What to look for in a project boat?

[SkaterRace]

I am looking at getting myself a project boat as I think it would be fun to restore a boat and make something truly mine. I have not fully decided on a style yet as there are a few I like. What are some things I should be looking for when buying a project boat? Does rotten transoms matter (I would guess not if I am gutting it)? What about gelcoat blistering? Is that hard to fix for a newbie or something I could handle likely? Any advice on shopping for a project boat would be great.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Personally, I'd want a decent engine/outdrive if I was going to deal with a rotted boat. I'd also avoid blistered hulls. If you can avoid having to replace upholstery, you can save a bunch, too.

Unless you want to have an immense project, I think the ideal project boat for a beginner has one or two bad flaws (e.g., mechanically sound with a rotten structure OR a solid structure with a blown engine, but not a blown engine AND pervasive rot).

A boat with rotten transom and stringers, bad upholstery and that needs to be repowered could turn into a huge money pit.

 

[GA_Boater]

Look for a free boat. Always an expensive project.

Establish a realistic budget and expect some overrun, so you need a max figure you can live with and afford.

Avoid cored hulls, too difficult to repair. Probably the first thing to find is a solid hull, if you start with a good foundation you can avoid a lot of work.

So a good hull and trailer, along with a running motor if possible. Figure on replacing upholstery, stringers, deck and transom.

 

[CrazyFinn]

Any old glass boat will likely need a new transom, stringers, and floor - so just assume that your doing that. Beyond that, I would look for a boat that is mechanically complete - functional steering and controls, most gauges work, and a complete outboard or I/O setup. Yes, you will need to do some mechanical work - water pump impellers, bellows/bearings (on an I/O), new plugs and fuel filters, etc, but at least (hopefully) not having to go shopping for a full drive system.

You can replace/upgrade what you can afford, but at least you have a "complete" boat to start with.

Like mentioned earlier, avoid a cored hull, blisters, etc. If it's a bit scratched and weathered, new paint can fix that, but find a boat with a solid hull (other than the stringers/transom).

And get a boat that has a trailer included. Trying to find a trailer on it's own may cost more than buying a boat with a trailer - simply because getting rid of old boats is almost impossible once you sell the trailer from under them.

A free boat with no trailer will likely cost you more for the trailer...

And, make sure you get a boat you will enjoy once it's done. You're doing this for you, not somebody else.

 

[kcassells]

Cash amd more cash!
All kidding aside a Boat, motor, trailer that you like and see goal thru the forest and hills. Lots of great guys here to help out.

 

[gm280]

Before jumping on any boat, YOU have to decide what YOU want.

What type boat do you want and how are you planning on using it. Are you looking for a fishing boat or a water skiing boat or what. Once you make that determination, then start looking. Also read a lot of the threads on these forums to get an idea what is involved.

Fiberglass hulls will probably require transom, stringers and floor replacement, but there are tons of threads how others are doing exactly that. And like previously stated, make a budget and then figure on at least doubling that figure. Because we all under estimate it every time. Money and time are always underestimated.

And know whatever you plan on, it will be very messy, itchy, smelly, dusty and labor intense and you will at times wonder what you got yourself into. But once the demolition and cleanup work is done, then it gets interesting for sure.

But if you follow through with your project, you will enjoy a boat that will be with you for how ever long you want to keep it. And that self satisfaction will be a great feeling that will be with you forever as well. JMHO

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Aluminum is nice, no soft stringers and way less grinding.