abandoned boat

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cbar870

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boat.jpgBrought home a boat that was left out at my grandfathers ranch for 7 years. The owner had an unfortunate stroke and grampa just wanted it off the property. I looked up bonding titles and think I can get a title for it here (texas). are there any quirks I should know about titles? I'd hate to put too much work into it and not be able to use it at all. It looks like it is going to be quite a project boat and I'm brand new to the hobby.

I attached a picture. I'm going to need help with the restoration also. Don't have a clue where to start.
 
southkogs

southkogs

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Re: abandoned boat

It all depends on your state. Make sure you check with TX and see what a salvage title involves.

Also, do a good once over on the boat and make sure it's something you really wanna' tackle. Restoring a beaten up old boat is sometimes (perhaps "often" or "usually") more expensive than buying something lake ready.

Welcome aboard.
 
BonairII

BonairII

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Re: abandoned boat

Don't put ANY money into it....until you get the ownership paperwork straightened out.

Im guessing that 7years will def qualify as abandoned property.
 
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cbar870

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Re: abandoned boat

Ok. I did a once over and decided that it doesn't really look that bad. The hull doesn't have any visible dents or holes and the motor looks rather good for 7 years rest. had to change the fuse to the solonoid (used a 20a...not really sure if that is the right one but it passes juice through the solonoid. Also blew the solonoid and found one that fit from my grampa's shop. Now the starter spins but doesn't do much but spin and make noises. Do I need to go buy a new starter?
BTW decided to take on the project and just use it at the river behind the ranch and the lake next to it. If I get the title...all the better.
 
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colbyt

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Re: abandoned boat

Here your grandpa could get a title because he has owned it for more than 5 years.
 
Woodonglass

Woodonglass

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Re: abandoned boat

In Okie Land Anyone can file for a lost title. Got a LOT of jumping thru hoops and costs are over $100 bucks but you can finally "Git Er Dun!!!!" If it still has OK Registration #'s on it it's a LOT easier and less expensive.
 
BonairII

BonairII

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Re: abandoned boat

The first thing to be done(before trying to start it)....is change the impeller. You'll overheat the motor quickly if the old impeller is shot....which id bet surely is garbage.

Second. Clean all connections to battery, solenoid, etc. make sure battery is good...and fully charged.


I'm also guessing that all fuel hoses are rotting...so they must be changed so that hose debris doesn't foul your carbs.
 
Woodonglass

Woodonglass

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Re: abandoned boat

What size Rude' is that hanging off the back? What year?
 
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cbar870

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Re: abandoned boat

Thanks, I got somewhere to start. cleaning up and unfreezing lines, cables, and wires. No battery yet. Can I just hook it up to the car for now while i'm working on it.

It's a johnson 60 hp. Early 80's.
 
Woodonglass

Woodonglass

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Re: abandoned boat

If you get the Model# and Serial # and send me a PM I can send you some Schematics and technical info on the motor.
 
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cbar870

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Re: abandoned boat

Ok, I'm getting ready to take the motor off in order to repair the transom. While it is off I want to put it in the lake and see how it holds water. My plan is to take out: all electrical (except for the trolling motor which works fine), motor, command center, and steering wheel. Next I'm going to tub out all of the wood. Was planning to pull the trailer as far back into the water as I can to the creek inlet of the lake and pull it the rest of the way into the water from the other side of the creek with the tractor. Is this right, or should I just fill up the boat with water and check for leaks? Please advise. I don't know what I am doing.
 
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