Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

[atver300]

I am going to look at a 13' duratech. Its described as a 1973 model but from what Ive read on their web site it looks to be older than that. Anyways they are asking $1200 obo and it has a 1975 25hp johnson engine. What do yall think

 

[JoeMan]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

The motor is not ancient, but is likely from perhaps the 80's. The boat is like a mid 50's model. There will be an aluminum ID tag in the boat, either on the dash, by the motor, on the transom, or on a gunwale. Get that info if you'd like the specifics on the boat and to have the year confirmed. You are correct...it is no '73. The very latest Duratechs we've confirmed are '68's, but this one is looking to be a 50's model. I'm sure the tag info will confirm that.

As for the price. I can understand the guy asking $1,200. New baby (per the Craig's ad), likely too busy for the boat and need the money. But I'd not pay that much. I would contact him and offer $800 cash, providing the motor runs well. I cannot tell by the pictures, but my impression is that it's not much of a looker. If it's cleaner and is in need of no TLC as I suspect it is (to tidy it up and make it look good), then it might be worth 1k...IF there is absolutely nothing needed done to it, trailer lights & wheels are good, windshield is not cracked, seats are good....etc.

Ask for better and more pics. Post here if you like, or send to me at: duratech@duratechboats.com

It's a great hull, very tough, will take the water very well.

 

[atver300]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

I talked to they guy this afternoon and am planning to go look at it tomorrow afternoon. I've been looking at 14' jon boats and just happened across this. I'm really just looking for something to ride in the creeks around our lake house where my ski boat just cant go. Thanks for the info I'll post some more pics after i see it.

 

[JoeMan]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

It's a very good hull. Built like a tank, and likely does not leak a drop.

 

[68Duratech]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

Cool boat I hope you get it!!

 

[atver300]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

Boat appears to be a 58 model

and the engine a 72

and its sitting in my driveway now

 

[JoeMan]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

This is confirmed (both by the serial and the model) as a 1958 Sealine 14 foot runabout. The 25 horse will do, you can put a 35 on that boat, per the specs. Let us know what you do.

 

[atver300]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

Im thinking run this motor for the rest of the year and then custom fab a 110hp seadoo engine and jet. But for now lots of polishing and all new wiring and fuel lines.

 

[JoeMan]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

If you get her out on the water yet this year, share some pics here.

 

[atver300]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

Ive been though the carb and ignition system, lower unit reseal, new ignition switch, new transom wood, cleaned out wiring for blige pump and lights because it was in telephone wire and house light switches, new fuel pump, fuel lines and primer bulb. and polished 1 small piece on the front to see what its gonna look like all cleaned up. also it runs 20 mph

 

[atver300]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

couple of more from when i was working on it
Original 58 Talyor made windshield? my 2006 boat also has a Taylor windshield

The first day it earned a spot in the garage

Working on the new transom wood

engine testing

couldn't wait for the fog to lift had to give it a try

 

[hideke]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

Nice shots!

 

[atver300]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

I have been running this boat pretty hard all winter and spring and couldn't be any happier with it.I put 24 miles on it today in the flood waters and backed up rivers that flow into the Mississippi river around memphis.

 

[JoeMan]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

Nice!

 

[jamesgduratech]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

what year is it because i think i have the same boat

 

[atver300]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

what year is it because i think i have the same boat

Wow, guess i haven't been on here in a year. Its a 1958 and still going strong. It has 1 rivet that leaks a slight amount while underway. Even got my duratech stickers put on.

 

[atver300]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

I'm still running this boat hard and it just keeps going. I figure I've put well over 500 miles on it since I bought it and it gets commented on every where I ride it too.

 

[jg2310]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

Great little boat!

 

[atver300]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

Brought her home from the lake yesterday. Getting ready to cut up a seadoo and install the 110 HP engine and jet in it.

 

[atver300]

Re: Looking at duratech 13' opinions wanted

Had to remove the back seat. there was 55 years of nasty under there.


Cut a hole for the jet


Cut the jet ski up



And bribe the garbage men with $20 to haul the rest off