Considering this pontoon for a rebuild. Maybe kinda pricey, what do you think?

[gt2003]

http://tulsa.craigslist.org/boa/4641423914.html


1987 24 foot Party Barge with a Merc 115. Ad says decking and upholstery shot but trailer is good and has new tires and pontoons are in great shape with no dents. I've never done a rebuild and think a pontoon would likely be the easiest place to start, new decking, new seating, smoker, wood fired pizza oven, party keg,...wait, I'm going a bit overboard. Seriously though decking, seating, console and rewiring the lights and gauges which I'm thinking could EASILY run $3-5000. I don't necessarily mind spending the money to get the satisfaction of a rebuild that I did myself that I can enjoy for years to come. He's asking $2000 for it all, the trailer, the pontoon frame and the motor which supposedly needs new lines but other than that runs well. He's had no takers for a month but says he's "firm" on $2000. So, two questions:

Is a pontoon a good place to start for my first restore?

What do you "experts" think a "fair" value is knowing I'm gonna have to put some serious love into this thing before it's ready and also taking into account that I'm full aware that I'll likely never get out of it what I put into it (except the satisfaction of a job well done)??

Not sure I'll jump on it but I'm needing a project to fill my spare time and what better than another boat??

NADA low retail is $4255 but I'm going to assume that's for something that isn't going to have to be rebuilt from the ground up!

 

[Woodonglass]

Yup, I know the exact boat you're looking at and, IF you WANT a Pontoon then this one is a good Candidate. I would for SURE check the motor over. Do a compression check on ALL cylinders to confirm they are all above 100 to 110 and make sure she'll shift into forward and reverse. IF you are handy and don't mind Dirty Nasty Itchy work and want to spend that $3-5 K to have a LIKE NEW boat and have the time and Space for a Large project like this then I'd say Jump in and go for it. You can replace the deck for about $1,000 bucks not including the carpet. You can build your own seats and do your own upholstery and save a bunch too! That's what I did on my boat. You can find used Pontoon Furniture sometimes on Craigslist too. Time and Patience can save you a lot!!! You can use Tractor Paint to paint it and save a bundle too!! We'll be here to help if you decide to pull the trigger. Heck since it's it my neck of the woods, I might help ya!!!

 

[gt2003]

Nice! I felt that was a decent price with the trailer and especially if the motor is in decent shape. The frame looks VERY solid. I didn't think I wanted to do a rebuild but dang a boat that size would be a bunch of fun and I like doing home remodeling projects myself so I thougth what they heck, why not a boat? I figured a pontoon would surely be the best way to start!

 

[UConnMRB]

Thats the exact boat and almost identical outboard that we have at our lake house in NH. We used to tube and ski off the back of it. They are very easy to fix. If the motor checks out, it seems like a decent price.

 

[gt2003]

Well, he won't take $1500. He's pretty sure the trailer is worth $1200 and the motor $1000 and the scrap metal $800. I'm not pulling the trigger yet but I'm not ruling it out either!

 

[Watermann]

Looks like a good candidate for a resto. He's way off on scrap AL prices right now and it would have to be dismantled before sale.

Wave 1800 cash under his nose for his trash dumpster.

 

[Woodonglass]

Sorry, but...He's Spot On on his Price. If the Motor has good compression and runs, then it's worth the money.

 

[gt2003]

I wasn't too offended by the price even at $2000. It is a 2 hour drive from me (not his issue, I get that) but I'll still try to bargain with him just a bit. Plus, I'd have to bring someone with me who knows how to test compression (once again, not his issue). So, time to put pen to paper and see if I can make this thing work.

 

[Woodonglass]

Buy a compression checker at Harbor Freight for $20 bucks. Take a Battery with you and hook it up. Remove the Spark Plugs and Hook up the Compression Checker to the Plug socket and turn the motor over. If the motor pressures up to 110 or better on ALL cylinders. It's good. Drain some oil out of the lower unit plug and check for metal shavings. If none, I'd say she's good to go. If the Toons don't have any major dings or dents or corrosion then She's worth the money. If I didn't have some Home Improvements taking funds out of pocket right now She'd already be GONE!!!!

 

[gt2003]

Exactly, I've got one medium sized project to go. If it's still available then, I'll go for it. Wow, checking compression is that easy huh. I can do that. Thanks W.O.G

 

[gt2003]

I watched a few videos on the compression checking. Looks pretty simple. I did watch one video that said you could fry the coil packs somehow. That's a little cocerning. What should I do to prevent this or is it even an issue with that motor?

 

[Woodonglass]

As long as you only crank the motor for 10 secs. per cylinder (and that's about all that's required) you won't hurt the coils!!