Vintage boat / outboard

[will941s]

Been buying and flipping boats for the past 6 months, and so far it's going pretty well. Just have to VERY careful what you buy. Anyway, this guy has a 1960's model mahogany runabout (15') made in Italy buy a manufacturer named yanoka I believer, or something similar to that. The motor is a 1960's, 35hp Merc....all original. The paint on the motor looks great, it does run. The boat is in wonerful shape, needs some TLC but in great shape. Maybe a strip and re-poly but looks good. The owner has all the history on where it came from, and it never was really used. He wants $500 for the whole package. My question is, is this worth the investment? Would it sell and is there a market for vintage boats like that? Has anyone ever heard of this manufacturer or have any info on this kind of boat?

 

[crb478]

Re: Vintage boat / outboard

In the wood boat crowd $500.00 is a drop in the bucket, but there is a limited market who actually want wood boats. If you have any antique boat shows in your area you could probably do all right taking it there and putting it up for sale, otherwise you will have to find someone looking for an older boat. I would think that you could easily get 500 back from a nice boat, how much more you could make would depend on how nice it is and finding the right buyer.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Vintage boat / outboard

We have an antique show up here every summer, and I've seen boats with giant holes in the bottom, no motor going for $500. I would think if you put a little time into it, you could easily recoup your investment. But that's around here - not sure what the market for it is down your way.

 

[will941s]

Re: Vintage boat / outboard

The market for fiberglass center consoles and jons here are awesome, but I havnt seen too many wooden boats. Just the fact that this is water ready, and for the age it's crazy. It's been in storage a LONG time, but the motor was last ran 2 years ago. It's solid, and maybe it's something worth looking into, even if I have to sit on it for awhile until the right buyer comes along. It's not something you see everyday, will be a real head turner on the water if someone decides to use it. Personally I would'nt want to run the risk of damaging the motor. It's like finding a mustang thats been in a barn for 30 years and is in near perfect shape.

 

[will941s]

Re: Vintage boat / outboard

Some pics of the boat....tell me what you think. $500?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Vintage boat / outboard

A really cool boat and motor.$500 is nothing.By all means get it! Do research on the correct finish and stain.I've done several wood inboards over the years.It could be a major project If there is any rot or if it has a hook or anything.Restored to factory could be worth $4000- $6000 I like the old Mercs but they can be a pain to work on and some parts are scarce and expensive.I think the Merc is from the 50s,Johns old mercury web site may be able to tell the year and they can help with any repair info.If you get the serial number/model number we may be able to help with the year.What a great project,I'm jealous!

 

[will941s]

Re: Vintage boat / outboard

Thanks. We probably will pick it up and begin to restore it. From what I see, it's not all that bad....I will have to invest ALOT more time than money, but it will be interesting to see what it looks like once it's complete. For sure though, if I do get it.....the restoration project will be posted on iboats.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Vintage boat / outboard

Check out this thread of a nice cosmetic restore on a woody http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=410402

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Vintage boat / outboard

As an FYI - the motor is a 1956 Mercury Mark 30, 30hp (not 35). Nice motors, but they do have their quirks. Keep your curse word dictionary handy when you try to get the magneto out to clean and set the points!

Also, the lower units are on the weak side. It is basically the 20hp lower unit, slightly beefed up. When everything is perfect, they're fine, but add in 50+ years of wear and tear, improper shifting technique, old seals, rusting shafts, heavy bronze props (show with a bronze, run with an aluminum!!) etc. and you could end up with problems.

As for the boat - it's got nice lines, a bit of pedigree and has the cuteness factor going for it. You should have no trouble making a few bucks on it!

- Scott

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Vintage boat / outboard

no brainer--grab it. If it were me, though, and I wanted to play with it, I'd stick another motor on it and save that one for the resale or the shows.
Around here--similar boat market to yours--they sell for (well, ask for) $5,000 for restored woodies but I bet the real market unless it's rare or top brand is more like $3000. You also might have a better resale market on the lakes and rivers.
Your analogy about the mustang in the barn is a good one. Since I don't know the brandm though, I can't say if you found a mustang or a falcon in that barn.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Vintage boat / outboard

Its a cute little boat and a classic for sure. But it's not really a "collectable", per se'. With the exception of Riva, foreign boats are not well sought afterin the USA. Chris Crafts, Centurys, Garwoods, etc. command the high prices.

Also, market area makes a lot of difference. The Great Lakes, ST. Lawrence River, Lake Tahoe, for example, are homes to whole fleets of wooden boats. You don't see many on little southern lakes, and few people there are looking for them.

The Antique Boat Museum located in Clayton, NY hosts a classic boat auction each August. One of the largest web based antique boat showrooms, Antique Boat America.com, is also located right down the road. You'll find high prices in either of these venues.

Get the real name of the manufacturer and google it for better info.

Since you're a 6 month flipper, I'd buy it for $500 and flip it for $1000 asap. If you decide to "restore" it you have no idea how much time and money for materials it is going to cost you. Look at the Lyman in the pic below. That was a fresh barn find, never been kept outdoors, all original wood and it took about 300 man hours and $3000 to bring it up to show condition.

I would estimate yours to be worth between $2000 and $3000 in running condition with a fresh coat of paint. If you found one similar on ABA.com, they would probably list it for $4000 or more, but you have to understand they take a huge commission and some of their stock has been on the floor for years.

Good luck with your classic. Please provide the exact name since you have piqued my interest as well.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Vintage boat / outboard

for example
http://norfolk.craigslist.org/boa/2183118043.html

 

[will941s]

Re: Vintage boat / outboard

Yonoka is the name brand of the boat. It looks like it's very well built, not by some guy playing into a hobby, but by someone who put alot of time and detail into it. I am prepared to sit on it, and my father used to restore 200+ year old wood in houses in downtown Charleston, so the idea of maybe working on this preject grabbed his attention. He is a master of sorts with wood finish and repair. As well of applications of coatings. His help will be MUCH needed. The motor scares me because of the age, and the lack of parts available but since it was ran "rather" recently......in relation to it's age hopefully getting back into running condition won't take too much.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Vintage boat / outboard

I was noticing the little block of wood under the bow.It appears the front roller may be pushing up on the bottom may be a little hook developing.I don't think a deal breaker but maybe a price reduction.Might be able to remove by carefully putting some hot water inside let it soak then you
can attempt to straighten the hook. Hard to tell but it may be molded plywood.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Vintage boat / outboard

I would buy that for $500 in a minute.....The rope rub rail is awesome
...pretty cool old boat !!