Center console Invader O/B

[JGThoms]

Hey this is a longshot but hey I am coming up dry with internet searches. I have an opportunity to restore this boat.
It is sitting on the original trailer and I know it has a Merc 200HP Outboard saltwater edition on it (Black cowling with Blue graphic). Any information out there? I will try to get a s/n off of it and the motor later.

 

[JGThoms]

No luck on the serial numbers yet until that wrap comes off but I have learned more. The 200hp Mercury engine does not say saltwater but OFFSHORE. The original owner thinks it is a 1991 and told me it has an 80 gallon fuel tank.

 

[JimS123]

Its an old boat, and probably beyond its useful life. Thus, restoring it will like cost more than the boat is worth.

So, what is it you need to know?

 

[JGThoms]

Its an old boat, and probably beyond its useful life. Thus, restoring it will like cost more than the boat is worth.

So, what is it you need to know?

Well I think you have just answered what I was looking for. It is my bosses boat and it is sitting on the back 40. I thought about making it a project but was needing perspective. He thinks the motor needs some TLC since it has not been ran for so long.

 

[dingbat]

Been out of business for a while
The motor is most likely junk after sitting that long

1988 Invader Marine Inc Prices & Values

1988 Invader Marine Inc Prices & Values - J.D. Power

www.nadaguides.com

 

[JGThoms]

It needs cleaned up for sure. Looks like a critter has been inside the transom area got all that debris and some walnut shells. The upholstery vinyl is a little brittle View attachment 339133View attachment 339135View attachment 339136View attachment 339132View attachment 339131View attachment 339127View attachment 339126View attachment 339125View attachment 339124View attachment 339134

 

[mike_i]

walk away

 

[JGThoms]

walk away

I'm not sure I can do that just yet. I placed a battery in it yesterday to trim up the motor because it was down and the skeg gets close to the ground when the trailer tires lose a little air. I had some issues with my phone yesterday and cannot view the photos I posted. I am going to clean it up for now and give it a good lookover.

 

[JGThoms]

Oh yeah...my transom discovery picture. This may be a fun adventure. Could it be like an old car restoration? I have worked for a boat builder since '02 and I am not seeing anything scaring me off yet.

 

[mike_i]

Since you work for a boat builder you probably have experience and connections. Only you can decide if it's worth your time and money to restore it.

 

[JGThoms]

Since you work for a boat builder you probably have experience and connections. Only you can decide if it's worth your time and money to restore it.

At this point I am not interested in a repower so hopefully I can get with someone that Merc and get it going. His estimate is that it has about 150 hours on it.

 

[JimS123]

Boats that have sat out in the elements for years and years are a questional proposition.

Restoring a family heirloom is a labor of love....and certainly worth more than the time and expense it takes. Restoring a boat model that was identical to what Grandpa had when you were a youngin is also worth all your time and expense.

Other types of project boats are simply not cost effective because when you get done you will have not only spent more than the boat was worth, but more than you could have paid for a similar boat that didn't need restoration.

Of course that's just my opinion, but its based on 45+ years of experience. My $10,000 project is currently worth about $4,000, and that's even in the current inflated market. I didn't spare any expense, nor complain about the excessive cost, only because I know that all the time Grandpa was looking down and he would have been proud.