Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

[Alex_C]

Seller is asking $2600, not $1600 I believe. According to him it needs a new manifold/elbow and the fuel tank needs cleaning. Hull looks in very good shape from the pictures but I fear like all boats of this vintage that the transom and stringers will need attention. Unfortunately I am a few hundred miles away, so taking a quick look isn't really an option. The motor apparently runs well but it looks pretty rough, with corrosion on the alternator and other aluminum parts. Outdrive apparently shifts and tilts, but without seeing it run in water, it might need some more attention. I have already built a riveted aluminum boat from nothing but the skin of the hull, so I am confident with that, but I/O's scare me. Especially old rusty ones!

I live close to the ocean, and my 14' tinny is truly only good in fair weather. I have been caught in some pretty nasty chop and it's not really fun. Also would like a cuddy so the GF can take naps and stay out of the weather. Aluminum hulls aren't as good in the rough stuff, but for their simplicity and longevity, it's a compromise I am willing to make.

Here is the link. Wondering if it's worth my time and money once it's done, or if there are better deals out there. Since I already have a boat, I'm not in a rush to buy unless it's a great deal that won't require a complete overhaul/restoration.

Here is the link.
Starcraft Islander 18 footer

 

[Alex_C]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

There is also this one, but outboards missing stickers scare me (lack of maintenance or...?) and that goop all over the splash well looks pretty sketchy, even if it is 5200. Cost is a lot higher but should be cheaper to run if that Honda doesn't need more than just gas and basic maintenance.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/boa/4374199004.html

 

[Alex_C]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

One more. Price is better but the 2 stroke will be worse on gas. Those V4 Johnson/Rudes seem pretty bulletproof as there are tons of them still running and they are simple to work on. Bigger size is beneficial, but the ad lacks pics.
21' Starcraft aluminum boat with 140 h.p. Johnson

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

Of the 3, my vote would be the 21' ON with the bracket. 21' Starcrafts are much roomier then 18' ones, especially the 18' Starchiefs that you listed. The cuddy takes up a ton of your limited space. My thoughts on each:
1, I highly doubt that the Volvo was original, I never heard of a late 60'- early 70's having one. There is some visible corrosion on the engine itself. I'm more of an outboard fan myself, should the engine have issues it's a quick and simple task to pull it off and replace with whatever you want.

2. It's overpriced even with the newer Honda OB. But the full cover is nice if you think you would use it.

3. The 21' will be very nice and roomy, and with the engine on a bracket you gain even more space. I have a 1985 140hp Evinrude on my 18' Starcraft and found it to be very fuel efficient. I will burn 10 gallons in about 3.5 hrs of tubing a cruising close to full speed. Those figures are approximate as I have a large tank and can gauge it exactly. But that's about as much fuel as my 40 hp went through on my 15' doing the same activities (7-8 gallons per 3.5hrs).

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

My vote is for the third one too. That 140 is a prop rated HP motor and yes, fairly bulletproof. I am partial to the V-4 motors

 

[laurentide]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

​

Another vote for the real "islander," the third one. I'm repeating what '73Chieftain has already said, but the first two are 18' Chieftains, and will feel a lot smaller than the 21. The second one looks really nice, especially with a Honda 4 stroke and full canvas, but over 6K is way overpriced IMO. The 5200 there should be OK, as that's just the joint where the splaswell meets the transom wood. The Islander with an offshore bracket is also the best setup for cockpit space that exists. Good luck.

EDIT: Look very closely for galvanic corrosion on any boat used in saltwater.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

Door #3. Corrosion is going to be the biggest concern in all three since they seem to have saltwater use, #2 & #3 for sure based on the ads.

#1 sounds like a running project. A leak fix in the motor here, a tank clean out there and before you know it - A full gut job.

#2's liberal use of transom goop would concern me. Cracked splashwells are very often are caused by mulchy transoms. You can't tell from the single pic, but still would have to be checked closely. Also asking top $$$$.

On #3 - A lot of pluses here. Bigger, good sized OB, bracket for more room inside and galvanized trailer. And it caught over a 100 salmon and 60-80 crabs last year - Next time I'm buying a boat with a proven fish catching track record because I'm tired of being skunked. Why do sellers put stuff like that in ads?

Good luck in your search, Alex.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

All of those have positives/negatives but of those three I'd also be voting for the Islander for the simple size advantage over the other two. Happy hunting!:joyous:

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

Well.....it certainly appears by the votes above that the Islander Boat #3 is the clear winner. We will expect you to make an offer, haggle with the guy, buy the boat AND post pictures of the new boat by let's say.......... Monday by close of business

Good Luck!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

Well.....it certainly appears by the votes above that the Islander Boat #3 is the clear winner. We will expect you to make an offer, haggle with the guy, buy the boat AND post pictures of the new boat by let's say.......... Monday by close of business

Good Luck!

Monday? It's still early Saturday West Coast time. And you can't wait on CL ads - They get sold right before you get there. Gotta be fast!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

yep ^^^^

go go gadget :watermelon:

It may be too late to vote, but #3 gets my vote too.

 

[old islander]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

You may as well pick up all three of them. Hanging around here is going to lead to MBS anyway. Welcome to the sickness my friend.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

^^^^ Truer words have never passed the lips.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

Having had a couple of cuddy's, I suggest the 3rd one the 21 footer. Cuddy's seem to get smaller once you start to use them, an 18 footer to me is not practical. Besides, if you're in choppy water you'll want, or need a bit more boat around you.

My favorite boat was my 1979 - 24' SeaRay cuddy with a 260 HP Mercruiser. I had it in dry storage, but when the engine went I couldn't afford to replace it at the time, so I sold it. Have fun going thru the hatch, & standing on the front deck trying to drop, or retrieve the anchor,,,lol

 

[Alex_C]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

Well folks, I have been back and forth on the idea of getting an Islander, and I hate to say it, but I think my next boat will be an ocean boat, and a plastic one at that. Unfortunately none of these boats listed will fill the tiny remaining pocket of dwindling driveway space I can claim as my own. We get some pretty inclement weather up there in the PNW, and I am a 4 season fisherman, so I am looking for something a bit better handling in the slop. There are a lot of very well constructed, sea worthy boats up here - Glasply, Hourston, Double Eagle, Arima, Olympic, Sea Ray, Campion, Fiberform etc. The challenge will be finding one with a sound motor, no rot and a good maintenance record for under $5000.

This has me smacking my chops, but still haven't decided if I am ready to pull the trigger on what will undoubtedly become yet another money/time pit. 22' Glasply hard top

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

Holy moly! This thread went from a cool metal boat scout trip to a nasty glasser purchace quick!uke:

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

That appears to be a boat from the late 1970's. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!! Many of them have had wet transoms and that one is okay with the 6 cylinder but the majority had a V8. If it is a 70's or even 80's vintage you are looking at a $3K package and the owner has added nice stuff but the return on the add on investment is less than 25%.

That is allot of boat and I will bet there is wet wood in there. Glasply has beet out of business just about 30 yrs. I would STRONGLY suggest a Marine Survey if you are really considering that boat.

When was the brake fluid changed on the trailer? When were the brakes serviced? How are the tires? That is a heavy boat and I would get a survey!

So Washington State has leaves on the trees? I wonder when those pictures were taken.

Yes, I see a potential money pit.

 

[Alex_C]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

That appears to be a boat from the late 1970's. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!! Many of them have had wet transoms and that one is okay with the 6 cylinder but the majority had a V8. If it is a 70's or even 80's vintage you are looking at a $3K package and the owner has added nice stuff but the return on the add on investment is less than 25%.

That is allot of boat and I will bet there is wet wood in there. Glasply has beet out of business just about 30 yrs. I would STRONGLY suggest a Marine Survey if you are really considering that boat.

When was the brake fluid changed on the trailer? When were the brakes serviced? How are the tires? That is a heavy boat and I would get a survey!

So Washington State has leaves on the trees? I wonder when those pictures were taken.

Yes, I see a potential money pit.

While I appreciate the advice, I have done plenty of homework, and survey is definitely going to be a part of the next purchase. I have already gutted and replaced a transom on my current boat, so I have learned that lesson already. Granted, I spent about 1/4 of what that seller is asking, so it wasn't such a big deal.

Looks to be about a early to mid 70's boat with 1100 original hours on it . If it was maintained then it could be possible that the wood isn't shot. Either way, I am not sure what the company being out of business for 30 years has to do with the current condition of the boat. Appreciate the feedback though guys, I will look for a Cuddy in the 20' range and see if I can manage to find something with an outboard, since those are my preference.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

While I appreciate the advice, I have done plenty of homework, and survey is definitely going to be a part of the next purchase. I have already gutted and replaced a transom on my current boat, so I have learned that lesson already. Granted, I spent about 1/4 of what that seller is asking, so it wasn't such a big deal.

Looks to be about a early to mid 70's boat with 1100 original hours on it . If it was maintained then it could be possible that the wood isn't shot. Either way, I am not sure what the company being out of business for 30 years has to do with the current condition of the boat. Appreciate the feedback though guys, I will look for a Cuddy in the 20' range and see if I can manage to find something with an outboard, since those are my preference.

You will do very good with planning on the survey. Offer the seller a deal and see how confident he/she is. Ask them to split the survey cost .......... that usually weeds out "suspect seller's".

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Looking at this 18' Islander, need advice.

Either way, I am not sure what the company being out of business for 30 years has to do with the current condition of the boat.

If I was interested in 2 boats that were nearly identical, the same age, and in the same questionable condition, I'd pay a small premium for a boat made by a company that was still in business.

Even if that means it's a late 70's thru 80's Bayliner, which are often marked as less likely to survive intact & in great shape after 20yrs.