Aristocraft 19 Question

Davidam1262

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Dec 30, 2021
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Hi all newbie to the fourm, so go gentle LOL. I am looking at pulling the trigger on a 1968 nineteen. Two previous owners, with all the documentation, including service history, and best of all it has a Mercrusier, not the dreaded OMC. I'm going to take a look at it this weekend. My question is the bow. I can't tell if its a stain or something else just below the water line? See the picture I attached and let me your thoughts on what it might be and what it might take to fix it.

Thanks,
 

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nola mike

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Keep in mind that your 1968 power train is just as obsolete as anything omc branded. Unless you're experienced with *marine* mechanics, and have had boats before, this probably isn't a great first boat. Your picture looks like a bigfoot sighting btw, impossible to tell anything from it.
 

Davidam1262

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Keep in mind that your 1968 power train is just as obsolete as anything omc branded. Unless you're experienced with *marine* mechanics, and have had boats before, this probably isn't a great first boat. Your picture looks like a bigfoot sighting btw, impossible to tell anything from it.
thanks for the info on the pic uploaded a new one. Not my first boat, just haven't had one in 15 years.
 

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ananknemous

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thanks for the info on the pic uploaded a new one. Not my first boat, just haven't had one in 15 years.
Hi David, did you look at the boat? if so, would you share your thoughts? I was eyeballing the same boat and I'm now curious if it is worth pursuing...
thanks
-dm
 

Davidam1262

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Hi David, did you look at the boat? if so, would you share your thoughts? I was eyeballing the same boat and I'm now curious if it is worth pursuing...
thanks
-dm
Yes, I did. I didn't think the "stain" on the bow was dirty water/lack of cleaning related, hence the post. When I saw it it’s a huge fiberglass patch and was told they ran aground (Red Flag). yes, its patched but needs a ton of sanding and new gel coat. No way of knowing what damage is inside. Is the foam destroyed? Can't tell without drilling some holes my assumption is YES. The engine was replaced with a Merc Cruiser, but it appears the transom was cut and patched to make the new stern drive fit. (Red flag). Blower motor is inoperable as is the speedometer and a few other gauges. There is hornets’ nest of wiring, most if its not marine grade. The floor has been replaced with wood, can't tell is marine ply as the carpet is glue down and no way to lift if up to see. Whoever put the floor down laid it right over the ski/ice box storage that’s run down the center, to me that indicative if something being hidden. Lots of cracks in the gelcoat/paint, but it is 54 yrs. old. For a 1968 the roof, which doesn't slide, its good shapes, the upholstery is ok, going to need replacement but not for a few years. The engine was running ok, not the original. I didn't bother doing a compression test. The trailer had two flats, and the wiring harness was "customer made". Have no idea if the brakes or lights work. Wasn’t able to take it for a test ride in a lake, so there is a lot you can't really tell for looking it on land. The guy selling was nice, he restores cars, trucks, and boats in his yard. Quite few out there in one form or another. For what they are asking I'd say no, if you're willing to put a lot of work into it and you can pick it up for $1k or less you might make out. To me lots of unknows. I can find another Arista Craft 19 in far better condition. I've been down this path before so its not my first rodeo . My inner voice says no. Hope this helps you.
 

ananknemous

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Yes, I did. I didn't think the "stain" on the bow was dirty water/lack of cleaning related, hence the post. When I saw it it’s a huge fiberglass patch and was told they ran aground (Red Flag). yes, its patched but needs a ton of sanding and new gel coat. No way of knowing what damage is inside. Is the foam destroyed? Can't tell without drilling some holes my assumption is YES. The engine was replaced with a Merc Cruiser, but it appears the transom was cut and patched to make the new stern drive fit. (Red flag). Blower motor is inoperable as is the speedometer and a few other gauges. There is hornets’ nest of wiring, most if its not marine grade. The floor has been replaced with wood, can't tell is marine ply as the carpet is glue down and no way to lift if up to see. Whoever put the floor down laid it right over the ski/ice box storage that’s run down the center, to me that indicative if something being hidden. Lots of cracks in the gelcoat/paint, but it is 54 yrs. old. For a 1968 the roof, which doesn't slide, its good shapes, the upholstery is ok, going to need replacement but not for a few years. The engine was running ok, not the original. I didn't bother doing a compression test. The trailer had two flats, and the wiring harness was "customer made". Have no idea if the brakes or lights work. Wasn’t able to take it for a test ride in a lake, so there is a lot you can't really tell for looking it on land. The guy selling was nice, he restores cars, trucks, and boats in his yard. Quite few out there in one form or another. For what they are asking I'd say no, if you're willing to put a lot of work into it and you can pick it up for $1k or less you might make out. To me lots of unknows. I can find another Arista Craft 19 in far better condition. I've been down this path before so its not my first rodeo . My inner voice says no. Hope this helps you.
Thanks, you just saved me a wasted trip!
 
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