Questions about restoring a boat

[MikeBobo]

Hey Guys, I'm new to this website and I did some reading about others who have restored their boats and you guys seem really helpful. I've never owned a boat before, but I have rented many boats with my family on the holidays. My business partner and I bought a 19' 1989 bayliner 1902 cuddy cabin last week and needs work. It has a soft spot right in the middle of the deck next to the captain seat. The boat looks like it wasn't maintained at all, the carpet on the inside of the cabin has a water line about 6 inches high. The boat has been sitting out in the sun for the past 3 days drying. Now from what I've been reading, my understanding is that the stringers underneath the deck are most likely rotten and need to be changed. I've read that it will save you money if you repair it yourself. Now, I love doing things like taking something and totally bringing it back to life. I've read that it will cost about $2,500 to have someone do the work, or I can do it myself and it'll cost me a whole lot cheaper, I'm guessing about $500. I'm wondering what is the most that this project can cost me? I got a great deal on the boat and we don't plan on selling it. Any tips would help.

I appreciate it guys! Thank You!!!

Mike

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Questions about restoring a boat

The most it could cost you is probably in the neighborhood of $1500 if you need transom, stringers, and deck, and you repair them with biaxial fabric and epoxy, then re-cover the deck with vinyl or carpet. This is assuming you don't repeatedly make mistakes that waste large amounts of material, of course.


FYI, the book value on a functional, ready for the water 1989 1902 cuddy like that is about $2335 assuming it came with a trailer and neither one needed repairs (although dings and wear are allowed) per the NADA.com web site.

If it needed a full gut and restore as you suspect I wouldn't have paid more than $500 for it with the trailer, assuming the engine is in good shape for its age.

I'm guessing this is an I/O boat.

I suggest you run a compression test on the engine then make sure it runs (good starter, battery, alternator, fuel pump) before you spend money on the rebuild of the interior. If the engine was soaked in water as you suspect it could need replacement, which would cost upwards of $2000.

Check or get a dealer to check the outdrive, including the gimbal, U-joints, drive lube, and bellows. Needing a new drive is either $1300 for an aftermarket drive or $4000 for a brand name mercruiser.

If you need more than interior work, you can save some cash buying used parts from other boats.

Post pics here of your work, and any problems, and we'll try to help.

Erik