Disposible boats.

[NEStriper]

So, here's the deal.

I'm currently working on a 16' Fiberglass boat, a full restore, from the transom to the stringers. However, as I grind away at the fiberglass while receiving texts about great fishing, you can understand my frustration.

I found a very solid looking 18ft hull on craigslist. It's just the hull. I want to take the outboard from the project boat (a running 70hp Johnson) and trailer (it's on blocks), hookup the steering and throttle and be on the water within a week of work.

Free boats are free for a reason. I have been told the floor and transom are both solid, which probably means solid... ish. Assuming I decide the boat is safe, is there anything wrong in my plan to use this a disposable boat for the season, while working on the other in my downtime?

Before someone suggests buying a better hull, I have no budget. The $1,000 in supplies for restoring the other boat is the best hull I can buy for that cost.

Any opinions on this?

http://nh.craigslist.org/boa/3049109084.html

 

[Cowthief]

Re: Disposible boats.

Go tap on the transom and find out heh

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Disposible boats.

In my opinion, as long as the boat is safe then go for it. Sell the other boat when you're done with it.

The only downside to that plan is that while you're on the water enjoying yourself nothing's getting done on your project boat (ask me what I know about that).

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Disposible boats.

your 70 may be small for this boat, but if that doesn't matter, fine.

Consider what it will take to hook up the steering, controls, electric and what you will attach it to. That can get costly, and it has to be secure to be safe--also a secure seat.

Also be sure your Johnson is long enough. Shaft, I mean.

the old 70's are good motors BTW

 

[southkogs]

Re: Disposible boats.

Nothing wrong with it, but depending on how much it costs to put it all together - you might be able to find a small aluminum rowboat with a reasonable outboard for $300.

 

[V153]

Re: Disposible boats.

I'd recommend not. Cuz what you'll wind up doing is pirating parts. Granpappy Jack always liked to say: Finish/sell one pos 'fore ya start on the next. But they're your boats so do what you want ...

I do think a 18 footer with a 70'd probly be a lil anemic?

 

[woodsyfeller]

Re: Disposible boats.

I say go ahead just figure anything you buy to get temp boat on water, can be used on restore boat if possible.The perfect scenario is to get a boat identical or close to your restore boat so when your restore boat is done you just take all the parts off of temp boat and put em on restore.

I understand your eagerness to get out on the water now.Just remeber like posted above your going to taking time away from your restore boat and what may end up happening is the restore boat doesnt get finished ,because temp boat might be good enough for 1st year , then next year....then next year....

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Disposible boats.

I'm kinda thinking that you'd be buying another project boat there, eh.

 

[eavega]

Re: Disposible boats.

I did what you suggested in lieu of doing a full restore to a 70's era 15' tri-hull. The boat itself did not really merit a restore, so I opted instead to find another hull and transfer the motor, controls, steering, etc. I did pay for the hull ($200), but for the price the seller also disposed of my old hull. I bought it in May of 2009 without motor or seats. I was on the water within three weeks (i.e. I got an entire summer with the boat that year). Additional costs of about $200 for hardware to install the seats, wiring, lights, and miscellaneous stuff. Total cost of under $500 vs a total restore which was in the neighborhood of $1300 including all the stuff I put into the other boat, and it saved me a spring and summer of grinding, cutting, glassing, etc. Will my new hull last as long as a full restore? Maybe, maybe not. I suspect I will never find out, as we are already talking about upgrading to a bigger boat. I would've seriously regretted doing the full gut-and-rebuild on the original 15' hull only to trade up within 5 years.

 

[NEStriper]

Re: Disposible boats.

Well, I took the challenge and picked up this boat. She's ugly at the moment, but the deck, transom, and stringers seem solid. Tried to shove a screwdriver through the stringers - no give at all. It has no seats, no center console and nothing in it. However, it does have a near-new 30 gallon aluminum gas tank and steering controls.

The boat is a 1972 MFG Fishin' Caprice, as far as I can tell. The 70 might not push it, however, I have a running 115 as well. Very bare bones hull.

I think I'm in good shape. The trailer it's currently on might be trash, but I have the trailer from the other boat as well. I have steering, a wheel, controls and an outboard. I'll research what electronics I need to be legal (not much). I'll build a center console based on the old design, stick it on there, mount everything and be set. Maybe I'll make a leaning post to go behind the console, or maybe not. This is a fishing boat, seats are overrated anyway. If you're sitting, you're not fishing!

It's a great deep vee hull, appears to be very ocean worthy. No major repairs, holes, or anything to speak of. The only glass work so far seems to be fixing a few holes in the transom that a trolling motor sat in recently.

If for a few weeks couple hundred bucks I can get this in the water, I'll be a happy man. If it lasts 5 years, I'll be ecstatic.

 

[NEStriper]

Re: Disposible boats.

So, here's the plan.

Rather than try to repair the deck that has been cut for the gas tank (which I'm assuming is not operational, judging by the screw holes in it), I'm going to lay some exterior plywood (two sheets) over the entire floor. Screw those in. Then, build a center console to fit a 35 gallon aluminum gas tank inside, which I have left over. Mount the wheel, controls, and outboard and launch her!

Assuming all goes well, it will float and I'll get two seasons out of her. While I'm at school, I'll build up my better project boat and hopefully have that ready for next year.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Disposible boats.

THIS THREAD might be of interest to you while you're figuring out what to do with your project(s). Good luck with it!