Let me start by saying that I'm a sailor -- not a power boater.
However, I'm thinking of getting a bowrider so that the family can do some tubing and fishing. Like most people, I don't have a lot of money to spend on a second boat (still keeping sailboat). I have an opportunity to purchase an early 80's 19' Sea Sprite Mach II with an OMC 3.8L V6 Sterndrive. The boat appears to be in good condition from the photos (haven't seen it in person yet) and the owners says there are no soft spots on the deck. The motor has less than 700 hours. The catch is that the outdrive needs to have the cracked Gear Housing on the Upper Gearcase replaced on the outdrive. The motor has less than 700 hours.
I can get the boat, trailer and a few accessories for about $800, which is probably a little more than I should spend (I know that's not a lot for a boat!). I'm mechanically inclined, can follow a repair manual, have done a fair amount of fiberglass work and think I can make the outdrive repair myself -- knowing that I'll be looking a few hundred $$$ for parts, may be more.
Since I know next to nothing about Sea Sprites, OMC Sterndrives, or powerboats in general -- does this seem like a reasonable deal to get a decent boat for a fair amount of money? Or I am asking for trouble?
Also, the outdrive was damaged about a year ago, is there anything about a boat that sat for a year that I should be concerned about? Don't know if fuel has been in tank for all that time.
Is there anything in particular what should I be looking for?
Appreciate the help.
Dan
However, I'm thinking of getting a bowrider so that the family can do some tubing and fishing. Like most people, I don't have a lot of money to spend on a second boat (still keeping sailboat). I have an opportunity to purchase an early 80's 19' Sea Sprite Mach II with an OMC 3.8L V6 Sterndrive. The boat appears to be in good condition from the photos (haven't seen it in person yet) and the owners says there are no soft spots on the deck. The motor has less than 700 hours. The catch is that the outdrive needs to have the cracked Gear Housing on the Upper Gearcase replaced on the outdrive. The motor has less than 700 hours.
I can get the boat, trailer and a few accessories for about $800, which is probably a little more than I should spend (I know that's not a lot for a boat!). I'm mechanically inclined, can follow a repair manual, have done a fair amount of fiberglass work and think I can make the outdrive repair myself -- knowing that I'll be looking a few hundred $$$ for parts, may be more.
Since I know next to nothing about Sea Sprites, OMC Sterndrives, or powerboats in general -- does this seem like a reasonable deal to get a decent boat for a fair amount of money? Or I am asking for trouble?
Also, the outdrive was damaged about a year ago, is there anything about a boat that sat for a year that I should be concerned about? Don't know if fuel has been in tank for all that time.
Is there anything in particular what should I be looking for?
Appreciate the help.
Dan
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