98 Rinker captiva 232 for $500.Should I do it? pics

[jonny rotten]

A friend of a friend is down on his luck and offered me this boat for $500.He says it was last run 3 years ago.He also says it was winterized at that time,but who knows.The windshield is smashed for the weight of the smow.It looks as if a windshield is $2000 alone unless I can find a used one.The floor seems solid.The cabin is clean.The upholstery looks like is mold impregnated but not horrible..Am I out of my mind for considering this? If I could get it running would it be a home run? Steering is not frozen and it goes into gear and drain plug was out.

 

[alldodge]

It's a roll of the dice. I would pull some plugs and see what they look like. Also is a saltwater boat, so that brings it's own issues. IMO the 5.0 EFI will still not be enough motor to have it move like you may like, but will work, hope it comes with a bravo 3.







Last thing is the boat with trailer is worth in good shape about $8000

 

[Mr.Stickney]

IMHO you could part it out for more than you will be paying for it. Trailer alone will get you your $500 back.

If it were me id buy it , start tearing it apart and sourcing parts and if you start getting to a number you're uncomfortable with. Part it out.

If not, give me his number and tell him Ill come pick it up this weekend

 

[Bondo]

IMHO you could part it out for more than you will be paying for it. Trailer alone will get you your $500 back.

Ayuh,.... Agreed, the parts value is there, even if the hull is junk,...

 

[jonny rotten]

I wasn't looking to part it out.I wanted a bigger boat then my 19 ft.The hull is what I thought would be the good part.Everything else was my concern.It is a saltwater boat with what looks like an alpha drive. I was hoping if it ran and float 3 years ago it might just need a good cleaning and some basic stuff,hoses etc.The boat was pitched correctly and not pooling water. Anything motor/outdrive I should be looking for.Heres the outdrive

 

[alldodge]

Appears to be an alpha drive to me. I have a 232, and a 5.0 even an MPI would not be enough motor to move it with an alpha drive. It will move it, but will take a long time to plane and doing water sports such as tubing, wake board of skiing would be a challenge.

Just my opinion

 

[jonny rotten]

Appears to be an alpha drive to me. I have a 232, and a 5.0 even an MPI would not be enough motor to move it with an alpha drive. It will move it, but will take a long time to plane and doing water sports such as tubing, wake board of skiing would be a challenge.

Just my opinion

So assuming the boat was setup with this drivetrain from the factory,it was setup grossly underpowered and a pig. That never crossed my mind,I was looking at the work needed. I like the getup and go out of the hole.Should I be walking away? Its been around 18 years.I would think somebody must have had a good time on it with this setup?

 

[alldodge]

So assuming the boat was setup with this drivetrain from the factory,it was setup grossly underpowered and a pig. That never crossed my mind,I was looking at the work needed. I like the getup and go out of the hole.Should I be walking away? Its been around 18 years.I would think somebody must have had a good time on it with this setup?

I'll just say this, there was a guy it my dock with a 232, a 5.7 EFI and a B3 drive. He said it was slow out of the hole but for the most part did ok. Mine is a carb B1 and a 7.4 (300hp and more torque then a 5.7) and I have no problem at all pulling folks out of the water (had 9 skiers/knee boarders behind the boat at one time), tubing and running around. The issue is coming out of the hole.

That said I will agree with Stickney that the trailer is worth 500 if not a bit more. But if it is junked, it will cost to get rid of the hull

 

[Vintage Rider]

Quit second guessing, it's a deal! Buy it. Check for rot. Get it running. Clean it up and enjoy it. If you find something you don't like then either change it or sell it. You've already been assured several times that you won't lose money however things turn out.

 

[mxcobra]

mmmmm good boat......

 

[Scow Hound]

Tough decision there. From the pics, I'd say the price is just about at it's current value. Personally, I think the market has enough of (complete) freshwater boats around $1000 or so that are probably a better value, depending on what equipment comes with. Two new batteries and a windshield puts you up around that number already, plus you have to do the work... It's a small V8, that's the good news. IF for skiing or hauling lots of crew, you could consider a prop upgrade to get better hole shot. If there's no spare prop, it's a no brainer, Keep the original as your spare. Otherwise you're dumping another $200 ish into that hole in the water. After spinning the hub on my buds 22' (heavy '70's) Sea-Ray, we consulted the prop guy at Sante Propeller here in Cleve, Tweaked the pitch/size a little, ended up with better hole shot, 5200 ish RPM, 34 MPH, AND (subjective observation) better fuel economy. She Looks like a fun boat with a good trailer. If you like the work, have the time, willing to invest a little $, AND a supportive wife...well, now you know why I would wait for something a litlle more "turnkey".