1970 River Queen Houseboat new owner here!

[bethyoung]

Hi there! I just purchased this water monster for dirt cheap (rightfully so). I'm just so excited. It's in a slip in Maryland right by my home and I'm able to work on it at the marina. Some pictures to make you jealous. And with that said, I mean to say that you can actually feel sorry for me. But I'm on cloud 9!!!!

The pictures are from the sale on FB marketplace and the inside of the boat has been cleared out.

The woman I purchased it from inherited it from her deceased step-father. She knows nothing about boats and doesn't even know if the boat runs as she said that there is not gasoline in it LOL. Obviously the first order of business is to put gas in it She does believe it runs and it does have a Chrysler Marine 8 engine.

Am I crazy orrrrrr....

 

[JASinIL2006]

Congratulations! You did say you wanted a project, and it looks like you got one!

You did get all the paperwork required in your state to register/license the boat, yes?

 

[bethyoung]

I'm getting the title and keys and such at 5:30 today, so I'll be sure to do all of that ASAP!

 

[Pierce89]

I'm confused and been meaning to ask how the work on the last project boat is going. Do you now own two project boats???

 

[bethyoung]

I'm confused and been meaning to ask how the work on the last project boat is going. Do you now own two project boats???

At the last moment, I decided against it. Couldn't come to peace with it!

 

[alldodge]

I would be worried if the hull was solid. Most hulls that old could need some major hull work. The comment of " no gas and believes it runs" would mean it hasn't moved in a long time

Sure hope its better then I'm thinking

 

[bethyoung]

I would be worried if the hull was solid. Most hulls that old could need some major hull work. The comment of " no gas and believes it runs" would mean it hasn't moved in a long time

Sure hope its better then I'm thinking

Yes, we will seeeeeee!

 

[Scott Danforth]

congrats on project ownership. I agree with AD, the lack of fuel probably means it hasnt moved in a long long long time.

it either has twins or divorced throttle/gear controls.

my concern is if they are I/O's, what condition are the drives in? to find out that and the condition of the hull, you need to haul out the boat.

 

[bethyoung]

congrats on project ownership. I agree with AD, the lack of fuel probably means it hasnt moved in a long long long time.

it either has twins or divorced throttle/gear controls.

my concern is if they are I/O's, what condition are the drives in? to find out that and the condition of the hull, you need to haul out the boat.

I'm going to figure all of that out. The good news is that everything works inside. Full kitchen w stove, television, toilet and shower, bedroom w bunk beds, living room has a pull out sofa... There are vents for heat which would use oil...I'll be forced to learn a lot really fast. There is a small amount of water that comes up at the bottom (that's the bilge, right) but it's a very small amount and not very often does it come in. Could be a hull issue for sure. Again, I know nothing. I'll be pumping it out tomorrow.

 

[dingbat]

Will be interesting to see how well the running gear held up after sitting in saltwater for how knows long w/o maintenance.

 

[Scott Danforth]

There is a small amount of water that comes up at the bottom (that's the bilge, right) but it's a very small amount and not very often does it come in. Could be a hull issue for sure. Again, I know nothing. I'll be pumping it out tomorrow.

this is a major issue

 

[bethyoung]

Will be interesting to see how well the running gear held up after sitting in saltwater for how knows long w/o maintenance.

Chesapeake Bay water, so some salt, sure, but fresh. Brackish a little.

 

[bethyoung]

this is a major issue

I was told by a few others that it's common to have a little bit of water come in the bilge area....

 

[nola mike]

I was told by a few others that it's common to have a little bit of water come in the bilge area....

It isn't, unless you're bringing it in from outside (rain, wet people, etc)

 

[alldodge]

Have a plan if it needs to be pulled up on land?

 

[bethyoung]

Have a plan if it needs to be pulled up on land?

yup. Pay for it to be pulled up onto land

 

[Pierce89]

I was told by a few others that it's common to have a little bit of water come in the bilge area....

If it was a major issue I'd think you'd have alot more than a little water in there. I'd lean more towards a thru-hull leaking. Maybe once you pump it out it won't come back...then you know it's just rain. Is it bottom painted? Any barnacles/growth underneath?

 

[southkogs]

Congrats Beth. You're nuts, but it's a boatin' kind of nuts. You've got a lot of work ahead of you, but I hope you get the project done and enjoy the boat.

In the meantime, ask away and we'll help point you in the directions you need ... which looks like a lot

 

[bethyoung]

Congrats Beth. You're nuts, but it's a boatin' kind of nuts. You've got a lot of work ahead of you, but I hope you get the project done and enjoy the boat.

In the meantime, ask away and we'll help point you in the directions you need ... which looks like a lot

Thank you?

 

[bethyoung]

If it was a major issue I'd think you'd have alot more than a little water in there. I'd lean more towards a thru-hull leaking. Maybe once you pump it out it won't come back...then you know it's just rain. Is it bottom painted? Any barnacles/growth underneath?

I will find out Thanks, guys!