1995 Sunbird Neptune 201 ???

sutor623

Rear Admiral
Joined
May 23, 2011
Messages
4,089
Hey fellas,

I have a nice 16' tinny. But, it is uncomfortable for my family on rougher days at the lake/river, and I can't get more than one other buddy on it for fishing. I like the idea of the full wrap windshield for protection against the elements, and the fiberglass floors.

I have a good buddy, an older fella, that bought the Neptune second owner around 10 years ago. Since then the boat has been trailered and kept out of the water. The bottom is not stained or painted so I doubt it was ever kept in the water previously. The boat has a self bailing cockpit. The boat hasn't been run in 6 years, but was winterized and properly stored when put up. Motor is free Will need carbs rebuilt as well as water pump (which I am more than confident to do myself.)

There are no spider cracks anywhere, the floor feels solid, and the motor is in beautiful cosmetic shape. The trailer is in great shape also. Looks like it was stored in a garage.

He told me that he would sell me the boat for $3500. Here are my main questions:

1. How can I tell if the transom is wet or dry rotten?

2. How do I know if the stringers are in decent shape? I can pull the gas tank compartment hatch and see down into the hull.

3. I hear lots of different things, but apparently the stringers are all foam core wrapped in glass with a wood transom. Does this sound accurate?

4. These boats go for $6-8000 in my area, so with a little motor work, as long as the structure of the boat is in good shape, I dont think I can go wrong.

Here are some pictures. All the vinyl is in great shape. The boat is a little dirty because it was uncovered a few weeks ago and my old buddy hasn't had it in him to get the cover back on.











 

eddie haskell

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 5, 2015
Messages
87
Looks about right, price wise. You can really toss your weight around inside, bounce on the deck, etc, pull the motor back, look for any give, knock on it, should sound like a ripe watermelon.....or, pay someone to look at it before you buy.
I think it looks pretty decent myself, of course in person is way better.
 

sutor623

Rear Admiral
Joined
May 23, 2011
Messages
4,089
Yea it looks good in person. I just have to inspect a little more. Still wondering if the stringers on this boat are wood or just foam core.
 
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