Thinking about picking up this project...

[beefarmer]

So I'm looking for a project boat that I can learn a few things on, maybe some fiberglass work, etc, that I haven't done before.

Guy I know told me about an '86 Blue Water 18' Open Bow with a trailer ... has a mercruiser 170. They say itt runs, but there are a few soft spots on the floor, and the interior is a disaster. I have not seen this boat personally.

They're asking 2500, which is crazy. Thinking about offering a grand and making it into a good project for the winter. This would make a good runabout for our family to use for water sports as we look for a larger cruiser to be the 'cabin on the lake'.

Besides, mother in law is coming to town for a while, and I need something to keep me busy and out of the house... how can I go wrong?

Any opinions? Is $1k too much? Too low?

 

[bruceb58]

Mercruiser 170 as in 470? 4 cylinder? If so, run away!

 

[ondarvr]

An iffy motor and rotten wood, sounds like something you should avoid. Even free its not a good deal.

 

[beefarmer]

Yes, it's a 4 cylinder, so I assume the 470. Again, haven't seen the boat yet.

If you would, can you educate me on the issues with that motor?

 

[beefarmer]

An iffy motor and rotten wood, sounds like something you should avoid. Even free its not a good deal.

The rotten wood is honestly half of the attraction. I'd like to learn how to fix it on a boat I don't care too much about. The 'iffy motor' part is the concerning part for me.

 

[ondarvr]

Finding a boat with rotten wood and a better motor and out drive is easy, there are hundreds for sale advertised as "turn key ready".

If you want a project, do research on motors and outdrives and decide what you want, then find the best hull with that system.

 

[bruceb58]

I wouldn't take that boat even if it was free. Do a search on Mercruiser 470. It is a disaster engine. Problems with head gaskets, charging system, cam seal leaks...

Add in the hull itself and you have a boat that would cost you more than something in perfect condition after you poured money and time into it.

 

[beefarmer]

Well, appreciate the feedback ... found a number of threads in the engine section of the forums. Sounds like a '$1k is $2k too much' type of boat.

 

[SeaDooSam]

Well, appreciate the feedback ... found a number of threads in the engine section of the forums. Sounds like a '$1k is $2k too much' type of boat.

You got it! Ol? hen I look for a project boat l, there has to be something going for it. This boat doesn't. I either need a very nice interior and hull with a bad motor. Or a perfect motor and bad interior. Both can't be bad or it's not worth it imo