Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

[younggun]

I recently got a 1992 skeeter 175sf 18 ft bass boat and noticed yesterday the transom is rotten. Would it be worth it to have the transom replaced or should I just try to sell it as a project? I only have around $600 in it right now and it has a great running 150 mariner magnum III and I am only a senior in high school but am willing to save money and have the transom rebuilt because I really like the boat and want to keep it for a while but if this is not the best option I won't do that. Thanks for your response in advance

 

[Bayou Dave]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

I recently got a 1992 skeeter 175sf 18 ft bass boat and noticed yesterday the transom is rotten. Would it be worth it to have the transom replaced or should I just try to sell it as a project? I only have around $600 in it right now and it has a great running 150 mariner magnum III and I am only a senior in high school but am willing to save money and have the transom rebuilt because I really like the boat and want to keep it for a while but if this is not the best option I won't do that. Thanks for your response in advance

I thinki you answered your question. IMHO since you like it, it runs good and are willing to save the money to do it, I say go for it. There are many members here that can guide you on doing it yourself. You will save a bunch of money and know it is done correctly when you do it.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

Having the transom replaced by someone may not be cost effective. But doing it yourself is a great way to save money and learn some things in the process.
You will need a garage where you can work on it. You will need to separate the top of the boat from the bottom to do the work. That in itself is not a daunting task. Non of the project is really hard to do, just takes time.
Read some posts on here, watch a lot of you-tube on it, and ask questions of local mechanics at the boat dealers around your area.
In the long run this will be a very rewarding project for you, one that you will remember for a long time to come.

 

[sphelps]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

If the transom is gone there is a really good chance that the stringers are rotten as well . If you can read a tape and can do basic saw cutting and such you can repair it yourself . If you want to get on the water fast than you might consider selling it and getting an aluminum boat instead . But should you choose to keep it and fix it start a thread over on the restoration forum . Plenty of helpful folks willing to help and keep ya on the right track ..
Good luck !

 

[younggun]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

What is a good estimate as to how much someone would charge to do it because I don't have access to a garage to do it myself. Someone my dad knows just sold a 1990 model of the same boat for $4500 so if I could get it rebuilt for a decent price I would still be under what I could buy another one for.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

What is a good estimate as to how much someone would charge to do it....

I'm going to say that paying someone to do that probably isn't worth it. For one thing it's hard to find a trustworthy fiberglass repair shop, but there will always be guys out there who lowball the price and do a crappy job just to get your money. And as mentioned, if a boat that old has a bad transom it more than likely needs to have the deck and stringers replaced as well. For a reputable shop to do a proper repair, you could easily be looking at over $3000 assuming the worst.

I don't know how you managed to get a boat with a good condition 150 HP engine for only $600, but if the engine has good compression, no water in the lower unit gear oil, and runs well it's easily worth at least $1500. You could get a couple hundred dollars for the trolling motor, and maybe something for the fish finder depending on what kind it is. A decent trailer for that sized boat is worth at least $200 or $300. So in your situation my suggestion would be to part it out and use the funds toward a boat in good condition.

 

[younggun]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

The motor has an even 120 across all cylinders and a seal job in the lower unit right before I got it. I actually traded for it and started with something I only payed 600 for

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

Whether you part it out or sell it whole you should be able to come out ahead. If you don't have the facilaties to do the required repairs then that many be the best choice.

 

[younggun]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

It's hard to find comparable boats for under 4000 so I guess I will try to sell it as a project or part it out and save up some money to buy another one.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

The situation is difficult as you like the boat. If you can do the work, consider if you want to work or fish/boat. If fish/boat is what you want save the money along with selling what you have. The good thing is you know what to look for when buying your next boat ~~ floor/stringers/transom as well as engine.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

Myself I'd shop for a nice hull with a blown up engine n swap it over... where are you located?

 

[younggun]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

I am in upstate South Carolina. It is just hard for me to get rid of this boat because i just like it so much be wise it has a very large deck and lots if storage for an 18 foot boat and its also my first bass boat and I planned to keep it until I got out of college.

 

[Teamster]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

You don't have to have a garage to do the work,.....Sure it's nice but plenty of guys around here have set up improvised shelters with some lumber and tarps,.............

How about some pictures,..........

And I would say go for it, It isn't that hard to repair, And it's already been said, There are plenty of folks around here to offer advise and tons of information to the rebuild threads, DDo some reading around here before yous give up,..

And pictures, We really like pictures,..........

 

[younggun]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

I have been searching all over the Internet today and even finding a nice hull with a blown motor is 3-4 thousand. I think I'm going to shop around and try to find some reputable fiberglass shops and get some quotes to fix the boat. I plan to keep the boat another 5 years or so until I get out of tech school and have a job and am on my feet good

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

blown motors usually start showing up around april... folks get em out and run the snot out of em with gummed up carbs wondering why the power is low and end up burning pistons and throwing rods.... Fixing it isn;t a terrible idea BUT to find the smokin deal on another hull means searching craigslist several times a day for months... know what you want and have CASH at the ready... don't hesitate... see the new listing and call NOW... be walking to your truck as you talk to the seller and tell him you are on the way NOW....

Deals aren't out there waiting on you but rather YOU have to be ready and waiting on the deal ready to POUNCE... good luck

 

[younggun]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

What do you think a price on a decent hull with a blown motor would be?

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

What is a good estimate as to how much someone would charge to do it because I don't have access to a garage to do it myself. Someone my dad knows just sold a 1990 model of the same boat for $4500 so if I could get it rebuilt for a decent price I would still be under what I could buy another one for.

I have a neighbor who built a sailboat from scratch out in his driveway underneath one of those $200 tarp and metal tube framework garages you see advertised.

I wasn't sure it would survive hurricane season but it did. And now he's got a nice sailboat.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

What do you think a price on a decent hull with a blown motor would be?

that varies WIDELY

last one I got was free.... click on "free boat" in my sig

could be anywhere from free to a couple thousand dollars... the next one could be a 1975 or a 2005.... might come stripped or might come with a $1000 gps/fish finder and a $1000 trolling motor

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

Because your cost to purchase was so low, and because you have a fine running outboard, I would be looking for a hull to re power with your outboard. As many have suggested, having cash in hand and pouncing on these hulls with bad/no power plant will most likely be your quickest and safest way to boating. Swapping a outboard is a project that you can handle and more important, you will have a good running boat if you do your homework and make a good buy on the hull. There are tons of boats that are owned by folks who just don't want to re-power a blown engine, and that is usually the biggest cost item on a boat. The second most expensive item, is most likely a transom/stringer/ floor replacement. And it's a big project that you could do, but may not want to do. Have fun with making your choices!!

 

[limitout]

Re: Should I replace the transom or sell the boat as a project?

It's hard to find comparable boats for under 4000 so I guess I will try to sell it as a project or part it out and save up some money to buy another one.

yep, it not an easy project and I don't want to insult your skill level but I just don't think a high school senior should be attempting such a project without having a skilled fiberglass repair guy to help you and teach you about it.

the transom is the most critical spots on the boat and if you are going to do it it needs to be done right the first time or people can get seriously hurt or killed when the motor comes off the boat if it wasn't bonded right.