Antique Shopping

Hi Everyone.
After a long time away from the water, I am looking for a project boat to fix up and spend some time with the family. We are on Long Island Sound/Thimble Islands. I would like to get something in the 24' to 32' range, sleeps 2, dinner for 4 or drinks for 6.
This boat will mostly be used for put-putting around the islands but also capabale of taking 4 people acorss the sound or to block island,,maybe even a long trip to vinyard.
i dont need to go THAT fast 15 or 20 is fine, but if a boat can do more, thats fine
I have looked at Bertram 25', but those are hard to come by in my price range (around $5K). I have been looking into lobster boat or down east projects/conversions, I also saw this 23' Chris Craft Express,

http://www.ctmarinesales.com/1947chriscraft23/

but probably not deep enough to run to Block unless the weather/water is perfect but we all know the weather can change suddenly.., but I really like the layout/design. I like the antique lines/look, I do not want a trojan or egg ..probably becasue i am not a flying bridge guy... so my question is, what are some other brand names I should look into? I have seen a few older Owens boats that look good,,What do you think about the Chris Craft? Any of you take a boat like that 20 miles off shore?

Re: Antique Shopping

That Chris is going to need some high dollar love! Have you looked at a Lyman?

There is this Century:
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1967/Century-Venturer-2298761/Cataumet/MA/United-States

Re: Antique Shopping

you are looking for a 24-32' cruiser for $5000.

That will, indeed, be a project. Your $5,000 will be a down payment. Plan to spend another $10,000.

The problem with a boat that big, that cheap, is that it will not be in reliable operating condition. In other words, you won't find one with a sound hull and well-running motor/drive and just cosmetic problems.

There are lots of junk cruisers in that price range that come up for sale here--check Norfolk and Maryland craigslist to get an idea. There is also an all deadrise dealer that might have something.

Even though it would be a tremendous risk, you might find yours at foreclosures, repo's and marina storage lien sales. Or just up in a creek in the marsh somewhere.

Re: Antique Shopping

Take a look at the old Chris Craft Roamers. They had steel or aluminum hulls depending on year (and size, I think). I fell in love with the 31. My concern would be that anything that old is probably going to need some work. Careful of the wood hulls if your budget is only 5k. You could easily blow that replanking.

Would I take an old boat 20 miles off? No, but that's just me. I wouldn't take my boat 20 miles off either, though. I tend to be a little conservative and that would be WAY over my experience and comfort level. If I were taking a boat that far out it would be twin engine at a minimum and either diesel or outboards...and more like 40'+.

Re: Antique Shopping

In my area, Rochester NY \ Lake Ontario (fresh water, too), $5k won't buy you anything in that size range unless it's TOTAL POS. The $10k estimate above is very low, in my opinion, unless you're quite handy (as in you work at a marine repair yard, with access to parts & tools). Even then you're looking at a POS that won't be running for a year. And it'll still be a POS with out $5k more in cosmetics & canvas.

Good luck.

I don't know your waters at all, so I can't comment on how it would be safety or comfort wise.

Re: Antique Shopping

Oh, and you're considering a WOOD boat? Frankly, I think that's pretty nutty.

You'll be giving it away in 2 years after spending another $5k. Just look at all the CL ads, man... lots of guys have been there before.

Bottom line: You can't have a reliable boat (not even an ugly one) for under $15k in that size range.