Any warnings signs here?

[djmeaney]

My quest for a 'low initial investment' SS continues, I found a potential a couple of hours and looking for the Starmada's collective wisdom. I would prefer an 18 -- but a 16 is better than nothing!

This is a saltwater boat. I'm it can be had for less than a thousand -- probably more like $700. (Boat only no trailer.) Does saltwater present any special prblems for aluminum hulls. What whould I be on the look out for?

Here's the CL Ad: Any warning signs here?

1983 Starcraft Super sport bowrider with 1983 70HP Evinrude 3 cyl for Sale by ORIGINAL OWNER in Slip at Marina in Essex

Boat has run very well (never failed on water for past 29 years) --including this season . Engine has gotten full regular annual maintenenece --but currently has electrical problem (Cranks but won't start) . Needs owner who'se got good electrical skills to find short circuit or break in wiring that has just cropped up (I've tried but don't have the the skills or tools to figure it out)

Boat hull has been carefully maintained. Hull resurfaced May 2012 with 2 coats of GLUVIT and 2 coats of EASYPOXY bottom paint. Also brand new battery. --but no trailer. Will sell --make an offer!

I asked the seller condition of the floors and why the two costs of Gluvit, etc.
His response:

"I've replaced the floor boards everywhere from the windshield back --but just a temp fix in the forward area ( between the bow rider V --small area --( didn't seem worth bothering with

Because of it's age ---I've been leak testing the boat each spring for past five yeas or so ( fill it with water to see if there is any seepage anywhere )

Have never had any major leaks but have found some pinholes past two years which I've sealed with west system Epoxy. Hull is worn --so decided to clean it up entirely this spring --which is the reason for the 2 coats of gluvit--and two coats of easypoxy. Hull still looks worn --but much better .

Launched in June. When starting seemed balky--put in new battery --and it fired right up . Used it twice in Early July --out to beach and back--through the marshes etc. with several stops and starts --no problem

Engine now will crank but not start --I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out why --but don't have the electrical skill to really diagnose it--Problem is most likely in the wiring harness ( have already swapped out the key switch and power pack with spare parts) --it needs a sharp electricial guy to fix it--(over my head)

As I was planning to seel it anyway towrd the end of this summer--ahve decided to sell it now as a fixer--upper"

Here are some pics

 

[JohnWI]

Re: Any warnings signs here?

It should be foam filled, so if he's leak testing, wouldn't that only water log the foam??? Or does foam need a certain amount of time before it's water logged?

 

[dozerII]

Re: Any warnings signs here?

I think you should keep looking, a 29 year old boat that has sat in salt water most of it's life, plus what John said above, IFFY. The wiring problem is more than likley in the harness where it makes the sharp bend coming out of the motor, the wires tend to break inside the insulation, making it hard to find. Check out the C-list thread and put the word out what you want and a bunch of the Starmada will be looking for you. It keeps there wives happy cus they can say they are looking for a friend.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Any warnings signs here?

Like Dozer said, saltwater most of it's life & a 'couple of pin holes' suggests electrolysis (no zinc sacrificial anodes).

In CT there should be quite a few between now & Thanksgiving showing up for sale. Like Dozer suggested, check the SC thread

EDIT: changed to correct state:facepalm:

 

[cj8mule]

Re: Any warnings signs here?

So the owner put 2 coats of gluvit on the outside? That would be interesting to do upside down...

 

[barato2]

Re: Any warnings signs here?

i like the seller....seems very up front and knowledgeable about his boat compared to most we deal with. BUT i'd walk away.

1) you just said it's not the boat you want 2)29 years of salt water. salt water screws up EVERYTHING, even if the fish are bigger there. 3)lived in a slip in a slatwater marina plus pinholes=boat has signifcant electrolysis issues. you only coat the entire dang hull in 2 coats of Gluvit if you got some pretty major issues with the aluminum.

find a better boat that's what you want, even if you have to pay more and drive to get it. buying one that's 2 feet shortter than you wanted in the first place is guaranteed recipe for 2-foot-itis in 6 months, or the far worse MBS

 

[djmeaney]

Re: Any warnings signs here?

Thanks for the opinions. The confirm what I was also thinking that this hull my have some serious problems.

I'm in no hurry. Will keep an eye out for an 18' SS in CT or Western Mass.

Dan