old Robalo

[mattw21]

Is there such thing as buying a boat that is too old? I recently looke at 1976 Robalo 20 ft. center console driven by a 1994 Mercury Blackmax. Everything looked to be in good shape, should the age of the hull be a concern?

 

[fishthebay]

Re: old Robalo

I have a 1973 Proline that's hull is like new. Old boats are fine.<br /><br />Things to look for are soft spots in the floor and make sure all the electronics work correctly.<br /><br />Also be sure to check out the trailer. Bearings, tires, axle. Look for signs of rust. Ride in the car with him when he takes the boat to the ramp for a test run. Listen to noises from the trailer. Also, when the car stops at the ramp, go over to the boat and put your hand on the trailer hubs. Make sure the bearings are not scorching hot. Warm to the touch is OK, but hot would mean damage internally.<br /><br />Also look for stress cracks in the hull, chipping paint etc...<br /><br />Stress cracks (Spider Cracks) are somewhat normal, but could signify a hull that is giving.<br /><br />That rig should run about $4-$5K Max. I am basing that on more the engine than the boat. The boat is probably worth about $1000-$1200<br /><br />Hope this helps.

 

[Franki]

Re: old Robalo

Dont' know the boat cos of being in Australia, but if it was me and its a fiberglass boat??.. take the fishfinder transducer on the transom off and check if it was calked.. ditto with anything else mounted on the back that you can get off with a screwdriver, see if there is moisture behind it..<br /><br />if you have a wet inner transom, you can join the rest of us with working out ways to replace the wood in it.<br /><br />regards<br /><br />Frank

 

[DJ]

Re: old Robalo

Matt,<br /><br />About the only enemies of a fiberglass hull are: wood rot (if it has any wood) and sun. Otherwise, if it looks good and feels solid-go for it.<br /><br />Do the usual checks on the engine: compression (within 10% of each other) and lower unit fluid.

 

[Searenity]

Re: old Robalo

Last July I bout a 1972 Robalo/ with a 1986 150 black max. paid 3500 including the trailer. I love the boat. But it turned out to have a blown head gasket, which I repaired my self. This season I am hoping for the best.Get a good Mercury manual for your engine and if u run into problems check back here, these guys are great.Also maybe we can compare notes as we go along. Good luck