want to buy a first boat project

[semmey87]

Hey everyone,

Nice to have a place like this with lots of people sharing ideas and wisdom. I certainly need some help. Im looking at buying my first boat project and get myself into some HOT water. Im looking into a ski/bowrider type boat. I found this one for sale on the net its 1988 23 foot dana bowrider. I will attach a photo. It seems like a rare type of boat. All i see for sale around is Bayliners. People pretty much give away project boats like older bayliners.

This one needs an interior and the 454 engine is most likely a cracked block due to freezing. Its an old boat and the asking price is $5500 . Seems high for what it is

Its has a [FONT=Bitstream Vera Serif, Times New Roman, serif] Bravo 1 with Merc stainless prop and original bimini top.


Any advise is greatly appreciated! What kind of value is here?[/FONT]

 

[semmey87]

Here is the link

https://images.craigslist.org/00w0w_hsFllRCEG32_600x450.jpg

 

[spoilsofwar]

The asking price seems more like insane than high, for an '88 bow rider with a trashed interior and an anchor for an engine... I see no attached picture, but I did an image search for 88 Dana bow rider and got some results, none of which would lead me to believe something so ugly could be desirable or collectible. But then again, beauty and the eye of the beholder and all that.

 

[jbcurt00]

Few boats are worth 5500 w a cracked motor and in need of an interior.

Esp those that are 29yr old boat that likely needs more work then you expect. Stringers, deck and transom.

 

[semmey87]

Guys thank you very much for your honest opinions!! Im glad I wasn't off with my assessment... I did post a link to a pic in my reply above.

Thank you!

 

[pgallipoli]

cracked block or otherwise not running engine on a 23 ft 88, even interior is perfect you're looking at the low $2,000 at best.
You might try craigslist plenty of boats better condition about that size in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. Even $800 if you want a blown motor.

 

[CrazyFinn]

The trailer under the boat (assuming it's included) might be worth $1500. The boat sitting on the trailer reduces the overall value to maybe $750. The boat is basically a liability (worse than worthless) to anybody other than somebody who is planning to rebuild it. Without a trailer, he will likely have to pay somebody to take it away. That's why there are so many free boats available with no trailers - the owners sell the trailers to get more money, and then are stuck with a boat they can't give away! If the engine was good, at least the boat would have some value... just my opinion of course.

 

[Scott Danforth]

that boat in the little picture that you posted will cost you $3k just on the motor and about $2k on the hull to get rid of the rot. about $2k on interior and about $1000 in misc. the $5500 asking price is about $5k too high

so if you have $13,500 for a boat, why not get something a whole heck of a lot better looking and about 20 years newer?

 

[Woodonglass]

Check out the Bayliners. They ARENOT the best boat from the factory but...If you can get one for $500-$1000 and then put in 2-4K in a full blown restoration it WILL be a great boat. Their hulls are ok it's just the quality of the structural components that is questionable. Since YOU will be doing the restoration you WILL be doing it 100% better than original and YOUR efforts will turn into something worth having and keeping.