repair or buy new?

[befuddled]

Hi all,<br />Here's my story...just looking for some oppinions...all will be appreciated.I own a 1980 19' Glasply cuddy cabin.The stern drive blew last fall and I fear the engine is tired(470 merc I/O).My dilemna is this...should I pay for a new drive train(thinking a 4.3 efi or 5.0 efi),or call it quits and buy a new boat.I like the hull on the Glasply...like the way it handles the rough stuff...Anything new in the 30k range would be a step down in hull quality I fear.Don't give a rip about cosmetics...just want a good solid,dependable boat.If I did put the money into the boat what other issues might come up?..THanks for any advice

 

[befuddled]

Re: repair or buy new?

Also wondering...If I did decide to buy new,any chance of getting any money for the hull,tired motor and trailer?

 

[airman]

Re: repair or buy new?

I think we've got the same boat, is yours a "2100"? I just replaced the transom a few years back so I'll definetely be repowering when the time comes. If you choose to go with a V6 or V8 you will likely have to replace the engine box to accomodate the extra width. On mine I am replacing the doghouse with a full width box that has some extra storage built in. I'm making it 5" wider to leave room for a small block V8.I spoke to a fellow who recently replaced his 470 with a 5.7 (same dimensions as the 5.0) and loved the end results. He didn't have the Glasply but it was a similar sized boat. The other issues I've been facing are that the wiring is getting old and the rot in the transom and flooring at the back. I don't think you'll get much for the hull, especially with out a leg. Personally, if I had $30,000 to spend I think I'd pay to repower and fix any rot that's come up. $30,000 won't really buy you that much if you want a cuddy and a hardtop. That hull has amazed me several time with the weather it will take. A new power package will come with the important part of a new boat's warranty. I'll admit to being a bit biased though because I'm really happy with my boat. I replaced most of the interior when I did the transom and I haven't seen a new boat this side of $40,000 that I like better. Nothing beats a full windshield and a hard top when the weather gets stinky.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: repair or buy new?

I would definately repower. The 470 is getting difficult to find parts for, and it wasn't an amazing engine to begin with. Rebuild the boat, repower, and you have the boat you want. Good luck...

 

[befuddled]

Re: repair or buy new?

Hi Airman..now I'm wondering what it takes to install a larger engine box...have been told I need 4 more inches in front of the 470 to accomodate new either 4.3 or 5.0....they have an altenator where I have a stator...about 2 inches of room left

 

[neumanns]

Re: repair or buy new?

I come to the conclusion it is time to repower. This is not due to some clervoyance on my part...It's all right there in your post, the way I read it. $30,000 should cover all you care to update and leave ya some coinage to spare. I'll also bet that you would be dissapointed in what your rig would bring in the form of a contribution to a new rig.

 

[airman]

Re: repair or buy new?

We should keep in touch - it sounds like we're both reaching the same milestone in our boats' lives. I don't think length is an issue. The 470 is 36.3" long, 22.6" wide and 28.2" high. It weighs 710# with the drive. A 5.0/5.7 is listed as 32" long, 30" wide and 22" high. It weighs 950# with drive. The 4.3 is 28" long, 30 wide and 21 tall. I don't see how length could be an issue, I think we'll have room to spare. Certainly it wouldn't be a problem for the V6 although you might need to glass in a new engine mount. They are only really wide near the top so a wider box should solve the width problem. If you don't care about looks, build a new one out of plywood. You'll need to cut those side seats down (if you still have them) or you could do like I'm doing and build a storage box/seat right onto the engine box. It makes a more comfortable seat but it cuts down on fishing space. I don't fish much so that doesn't bother me.

 

[befuddled]

Re: repair or buy new?

wow..that's good news..I don't mind building or having built a wider box at all.I would like to leave a little room back there..I do like to fish and especially crab.(I do still have the seats..don't use em too much..nice for kickin back and enjoying the sun..when it shines...and wait for the pots to fill up.Was thinking about designing some kind of fold out deck that my lady can lay out on.)gonna have to ask a few more shops what they think...After seeing the specs on the 470 I'm not sure what the shop that told me I needed 4 inches in front was thinking.Might be best for me to look elsewhere.What are you making your new box out of?

 

[airman]

Re: repair or buy new?

Mark I was made out of plywood with pine stiffeners. Mark II is being made out of nomex honeycomb. I got ahold of some old aircraft flooring and I want to make the switch to shave off a few pounds and make room for the new engine that's coming. The ply looks just fine. The honeycomb would actually look worse but I'm going to upholster the sides, glue matching flooring on the top and make up some removeable cushions for it. It makes a pretty good sunpad as long as you aren't taller than 5'8". Unfortunately I don't have a scanner so I can't post any pics. The other option, if you have the time and interest would to try building it out of fiberglass, probably with a foam core. I was considering that until I got ahold of the flooring.

 

[airman]

Re: repair or buy new?

I went to the boat show today... Hourston Glasscraft makes an engine cover almost exactly like a Glassply's but wider. I was quoted about $600CDN. www.hourston.com Hope that helps.