Want to restore, but not sure which one

mebsdad

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Nov 17, 2008
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4
Long time lurker, first time poster. I've gotten the bug really, really bad and would like to start resto this winter, but I'm hoping to get a bit of advice. I've done a search looking for information on which boats are worth a restoration, but I didn't have much luck (but then again, I don't claim to be the sharpest tool in the shed).

I currently have a good quality 16' Lowe that works great for fishing and playing around with a couple of the kids, but it's just not big enough for my full comfort on bigger water and just won't handle me, the missus, and the three little ones. I'd like to find something in the 18-20' range that would be well suited, even with some major reconfiguration, for upper midwest fishing (primarily) but also something that the family and I can just get out and cruise around in. I'd like to try my hand with a glass boat and definitely an OB boat with the potential for addition of a kicker.

I'm actually not looking for a recommendtion on which boat to look for, but instead which ones to potentially stay away from. Not specific models, but manufacturers. Time is not of the essence here, so I'm willing to do some searching to find the right fit for me. I'd like to be able to end up with a boat that can be in the family for 10+ years and I'm too concerned about potential resale. Just finding something that will be a challenge and provide a good platform to be creative.

Sorry for the long post, but just thought I'd throw this out there and see if anyone has any thoughts. Thanks for all of the great information I've already picked up on this site and everyone have a great Thanksgiving!
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
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71,155
Re: Want to restore, but not sure which one

I'm actually not looking for a recommendtion on which boat to look for, but instead which ones to potentially stay away from. Not specific models, but manufacturers.

Ayuh,....

Bayliners,+ Sunbirds are some of the Chinziest put together hulls I've ever seen...
 

ondarvr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
11,527
Re: Want to restore, but not sure which one

While it would be nice to start with one of the better boats, you plan on completely redoing it, so in the end it won't make that big of a difference.
 

mebsdad

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Joined
Nov 17, 2008
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4
Re: Want to restore, but not sure which one

Thanks, guys. I figure that my end result will only be as good as what I put in, and hopefully anything I find that is horribly wrong can be fixed. I've got a couple of lines on a few boats. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a few pictures and see if I can get some insight from folks on which might best suit my needs. Thanks.
 

oops!

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Messages
12,932
Re: Want to restore, but not sure which one

welcome to i boats !

you really have the right attitude going into this......


both of the answers above are right.

i ve got a b-liner and its really a cheap boat.....(earlier one).....but im going to reatore it....and after im done....it will rival a chapperal in stregnth and construction......so just pick the one you want.....

think really care fully about what you want the boat for....and where and how your going to use it.

if you wanna go fishin' at the end of the day... then a hard top cabin cruiser is not the boat for you......

so really think of what you want the boat for, and how you want to use it......then eliminate all the other boats for different purposes.....and you will have a hand full to choose from
 
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