New boat, help!

[sjamieson91]

My husband and I purchased this boat yesterday for a few hundred dollars. The guy that sold it to us said he didn't know much about it, that he took it as a trade from one of his friends but never did much with it. He claims it was in the water last year. All I do know is that it is a 1970-something Slickcraft with an inboard 6 cylinder motor. The model number on the motor is 981059, serial number W126747. I can't find anything on Google about that motor specifically. Here are a few pictures of the boat.

 

[Scott Danforth]

good news.... motor is a GM 250 cubic inch in-line 6. about 160-165hp

bad news, its in front of a 1968-1977 OMC electric shift drive.

the fact that the boat is between 42 and 50 years old should be concerning. check the stringers and transom for soft spots indicating rot.

did you get a title for the boat/trailer? if not, you may have a hard time getting the boat in your name.

 

[52FordF2]

The hull identification number (HIN) on all boats built after November 1, 1972 is permanently affixed to the rear of the transom usually on the upper right corner. It is required by federal law and must appear on the registration application.

The HIN consists of 12 letters and numerals at least one-quarter inch tall that indicate the manufacturer, hull serial numbers and/or letters, and model year and/or month.
HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER FORMATS FOR BOATS AFTER AUGUST 1,1984

Key to Month of Production of Hull Identification Format

 

[52FordF2]

If you do have to redo the transom you could think about changing out the outdrive to a Mercruiser. The transom hole would need to be changed to the Mercruiser hole. But that no biggy because its a fiberglass boat.

 

[sjamieson91]

"good news.... motor is a GM 250 cubic inch in-line 6. about 160-165hp
bad news, its in front of a 1968-1977 OMC electric shift drive."
Are they incompatible?

"the fact that the boat is between 42 and 50 years old should be concerning. check the stringers and transom for soft spots indicating rot."
There is a soft spot in the middle of the floor but we planned on ripping up the carpeting to replace what needs to be replaced and redoing some interior anyway.

did you get a title for the boat/trailer? if not, you may have a hard time getting the boat in your name.

No but we live in Maine and I believe we don't need a title, though I could be wrong!

 

[Scott Danforth]

While some states do not need titles, they all need a paper trail showing that you are the legal owner and that allows you to register it

 

[Friscoboater]

Wow, all you need there is a Bill Of Sale. Scott Danforth is right... make sure there is a paper trail. Here is a link to some info in Maine about boat titles.

http://www.marinetitle.com/boat-registration/ME-Maine.htm

 

[sjamieson91]

Wow, all you need there is a Bill Of Sale. Scott Danforth is right... make sure there is a paper trail. Here is a link to some info in Maine about boat titles.

http://www.marinetitle.com/boat-registration/ME-Maine.htm

I was pretty sure that was all we needed! We do have the bill of sale.