and transom, it would be a first for me... i know it is a lot to explain, and i just started searching the threads today on a resotration, but are there any tips, secrets, hints or any advice on the labor protion to make it as cheap and easy as possible... This wont be an overnight job, and I plan on working on it for the rest of the summer, probably into october!!! but I love the way the boat looks, and I like the vintage era stuff (like all my old engines and stuff), so i thought this would be a neat project... As far as resale... Im not akin to fixing somehting up and selling it quickly... I did that with cars a few times, but I miss all of them more than ever... If I did it with this boat, it will be mine until the day comes with a bigger, better offer that couldnt be refused... We all know how often those come along... My father and I restore antique engines, steam engines, turn of the 19th/20 century stuff, so the motor its self is no issue, but the fiberglass is... i never did that before, and I would love to learn! I dont know what it smells like, but i dont mind long hours, and I like working on impossible problems (currently restoring one of a kind fairmont railway speeder engine)... So... Im up for it... anyone got any good advice for a passionate 28 year old???


John

 

[bustermin]

Re: hmmm... should? shouldnt?

If it were me, i would hold up the Bow Light and drive another boat under it.

 

[blouderback]

Re: hmmm... should? shouldnt?

I'd charge the owner $200 to haul it away.

 

[jakebrake]

Re: hmmm... should? shouldnt?

advice other than reading jonesg's last post?

1. realize, this will not be done any time soon. approach it that way, if not, you will hate every second
2. understand you will never ever see on thin dime of profit for your work.
3. i strongly recommend reading as many books on this subject as you can. this is not a car. it is , for the most part, much different. parts are not as easy to get, and can get pricey in a hurry.
4. realize that marine grade wood is not super easy to get (no, you can't find it at home depot or lowes.
5. if your still foolhardy enough to contemplate such a task, keep us posted, ask questions. by and large, there is a lot of "been there, done that" to be found here.
6. be honest with yourself when you start working on it. none of us want to see anyone using hundred dollar bills in place of mega roll charmin. you'll know if you're in over your head. if so, stop. and think about jonesg's last post long and hard

been here, done this.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: hmmm... should? shouldnt?

I had a very similiar boat and paid the same price for it. Thought long and hard about getting it water ready. I decided to go ahead if the floor was good. Made one cut into the interior fibreglas and got my answer. So' if you need seats, a top, windshield, and a spare 1972 40 hp Evinrude Lark V, I'll give you a real sweet deal.