Not a sucker just a beginer (92 Stratos 20Ft F/S)

[JasonBo]

I am learning so much form the boat that I bought. Like how much that nice family that just needed money for there kids college screwed me. I guarentee my next boat i will be looking at alot more then just the overall picture. Im just glad my transom was ok.
My guess these were not the original cuts by stratos.

These seats were set in holes because the posts were frozen and they didnt want to buy new ones.

these front cusions were just laid on top missing the hinges and wood of any kind

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

I am sorry that someone took advantage of you. I got took on a jet ski one time, and now I really look them over.

 

[SC's Forever!]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Jason..Do NOT feel ALONE!!!!! sooner or later everyone of us "buys a dead horse" so to speak!!!!! I bought a 22' Starcraft Chieftain w/ 150 HP Mercury OB(Straight6)
Owner offered to take me to a nearby waterway for a test run, stating they had been out in the boat the previous weekend........Not wanting to take the time, I declined...after all the guy was a PREACHER!!!!! Towing my prize home, I installed my muffs on the hose and cranked her up.......Was very surprized and relieved when the engine started wit no hesitation and sounded great!!!!! Naturally next weekend we were at one of the local rivers and idled out of the marina, engine purring, smiles
on every face!!!! Passing the idle zone, advanced the throttle and we began to pick up speed, motor purring............Then, all of a sudden, it sounded as if someone had poured a can of marbles in the engine....Loudest noise I've ever heard from an engine!!!! Turned out the main bearings on the crankshaft were shot!!!! I guess the "Preacher" was totally deaf!!!!!
We live and (Hopefully) learn..........so don't let it discourage you!!!!!.....Jim

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Now that sucks!!!! After buying a few boats (and jetskis) I have learned about the water trial. Now if I am buying a boat knowing there is an issue, that is a different story.

 

[Last Mohican]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Hey Jason, Sorry to hear about your experience. You obviously liked something about the boat or you would not have purchased it. Since you are posting in the restoration board, I say fix it and move on. For the most part those look like minor and/or cosmetic issues. You'll have more pride in knowing that you made it right. Like the saying goes: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

 

[rescue1m]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

I agree, i'm about to start on mine and it's in worse shape than yours, so i know what i getting myself into. You wont have to do near as much. Heck ill be lucky to have mine redone in a couple of years

 

[JasonBo]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Well the good thing is there is no water logged hull the transome is in good condition. I had it out 6 times this past summer. The things im finding were hidden from view. The one thing that scares me the most is the electrical since i know they messed with it seeing that all the lights were disconnected. But yes I am going to recondition it well already started. I just think i paid to much but i learned the hard way. At least whoever buys form me wont have that worry.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

After I got into really exploring my boat, I got to thinking I paid too much for it too, but I don't think the seller was trying to mislead me, I think he just had a bad memory about when he did stuff and had just learned to live with a lot of the problems there were and didn't notice them any more. To him it was a great boat!

But as I tore into it more and more and discovered how much stuff I needed to replace, I actually got to enjoying it more. So I agree, put your regrets behind you and make it right and you'll enjoy using it even more once you get it the way you like it, knowing you fixed it up right.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

I am learning so much form the boat that I bought. Like how much that nice family that just needed money for there kids college screwed me. I guarentee my next boat i will be looking at alot more then just the overall picture. Im just glad my transom was ok.
My guess these were not the original cuts by stratos.
cThese seats were set in holes because the posts were frozen and they didnt want to buy new ones.


these front cusions were just laid on top missing the hinges and wood of any kind
]

You didn't get screwed, you're complaining about nothing of consequence.

Try a boat with completely rotted transom deck and stringers, then you'd have a handfull.

 

[Graceliner]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

So you heard about my 88 Bayliner aye Jones? lol restoration in process, one softball size soft spot in the floor. 6 months later and I'm just now getting to upholstery. new stringers (2), new deck, constructing new rear seat boxes and on and on and on... thank god no transom. But it's only a softball size soft spot It can always be worse.

 

[JasonBo]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

I know alot of my problems can and will be worse as I go along. I just think I could have avoided alot of this and I did pay to much for the boat. Now all I want to do is get it done break even and find a better price project.

 

[metalwizard]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

I bought my first boat several months ago.

It was a total pig but I did not know ANYTHING about boats. I have cussed and kicked and throwns some fits. BUT I now know this boat inside and out. and I KNOW what is good and what is not. because I have been through it top to bottom.

I can now put it out on the water with confidence (well almost I am looking for one last part i need)

taking it out on the water would not have helped. I bought mine took it out that weekend. it actually worked really well. I just found that EVERYTHING need something. front to back. nothing bad enough that I felt it was a piece and wanted to dump it.

So remember you got what you got. if you like the boat go through it top to bottom. fix what needs to be fixed, fix the things that are issues to you and after that you should have a boat you really like and can enjoy for years.

I only paid $500 for my boat. I have about $1500 into it now. but It looks like its worth $3000 or more (its a 73) and all my buddies can;t believe it's thae same boat I bought. Now I am even more proud of it than if I just bought a decent boat.

Dumping it and buying another used boat... you never know it might be just as bad.... or even worse.

 

[MBragg]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Well, don't feel too picked on...

An old fellow I know wanted to sell a boat he had sitting out in his yard. I figured he needed the money and, after being overseas for a year and a half, I really needed to go offshore fishing!

Needless to say, I didn't really know what I was getting into (aw, heck! Just a little fiberglass and some stuff... It'll be good as new!).

This was a $600 boat. A 1984 Galaxy 226 Sport Express.

I've been reading a lot on this site and the internet. Great site. Have to say, didn't want to believe what guys were saying about how much it costs to restore an old boat. I was pretty pysched up for it.

I looked closer at things, sat down and made a realistic plan. I just got done looking up the prices and materials needed.

To fix this thing right, I figure it would cost $5000 to $8000 bucks. About $3500 for materials to rebuild the transom, stringers, bulkheads and some other stuff. The rest on engine and drive and such. Total restoration from hull up.

Hate to say they were right - This particular cheap boat ain't exactly so cheap! LMAO Probably should get another boat... but... I still may do it.

Do I want a 22 foot yard ornament or a working boat? Hmmm... (rubbing chin). I am pretty doggone stubborn. I'll have to think on this...

SSG B

 

[jonesg]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Well, don't feel too picked on...

An old fellow I know wanted to sell a boat he had sitting out in his yard. I figured he needed the money and, after being overseas for a year and a half, I really needed to go offshore fishing!

Needless to say, I didn't really know what I was getting into (aw, heck! Just a little fiberglass and some stuff... It'll be good as new!).

This was a $600 boat. A 1984 Galaxy 226 Sport Express.

I've been reading a lot on this site and the internet. Great site. Have to say, didn't want to believe what guys were saying about how much it costs to restore an old boat. I was pretty pysched up for it.

I looked closer at things, sat down and made a realistic plan. I just got done looking up the prices and materials needed.

To fix this thing right, I figure it would cost $5000 to $8000 bucks. About $3500 for materials to rebuild the transom, stringers, bulkheads and some other stuff. The rest on engine and drive and such. Total restoration from hull up.

Hate to say they were right - This particular cheap boat ain't exactly so cheap! LMAO Probably should get another boat... but... I still may do it.

Do I want a 22 foot yard ornament or a working boat? Hmmm... (rubbing chin). I am pretty doggone stubborn. I'll have to think on this...

SSG B

I bet I could get that materials price down around $1500. excluding power.
First forget epoxy and marine ply.

You can very easily pay $5K for a boat and find everything rotted beneath the fancy surface,

I visited a forum member last summer , he'd just paid $4K for a boat and I noticed the transom was shot. I'd expect the stringers to need help too.
Thats when you know you made a mistake. Its like paying twice for the same boat plus 6 months breaking rocks.:redface:

 

[dude11]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

I think boats are like old cars,in a way,if you buy one "completely restored" where's the hobby in it??Plus nobody will ever fix anything as well as you would like.So be anal like most of us and enjoy the pride and workmanship of your own work.Oh yeah,if you wanted a "perfect" boat--you'd bought a new one.

 

[MBragg]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

JonesG,

About the materials cost... Choices based on what I have read on Oops Extension Thread and many others. Breakdown is probably full of many things that are not strictly needed. Also, I purposely over-estimated the amount of cloth needed (Maybe). Going with poly. Most stuff will come from USComposites.

I will start a restoration thread if/when I make decision to plunge. I will post pics and materials/cost breakdown and general plan. Hopefully, y'all will help me fix up my plan and pair down to essentials.

I expect this to take quite a while (physical/medical/monetary limitations are all issues). The upside will be a boat that will be stronger than ever and is seaworthy. I will also learn quite a bit along the way.

My indecision comes down to one thing. I don't really mind wading into the full restore - BUT - is this really the boat I want to do it with? My goal is to have a boat my buddies and I can safely and dependably take 30 miles offshore and fish out of. Will a 22'6" cuddy fit the ticket? Do I need a bigger boat to start with? Like 25' or more?

Fact is, I will enjoy restoring a boat. I cannot afford a newer one. So I WILL be restoring one - just a matter of which one...

SSG B

 

[tomynoks]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Try a boat with completely rotted transom deck and stringers, then you'd have a handfull.

Yeah, I think that's what most of us here did, huh?? lol.. Mine is a '74 Starcraft Chieftain... I laughed when I read that!!! Every bit of wood from the cuddy to the transom had to be replaced.. deck, transom, bulkheads...everything..

 

[jonesg]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Yeah, I think that's what most of us here did, huh?? lol.. Mine is a '74 Starcraft Chieftain... I laughed when I read that!!! Every bit of wood from the cuddy to the transom had to be replaced.. deck, transom, bulkheads...everything..

hah! you've got a tinny though, the only wood is the in the cupholders.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

JonesG,


My indecision comes down to one thing. I don't really mind wading into the full restore - BUT - is this really the boat I want to do it with? My goal is to have a boat my buddies and I can safely and dependably take 30 miles offshore and fish out of. Will a 22'6" cuddy fit the ticket? Do I need a bigger boat to start with? Like 25' or more?

Fact is, I will enjoy restoring a boat. I cannot afford a newer one. So I WILL be restoring one - just a matter of which one...

SSG B

Pick your days and you can go 30miles out.
There isn't much room in the cockpit ,
http://www.usedboatyard.com/usedboat/1986Galaxy_67665.html
3 might be a crowd.

 

[redfury]

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

Re: Im slowly learning that im a sucker

I paid 300 dollars too much for my boat. I'm still working on it 5 years later.

I think the big problem with buying used boats, or really boats in general, is lack of education. I'd bet that the majority of boat owners out there look at a boat in a worse way than they do a car. Short of knowing that they need to take care of the motor every winter ( hopefully ), most people don't think about how they store the boat ( hatches closed, covered tightly with the boat cover after the boat was out on the lake-trapping all that moisture inside ).