Opinions - 1st boat, 1972 Glassmaster for $400

[Joe_the_boatman]

50hp Johnson that doesn't run, but has all new ignition on it. Needs seats. Floor's been repaired in one spot, transom's good. $400 w/ trailer.<br /><br />Is this worth driving 90min to go look at this weekend? Been looking for a boat that's cheap and simple - an old outboard looks like my ticket. <br /><br />Suggestions here? Maybe I could always sell it if I can't get it running.

 

[NMplayer]

Re: Opinions - 1st boat, 1972 Glassmaster for $400

$400 is every bit of what its worth and maybe not that. Old boats without motors aren't worth much.<br /><br />Boat. If they repaired the floor in one spot there is a good chance more of it is bad. Replacing stringers and floors in fiberglass boats is no picnic. The seats may cost another $200-$400 depending on configuration<br /><br />Motor. Figure its shot. Why would you replace the ignition system on an outboard and it still won't run? You could get lucky but I doubt it.<br /><br />Figure that you're gonna have $2000-$3000 in it before you're done and thats only if you do all the work yourself. This can be done, I've done it and many here have done it several times. Is it worth it? You decide.

 

[Joe_the_boatman]

Re: Opinions - 1st boat, 1972 Glassmaster for $400

Well, kinda just wanted someone to talk me out of it I guess. Seemed like it could have potential, and for a couple hundred bucks and a little troubleshooting I could be out at the lake this summer - just got me hopeful.<br /><br />I was hoping it'd just be a gunked carburetor, but that's probably wishful thinking. <br /><br />Anyone think it's possible to get out on the water for less than $1k? Jetski's and sailboats aside - I was hoping it was feasible. May still go look at it.....

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Opinions - 1st boat, 1972 Glassmaster for $400

Hi Joey,<br /> Yes, you can definitely get out for less than a grand. Shop around. Poke around. Have your wife/girlfriend drive while you spy in the backyards, fields, garages. See a boat that looks interesting? Ask if it's for sale. I know lots of folks, myself included, who have been the beneficiary of the free or nearly free boat from folks who simply want the daggone thing out of the yard! <br /> I might not even give up on the one in question. Plan an afternoon drive and take a look. All it'll cost you is gas money and lunch on the road. Might turn out to be a good deal. Might be a learning experience for what you don't want. Worst comes to worst you can part the motor out on eBay and get a good chunk of your money back and turn the boat into a sandbox for the kids or cut it up for a really cool bar in the basement! <br /> Boats are fun. Let it be fun...<br />- Scott

 

[jarata]

Re: Opinions - 1st boat, 1972 Glassmaster for $400

Getting into boating is expensive.Registering,insurance,not to mention fix up of the boat.Every year it seems I put at least 500 dollars into it just to get it ready for the saeson.Plus you have to figure gas to run it.<br />Not a cheap mans hobby

 

[Solittle]

Re: Opinions - 1st boat, 1972 Glassmaster for $400

If you go bring along a few tools. Check compression, pull the plugs for a look see and check the gearcase for water. That should identify any major potential problems.

 

[Joe_the_boatman]

Re: Opinions - 1st boat, 1972 Glassmaster for $400

Thanks for the replies. I'm finding more and more "deals" lately, so may or may not make a move on this one. From the ad, it's got a new battery, gas tank, fuel line, rebuilt starter, new coils, and new ignition modulator (whatever that is).<br /><br />A 50hp, assuming it's set up correctly, would take this boat around 30-35mph, wouldn't it? <br /><br />Here's some pictures (hey, we all like pictures right?)<br /><br />

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[Bondo]

Re: Opinions - 1st boat, 1972 Glassmaster for $400

I've got a motor Just Like That 1............<br /><br />Paid $500.00 for it,..... New Powerhead......<br /><br />Knowing Absolutely Nothing about it,... I grabbed my manual,+ Tried to Lite it Up,.........<br />After a day or 2 of farting around,.... I walked away from it....<br />Later a fellow wanted the Whole Project,+ I figured I didn't have the Time, or the Need for it,.... So I let it go,.. Cheap......<br /><br />A few weeks later,.... He brought the motor back,+ I gave him a refund,......<br />After bringing it to several Techs,.... The Best Guess was it would take $700.00PLUS to make it Run............Something about it being an Electric Shift.......<br /><br />Ayuh,....... Now it's Parts...... Hopefully,.. Someday Someone is going to be Needing some of those Parts..........Maybe I'll get atleast Some of that $500. Back........... <br /><br />I Agree,........ A Running Boat IS worth,.. Something........<br />But,....<br />A Dead Horse,...... Is Worthless.............

 

[john king]

Re: Opinions - 1st boat, 1972 Glassmaster for $400

I bought a small 16 ft (1977) that was a mess( no motor), cleaned it all up and painted it, a guy gave me another boat to get rid of it, I striped it of every thing that was good and scraped the boat in the dump. Put motor the (70 hp evinrude) on first boat, got every thing up and running. I got about $600. in it. Run it all last summer, had a great time.<br /> This winter i got a good deal on a bass boat that was in better shape but had not run in several years, I found another boat ($50.) and <br />scraped it out for parts. Been out fishing three times on it this year. I would put a pic on here if I could figure out how.

 

[Joe_the_boatman]

Re: Opinions - 1st boat, 1972 Glassmaster for $400

I use http://imageshack.us . You don't need an account or anything, just upload a picture and it gives you the link to it. Paste the link in the post using the "IMAGE" button, in the "full reply" window.

 

[john king]

Re: Opinions - 1st boat, 1972 Glassmaster for $400

I would add if you don't want to do the work on it your self don't buy any old boat. One trip to a dealer to get something fixed on these old motors could cost you 1K. I love working on them.

 

[john king]

Re: Opinions - 1st boat, 1972 Glassmaster for $400

 

[Mark42]

Re: Opinions - 1st boat, 1972 Glassmaster for $400

Originally posted by joeyplumley:<br /> <br />A 50hp, assuming it's set up correctly, would take this boat around 30-35mph, wouldn't it? <br /><br />

Figure 30mph. I think 35 is wishful thinking.