We decided to make the leap and purchase our first boat -- knowing very little about it.
We picked up a 1977 17.5 ft Mark Twain Bowrider with the Mercruiser 888 (180hp?). The
interior is in fair condition for its age: some duct tape on a few seats, the captain's chair has been changed out with one that does not match, and the vinyl is pretty weathered.
We were led to believe that it had a small oil leak but was otherwise water-ready.
After taking it to 2 mechanics, we are now replacing a water pump, adding a new bellows kit (there was a hole in one of the bellows), and possibly getting into an upper gearcase issue.
The trailer also had to have new barrings on both wheels.
But maybe worst of all: there seems to be a cracked engine block? ... BUT both mechanics agreed that it doesn't appear to have impacted the running of the engine.
How is that even possible?
All that said, I thought I'd come to you -- the experts on all things boat -- for possibly some support, but probably, for some straight-talking. Did we get taken?
What would be the most that you would have paid for such a boat? or better yet -- knowing all we now know -- what is it worth?
We made the decision (possibly throwing good money after bad) to fix the water pump, bellows kit, and trailer.
Should we admit defeat, cut our ever-increasing losses, and move on?
We picked up a 1977 17.5 ft Mark Twain Bowrider with the Mercruiser 888 (180hp?). The
interior is in fair condition for its age: some duct tape on a few seats, the captain's chair has been changed out with one that does not match, and the vinyl is pretty weathered.
We were led to believe that it had a small oil leak but was otherwise water-ready.
After taking it to 2 mechanics, we are now replacing a water pump, adding a new bellows kit (there was a hole in one of the bellows), and possibly getting into an upper gearcase issue.
The trailer also had to have new barrings on both wheels.
But maybe worst of all: there seems to be a cracked engine block? ... BUT both mechanics agreed that it doesn't appear to have impacted the running of the engine.
How is that even possible?
All that said, I thought I'd come to you -- the experts on all things boat -- for possibly some support, but probably, for some straight-talking. Did we get taken?
What would be the most that you would have paid for such a boat? or better yet -- knowing all we now know -- what is it worth?
We made the decision (possibly throwing good money after bad) to fix the water pump, bellows kit, and trailer.
Should we admit defeat, cut our ever-increasing losses, and move on?