Hello and first let me say I am new to this forum and from what I have read, there is some great people here with some good advice.
Here is the point of my question. My wife and I decided we would like to get a boat for us and our 3 kids to enjoy. We have had access to a boat in the past but I have never owned one. My boating experience is limited. I am a mechanic by trade and mechanically I am very good. Wood working, I am ok but not experienced with fiberglass.
The boat in question is a 1985 Bayliner 2150 Cuddy Cruiser. The price is right. (free). Here is what is wrong with the boat.
The circulation pump on the Chevrolet 5.0 V8 is bad. Was told this by the previous owner but not sure what kind of bad it is. It could be leaking, It could not pump, It could be noisy.
The starter is dead on the engine.
I have not started the engine but am told it is good other than the pump. It looks ok and the oil is clean.
Now the big one. The floor is completely rotten. I was able to rip up the floor in chunks around the ski locker (if it has a ski locker or is this just a hole?). I was able to gain access to the stringers between the drivers and passenger seats. They look ok from what I can see. I tapped them with a hammer and the feel solid. I have not drilled into them because as I mentioned, I am not a fiberglass guy and don't want to break the seal on the stringers if they are good.
Some of the plywood cross races look a bit rough. The boat has been sitting outside for the last 4 years with no top or cover on it. It had water in the hull which I have since drained. We are in a desert area so we do not get tons of rain like other parts of the country but we do get some through the winter months. I am hoping that the deck is all that needs to be replaced along with the cross braces as needed.
I am hoping I can replace the deck with new plywood. Seal it, perhaps learn how to work with fiberglass a bit and glass the top layer and then roll on some gel coat and call it good. I know I over simplified it but you get the idea.
The upholstery is also junk. I called around and it will cost me around $1500 to have it recovered.
Just another note, the boat has been in the ocean and lakes before.
What is your guys opinion on this boat. Is it worth the price of admission or should I run from it screaming and find me something closer to lake ready. Money is an issue though so I will be buying something cheep either way and that by its nature may get me a boat that has issues that are covered up or not apparent.
Thanks and I look forward to reading your replies.
Here is the point of my question. My wife and I decided we would like to get a boat for us and our 3 kids to enjoy. We have had access to a boat in the past but I have never owned one. My boating experience is limited. I am a mechanic by trade and mechanically I am very good. Wood working, I am ok but not experienced with fiberglass.
The boat in question is a 1985 Bayliner 2150 Cuddy Cruiser. The price is right. (free). Here is what is wrong with the boat.
The circulation pump on the Chevrolet 5.0 V8 is bad. Was told this by the previous owner but not sure what kind of bad it is. It could be leaking, It could not pump, It could be noisy.
The starter is dead on the engine.
I have not started the engine but am told it is good other than the pump. It looks ok and the oil is clean.
Now the big one. The floor is completely rotten. I was able to rip up the floor in chunks around the ski locker (if it has a ski locker or is this just a hole?). I was able to gain access to the stringers between the drivers and passenger seats. They look ok from what I can see. I tapped them with a hammer and the feel solid. I have not drilled into them because as I mentioned, I am not a fiberglass guy and don't want to break the seal on the stringers if they are good.
Some of the plywood cross races look a bit rough. The boat has been sitting outside for the last 4 years with no top or cover on it. It had water in the hull which I have since drained. We are in a desert area so we do not get tons of rain like other parts of the country but we do get some through the winter months. I am hoping that the deck is all that needs to be replaced along with the cross braces as needed.
I am hoping I can replace the deck with new plywood. Seal it, perhaps learn how to work with fiberglass a bit and glass the top layer and then roll on some gel coat and call it good. I know I over simplified it but you get the idea.
The upholstery is also junk. I called around and it will cost me around $1500 to have it recovered.
Just another note, the boat has been in the ocean and lakes before.
What is your guys opinion on this boat. Is it worth the price of admission or should I run from it screaming and find me something closer to lake ready. Money is an issue though so I will be buying something cheep either way and that by its nature may get me a boat that has issues that are covered up or not apparent.
Thanks and I look forward to reading your replies.