1972 Fiberglass Center Console Boat

teammetal · #1 May 16th, 2007, 12:31 PM

Hello, I puchased a 20' Center console (fiberglass) fishing boat for salmon fishing in lake Michigan. It turns out the motor is a 1986 but the boat is a 1972! I really like the boat but am worried about a 1972 on a big lake.
The plate on the boats says its a C-King by Sportcraft and looks to be in very good shape. Should the year be a deal breaker?

Thanks, Ken Heller

WillyBWright · #2 May 16th, 2007, 01:24 PM

Depends on the transom and the stringers. If water gets to either, you'll have rot to worry about. Check for soft spots in the floor and flex on the transom. It might be fine, but old boats are old boats, and there was no pressure treated wood back in the early 70s.

fishingdan · #3 May 17th, 2007, 12:08 PM

Age of the boat is independent of the boats condition. If it is solid, don't worry about the age. Some older boats are excellent. I have a 1978 Penn Yan Explorer (outboard version) and it is an extremely well built boat. I use it in the New England coastal waters without concern.

tashasdaddy · #4 May 17th, 2007, 12:29 PM

those were one of the top of the line, here in Florida. extremely well built, love rough water. they have great lines, the hull was a copy of the old Borum boat line, that went defunct for bad business pratices(IRS). the cobia, & bonita boats of that time was also a copy of the hull,

studlymandingo · #5 May 17th, 2007, 12:49 PM

I used to have a SportCraft Fisherman Center Console, it would take a pounding with no complaints. I also had a 29' Cuddy that was a SportCraft, it was awesome in rough seas, the 454 Mercruiser LOVED gasoline...my wallet, not so much!

tashasdaddy · #6 May 17th, 2007, 01:49 PM

we had one of the original 1st year, the true copy of the Borum boat. back in the 60's 3/8" plywood hull, there's a picture here somewhere let me find it. here it is, this guy spent 2 years restoring it and it has won 2nd place awards in several shows.

studlymandingo · #7 May 17th, 2007, 11:41 PM

That is a cool looking boat there Bob!!!!

teammetal · #8 May 19th, 2007, 10:15 AM

Thanks for the input. The boat was listed as a 1986 and we were told later is was a 1972. They got the year off the motor and not the boat. Any idea what a boat like it is worth if its solid and runs well? Just want to see if im in the ballpark on price. That 60's boat is sweet!

Thanks, Ken

tashasdaddy · #9 May 19th, 2007, 11:09 AM

if the hull is as good condition in person, the age would not bother me. if it were a new boat it would be in the $20-30000 range is would think. the trailer looks good and heavy enough. if i were selling it in Fla, i'd want, $7,000 - $11,000, it's a good medium distance boat, for open water.