New to the boating world

[rejd]

Hey all. I am going to be a new boat owner soon (used boat but new to me!) and I have a few questions. I did some searching but the responses were overwhelming and hard to sort through everything. I am going to look at a 1991 vanguard Calais GT with a 90hp (2 stroke) evenrude and take it for a run out on the water on Monday. The owner had the following description. Some tearing in the seats, a soft spot under the driver seat, all gauges do not work and no trim. Engine regularly serviced (has receipts). Asking $2000. I fell this is a great price for the boat as most of the problems are going to be easy fixes. I am very mechanically inclined so I assume if all gauges are not working it is likely just a wiring issue. Also, I beleive the soft spot under the seat is just the plywood floor? Again, this would not be a big deal for me to replace over the winter months. I can get a trim for this boat for about $500-$600 and install it myself. I was also told by a guy at a boat shop that some carb work and a better prop woud give me more power for skiing. Is this true? Any thoughts or concerns from anyone? Anything i should really check out before I buy? there has been a lot of interest in this boat but I am first to go see it.

Thanks in advance

 

[oldjeep]

Re: New to the boating world

a soft spot under the driver seat

This one is not likely to be an easy fix. Rot is bad, no telling how far it goes.

Funny thing is that looking at pictures on the web, they look nearly identical to a Bayliner 180.

 

[scrit9mm]

Re: New to the boating world

Being your first boat I say RUN! But at that price you are going to get what you pay for. One thing to do is really calculate the worst case repair cost, add that to the purchase price and then see if you can get a better condition boat with that money. I went the rebuild route with my first boat and loved every minute of it and the boat gave me 5 years of fairly good use. But I had a lot of time and some spare money, but I couldnt do it again.

Odds are when you rip out that soft spot you will find more rot, then more rot, then foam. To repair you would need to rip out all of the carpet and wood, then re-glass new wood back in, install new carpet, new seats, new wiring or gauges.

As long as you know what's involved and really like that kind of work, the result will far outweigh the work.

 

[rejd]

Re: New to the boating world

Ok, thanks for the response. I will see just how soft it is. I'm not scared about putting some work into. I do a lot of woodworking as well so hopefully it wouldn't be too difficult. I assume the biggest part of that job is stripping everything off the floor to get to it.

I just did a bit more looking online and there some of these boats for sale across the country in the $7000-$9000 range so I'm thinking that the price is right on this one if it runs good.

 

[projo198]

Re: New to the boating world

Replacing decking isn't really too hard, just time consuming. I just did the 2 back corners of my deck. This is where the water sat.

I just sectioned out the rotten wood, spliced in new, fiberglassed over it all and layed the carpet back out. I rushed on the glassing and there are some bumps, so this winter I plan on running a sander over it and laying another few layers of glass so it looks smoother.

 

[rejd]

Re: New to the boating world

As long as you know what's involved and really like that kind of work, the result will far outweigh the work.

That's what I was thinking as well. I love to rebuild stuff and have a well equiped shop that I could do the work in. I also work for myself so the time is not an issue. I am expecting to put at least $2000 into this boat.

 

[emoney]

Re: New to the boating world

Out of pure curiousity, where are these 7-9k boats like this? I googled it, but didn't find much, so I'm assuming this a standard, fiberglass runabout?

It's going to be very difficult because it sounds like you're pretty much sold on this boat, but you need to approach it from an entirely different angle. If that "Craigslist (or whatever goes there)" ad read this way;

Older runabout that's going to need quite a bit of work. You'll need to install a new transom, stringers and decking at least. Motor is 21 years old so expect to spend some money there as well. Trailer will need serious attention before you tow the boat home. All in all, if you start work on it now, you should be able to use it by this time next year."

Are you still as excited. If so, then you've found your boat. If none of that is appealing, you might want to look a little more. The difference, at least around these parts, between a $2000 boat and a $4000 is night and day, and since you're already budgeting the extra 2k, why not spend it up front?

Having said that, tons of rebuild threads here so there is a lot of assistance to be had. And, when you're done, you'll know every square inch of the boat. Just don't go into it "dreamy" and you won't get broken hearted. Welcome to iboats, btw.

 

[rejd]

Re: New to the boating world

Out of pure curiousity, where are these 7-9k boats like this? I googled it, but didn't find much, so I'm assuming this a standard, fiberglass runabout?.

What I found were search results that showed those prices but when I clicked on the link the ads were no longer valid so I am assuming the boats were sold.

Older runabout that's going to need quite a bit of work. You'll need to install a new transom, stringers and decking at least. Motor is 21 years old so expect to spend some money there as well. Trailer will need serious attention before you tow the boat home. All in all, if you start work on it now, you should be able to use it by this time next year."

Are you still as excited. If so, then you've found your boat. If none of that is appealing, you might want to look a little more. The difference, at least around these parts, between a $2000 boat and a $4000 is night and day, and since you're already budgeting the extra 2k, why not spend it up front?

Having said that, tons of rebuild threads here so there is a lot of assistance to be had. And, when you're done, you'll know every square inch of the boat. Just don't go into it "dreamy" and you won't get broken hearted. Welcome to iboats, btw.

That is pretty much what I read into the ad. There isn't much in the $4000 dollar range. They seem to jump from $2k-$3k then $6K plus. As stated above I am expecting some work which doesn't scare me off. The owner is going to tow it to a lake for me on Monday to take it for a spin which is about an hours drive! I am in no way expecting a dream boat!

Thanks all for the responses so far. Much appreciated.

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: New to the boating world

As stated above...Run. Run away and don't look back. lol. Just kidding. If the deck is soft be prepared for a full overhaul. You may have to replace the stingers at perhaps transom. It's best to expect the worse just in case. If the price seems right for you and and your a bit handy then do it. And remember this, it will be worth the work. Very much so. Good luck and welcome to the madness.