Is a old boat worth restoring?

S

scufumup

Cadet
Joined
Apr 18, 2007
Messages
9
Hello, I am a cherry when it comes to boats and boating. just last year i bought a 1990 cobra fish and ski. It is 18 foot by 8 foot. The design of my boat is perfect for Me and my family and would like to dump money into it. I have been reading about other newer boats and often read about how great their new design is or how light they are. This makes me wonder if restoring my boat would get me the result i want or if just selling it to buy a new boat would be better. I would like to have my boat repainted. I would also like to restore carpet,seats,wiring, throtle, stereo, and gages. Down the road i would like to change the sugested 1991 Force 150HP out for a newer engine that would skip me across the water a little faster. I know that i will be putting alot of money into over time and that i could by a newer boat for a little more than what i will end up putting into mine. What i'm confused about is if i do upgrade my boat with engine will it be reckless? I plan on doing the cosmetics before i buy an engine. Will this be worth my time? Is all the hoop la about wonderfull new designs just that? Is my boat just as well made as some of these newer boats? can i put a bigger engine on than is recomended for the boat? Is having my boat re gel coated and doing the other cosmetics worth it? I plan on staying at around $4000 for the restore of the cosmetics, most of which i will do myself. As far as what engine i will get, well i have alot of time during my restore phase to deside what one i will go with. I would really apreciate any opinions you all have for my questions.
Thank
Scott
 
Mark42

Mark42

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Re: Is a old boat worth restoring?

Generally speaking, it is more economical to sell your boat and buy one that has the features and design you want. A one or two year old boat takes a big depreciation hit, and you get a great deal.

Only spend money restoring a boat if you plan on keeping it, because you will not get your investment back if you have to sell it next year.

Also, if you are not good at fabrication and using power tools, don't attempt to restore a boat.

Just my 2 cents.
 
Frank Acampora

Frank Acampora

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Re: Is a old boat worth restoring?

If you are looking to restore it and make money, then don't do it. If you really like the boat and don't mind putting the work into it, then do it. There are plenty of threads here about installing carpets, repainting, re-wireing, gelcoat repair, and fiberglass repair. Read a few and see what you would be getting into, then decide. Restoring is never reckless, but it is expensive: you never get out the money you put into the boat. And as one other forum member states: BOAT --Bust Out Another Thousand
 
S

scufumup

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Apr 18, 2007
Messages
9
Re: Is a old boat worth restoring?

Mark42
I am very good at mechanical things. Painting on the other hand i have never done! My plan would be to restore and keep the boat for a good long while. But my issue would be is wondering if these newer boats are really made so much better and lighter than mine. Would they handle better? Could i put a faster engine on mine? Is $4000 even in the ball park for having the gel coat done and the other cosmetics i talk about?
Thanks for writing
Scott
 
Mark42

Mark42

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Re: Is a old boat worth restoring?

If you really like the boat, then go ahead. One advantage to restoring is you get exactly what you want.

I know, I did it.
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

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Re: Is a old boat worth restoring?

The problem is that for a boat the size of yours the majority of the value is in your engine. If you had said you had an old boat with a great engine (or an engine you wanted but needed a little work) but the boat needed some cosmetics I would have said go for it. But since you want to upgrade the engine as well I would recommend you try to find a boat/engine combination that would better fit your needs rather than dumping money into your current set-up.
 
S

scufumup

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Re: Is a old boat worth restoring?

EZmobee
Well to tell you the truth i really dont know how good my engine is. Its a force 150. From being a young boy and my father sticking in my head that evenrude was the best i just thought a new engine would be the cerry on top when i got done... It runs great and i even thought about a rebuild of it. but just getting into this boating thing because of my new family i dont really know what engines are good and which one were not... I planned on doing all cosmetics now and buying an engine when this one just pooped out. It's not about making money i have had many hobbies that have included restoring old 4 wheelers or 4x4's but with a family and my income i have to find something to restore that they can enjoy also. I know that putting $30,000 into it would be stupid. but if i was to have a finished product in about 3 or 4 years and i had spent $12000 total i would be happy. If my boat didnt sink. the more i read in this forum the more scared i get about having some underlying problem that i dont have the skills to see. I would hope that taking it in to get the paint done would get me an experts opinion on the shape of my hull(i hope). I have been looking at engine prices and it looks as if i could get a good one for about $8000 to $10000. would that be a smart buy or would a engine overhall give me the few extra horses i would want.. I'm not looking at speeding accross the waters at 90mph but i am a man so maybe 60 or 65mph would be nice. Just to be that guy that can out run most of the boats hahaha...
thanks for the reply
Scott
 
S

Solittle

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7,518
Re: Is a old boat worth restoring?

Scott - Run with what you have for this season. By the time it is over you will have a much better idea of what you want to put into it.

Post some pictures if you want more input.
 
jmoorepghpa

jmoorepghpa

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 17, 2006
Messages
114
Re: Is a old boat worth restoring?

Yeah... cut your teeth for a season on it the way it is. If it works and its safe get out there and start boating. It may not be the prettiest thing on the water but you will be on the water which is what we all want. If you are new to this you are probably going to put a couple scratches and dings in it anyway so go get that all over with now. Learn how to get moored up at the dock and get the thing on and off the trailer before you get the hull all refinished. At the end of the season you will be familiar with your boat on the water not just looking at it on the trailer. You will see a lot of other boats out there (probably ride in a few) and talk to a lot of owners. That's when you can make a good decision about what to do. You even may decide boating just isn't your cup of tea (God forbid!), sell the thing to buy a hang-glider or a snowmobile or build a giant catapult or something.
 
S

scufumup

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Apr 18, 2007
Messages
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Re: Is a old boat worth restoring?

OK maybe i have not spoken the correct terms. I am cherry at owning my very own boat! I have on the other hand been around boats my hole life. I have been boating, water skiing, FISHING, wake boarding, tubing, Etc>. I started driving boats when i was close to 5. And I learned on a Boat alot like Mark42's boat. I will get my wife to post some pictures on here. I wish i could but I am sitting over the big pond just dreaming of what i will do with my boat when i get home. You all have given very good advice. But it is advice that is meant for a real cherry.... I know i will lose money. I have rebuilded many things to my taste. But i keep them a long time when i do so i get my moneys worth. I wont jump into this right away, I'm asking questions now to know for the future. I Will right specific questions that i need opinions on.What i'm confused about is if i do upgrade my boat with engine will it be reckless? I plan on doing the cosmetics before i buy an engine. Will this be worth my time? Is all the hoop la about wonderfull new designs just that? Is my boat just as well made as some of these newer boats? can i put a bigger engine on than is recomended for the boat? Is having my boat re gel coated and doing the other cosmetics worth it?is my force 150 a good engine to build up.is $4000 a good budget for complete cosmetics overhaul(providing i dont find any extreme damage to the boat). Any one who has put this kinda effort into a boat could you show pictures and tell me what you spent fixing it up! I guess what i'm saying is if when all is said and done and i have $15000 into this boat, it looks sharp, steers good, wont sink, and skips accross the water at a lucky 65, I would be a very happy man!
 
tashasdaddy

tashasdaddy

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51,019
Re: Is a old boat worth restoring?

1st question is, is it a "cobia" or a "cobra". i do restores as a hobby, and never made a cent at it. if you like the lay out of the boat, and want to upgrade things , go for it. i know COBIA made a fantastic, fish n ski. there good boats, i had 3. since 1969. all of mine have had 115 Johnsons. I can see 50mph in them, but 65 is really pushing the design. also, putting a larger engine on the boat, puts you and very bad liability situation. if and incident occured, and property was damaged, or a person injured, including yourself or kids, insurance would fight you to the end. Lawyers, love to sue on overpowered boats, also could put you in trouble with 'child protective services' taking the kids into an known unsafe boat.

that being said, you need to do the basic checks on your boat, when you get home. sounding the transom, soft spots in the floor, have it weighted at a scale, to see if it's holding water in the foam.

we're here to help you along the way.

thanks for serving our country. i'm a disabled viet nam vet.
 
ezmobee

ezmobee

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Mar 26, 2007
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23,767
Re: Is a old boat worth restoring?

Alright scfump, I'm gonna need pictures now if I'm to change my opinion :) I do not think your Force is a good engine to "build up". Force's are pretty low on the outboard totem pole and parts are becoming tougher to find. Plus for the kind of money you're talking about spending you can buy A LOT of used boat. But hey, if your looking for a fun project go for it. I loved redoing my boat and would love to do another.
 
S

scufumup

Cadet
Joined
Apr 18, 2007
Messages
9
Re: Is a old boat worth restoring?

tashasdaddy
Thanks for the good advice. It is a cobra. The company went out or buisness back in 1993 when bayliner bought them out. what i really like about the boat is the size and the center counsle. I think it is suposed to weigh right around 2000 pounds. is that averge weight for a boat 18 foot boat. if i was to get a new engine would i get a 150 to push accross the water at say 60ish...(with out mods)... you gave some good advise and thank you sir for paving the path that soldiers walk proud for today...
thanks
Scott
 
S

scufumup

Cadet
Joined
Apr 18, 2007
Messages
9
Re: Is a old boat worth restoring?

EZmobee i will get pictures soon! the price i'm talking about includes the boat that i paid 3000 for.... and like i said i have refabbed many things i know to expect the worse and hope for the best. So when i start i usually think to my self what would i be happy spending on a great boat that will fit my needs and my family needs. and be everything i want... i'll try and get those pics real soon...
thanks
Scott
 
T

threedeesmax

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 15, 2005
Messages
110
Re: Is a old boat worth restoring?

Hey Scott, you're already ahead in an important area; you like your boat's design and appearance.

Regarding installing an outboard motor that exceeds the manufacturer's guidelines would be 1) irresponsible, 2) unsafe, and 3) illegal. Don't do it. Better to service your existing motor and tuning it/having it tuned for you so that it is in top operating condition. Bigger is sometimes not better.

Regarding new boats being so much faster than older boats; maybe they're a little faster, but it's probably mostly marketing hype.

Regarding whether new boats are made better than old boats; NO in most cases - more marketing hype. Read some of the reports turned in by marine surveyors about the damage done to many boats from hurricane Katrina. On many, the material that backs the gelcoat is more like body putty than strong fiberglass, and it can easily crack, disintegrate, and otherwise fail when put under a very heavy load or when given a good hard strike. The hulls on many fiberglass boats from the late 1950s and the 1960s are much stronger than the hulls of many new boats, even after almost fifty years.

Regarding whether it's worth it to re-gelcoat your boat; check around at local boat shops who do gelcoating and get quotes for your specific boat. Then it's up to you alone to decide whether it's worth re-gelcoating or just prepping and painting the hull. Gelcoat is best, in my opinion, but you may find out that you would prefer painting it and then spending the money money you save on more boat refurbishing.

Don't worry about being the fastest boat on the lake. If you have the fastest boat, you'll also have the steepest repair and maintenance bills. If you want a really fast boat, get a second used boat that was designed for racing and use your Cobra for fun with your family. You might want to rebuild an old single-person hydro and take your life in your own hands when you crack the throttle fully open. That would be fun...

Restoring a boat is fun, and chances are that you will be so proud and satisfied after refurbing your Cobra that you wouldn't trade it for a new one.

Happy boating, and watch your six, buddy. I have a nephew over there with you. You guys are my heroes. Godspeed, and keep your rifle clean.
 
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