Well, I did a lot of my research while shopping on this website, so I figured I might as well establish myself here. Looks like a great resource! My name is Rick, I'm a 37 year old chemistry grad student from the bustling metropolis of Beaver Crossing, NE (pop 457). I'm a former helicopter mechanic, so I think I have the skills I need to do a lot of my own work. I have a wife and 3 boys: 10, 6 and 2. I've never owned a boat (unless you count an Intex inflatable raft that I mounted a Minnkota on and put in a floor.) My wife and I had been cruising that listing site, looking for options within our budget. It took us months to find one that looked worth our while.
Today, we bought our boat. It was advertised as a 1972 18' Winner. The plate names it as a Wimmer Bimini, and I am having a hard time finding much detail about it. From what I have gleaned, it's actually 16.75 ft (I haven't measured it yet), and it's in pretty good shape on the surface. There are some dark spots in the paint on the bottom, but it's not cracked that I can tell. From what I read, it is entirely fiberglass until you get to the floor. The previous owner replaced the carpet, the floor feels solid all around, and he made his own seats. They seem to be ok, though they need some better attachment hardware. The engine is a 90 HP Evinrude (anyone know where I can find the data plate?), which starts easily and runs. I figured, a seaworthy hull with a running engine was well worth $1050! There are a lot of cosmetic stuff we need to do, and I imagine I can find all the info I need for that right here! I will get some detailed pictures up tomorrow, and then the questions will begin!
Looking forward to meeting you all, and thanks for the opportunity!
Rick
Today, we bought our boat. It was advertised as a 1972 18' Winner. The plate names it as a Wimmer Bimini, and I am having a hard time finding much detail about it. From what I have gleaned, it's actually 16.75 ft (I haven't measured it yet), and it's in pretty good shape on the surface. There are some dark spots in the paint on the bottom, but it's not cracked that I can tell. From what I read, it is entirely fiberglass until you get to the floor. The previous owner replaced the carpet, the floor feels solid all around, and he made his own seats. They seem to be ok, though they need some better attachment hardware. The engine is a 90 HP Evinrude (anyone know where I can find the data plate?), which starts easily and runs. I figured, a seaworthy hull with a running engine was well worth $1050! There are a lot of cosmetic stuff we need to do, and I imagine I can find all the info I need for that right here! I will get some detailed pictures up tomorrow, and then the questions will begin!
Looking forward to meeting you all, and thanks for the opportunity!
Rick
