Free boat?

[V153]

Re: Free boat?

For what it's worth that appears to be a '66 Glastron Crestflite V-174 Super Sport. First year for I/O btw. Windshield ain't broke, just missing a piece.

Not much to Glastrons so they're purty easy to restore. Your call.

 

[444]

Re: Free boat?

You can check out the glastron factory brochures here:

http://www.classicglastron.com/gl-the-years-web.html

If you go to their homepage they also have a glastron forum.

Figure on $700.00-$1,000.00 to replace stringers, deck & transom with fiberglass covered plywood if you do the work yourself. That does not include painting or gelcoating the outside of the hull.

$1000 for wood? Really? I think materials would be a LOT less than that. I do agree with you in principle though, by the time you figure in the cost of doing up the hull, interior and engine/drive, I have no doubt you could have bought a finished one for considerably less. Some boats are just not financially worth it to restore, and there doesn't seem to be anything too spectacular about this one.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Free boat?

$1000 for wood? Really? I think materials would be a LOT less than that.

You'd be surprised. I actually think that is a conservative estimate. Check out Friscoboater's thread in the resto forum. One of his videos shows all the materials he purchased for the project. Stuff adds up quick.

 

[Prophammer]

Re: Free boat?

I like it! Nice bow rail! I'd do it! Figure out all the mess later!

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Free boat?

First off, only undertake a boat restoration if it's something you're really really going to like and plan on keeping it for a long time. If you're only thinking about doing it because you think you're going to get a cheap boat out of the deal forget it. A boat restoration nearly never makes financial sense.

Second, only do it if you're positive you're capable and that you're actually going to enjoy the work. You'll have fiberglass splinters in your hands, itchy fiberglass dust all over your arms, and it's hotter than hell wearing a respirator in August.

Finally, make sure you have a suitable garage or workshop.

I've done 2 restoration/rebuilds now. The first one only because I was too stupid and stubborn to walk away from. The second one because I've always wanted a Checkmate and for some strange reason actually enjoy the work.

And by the way, there's definitely no such thing as a free boat. Further up this thread someone said to plan on around $1000 for materials - that's probably somewhere in the ballpark. On top of that there's a good chance you'll need new steering, new steering cables, new control cables, etc. etc. etc..... well, you get the picture.

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Free boat?

It looks like a large planter box for someone's front yard. Or you could save it for the annual Xmas decorations with Santa skiing behind it.

Haha, you stole my thoughts!!!!

Just remember, "There's no such thing as a FREE boat".

 

[Sgrayscoop]

Re: Free boat?

okay so I love this boat...or one like it. As you can see, no floor, crap trailor, corroded outdrive. Positives- mercruiser 3.0 (nothing rare), solid transom, all original hardware in good shape, project to be proud of. BUT I just know it wouldn't get done like I see it. Its in lake wylie sc, yours if you want it.

 

[hostage]

Re: Free boat?

Yeah, good idea to pass on it. I have a feeling it is going to be there for many more years.

 

[Prophammer]

Re: Free boat?

If I had somewhere to keep it, like out in the woods, I'd ask for the required info. I can't keep it in the woods at this time. But with that on hand, it could be then thought about, for a lengthy bit of time! If you have another boat, use it while you think about this one. Almost like cheating on a Lady to me!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Free boat?

Even the outdrive is all banged up. There is not a single redeeming quality there. Good move letting it alone.

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Free boat?

I've said it before but think it's funny how down people get on free boats, yet the resto thread is full of people redoing boats. It seems as though some people think it's more appropriate to pay for a boat that needs restoration vs getting it for free. People mention spending the money you'd spend on restoring a free one on a different boat, but for 4K what I see around here are shiny pretty boats that are hiding their rot really well but will need a full restoration within 5 years anyway.

IO's are a whole different animal, but the most important thing to know going in is that you likely wont make your money back and it will cost more than expected, but then again that's true of any boat if you get if free or drop 10K. If ya like a boat and enjoy the process......go for it.

 

[CaptOchs]

Re: Free boat?

My last "free boat" had a 6ft sapling growing out of the floor! I replaced the floor, seats, and gauges. The trailer needed lights and tires too. It certainly didn't cost anywhere near $1000!

The only difference is this is an I/O. If that motor wasn't winterized, you would need to replace it. If you can't do it, you're looking at anywhere from $2000-$3000. That would place it beyond what its worth.

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Free boat?

I've said it before but think it's funny how down people get on free boats, yet the resto thread is full of people redoing boats. It seems as though some people think it's more appropriate to pay for a boat that needs restoration vs getting it for free. People mention spending the money you'd spend on restoring a free one on a different boat, but for 4K what I see around here are shiny pretty boats that are hiding their rot really well but will need a full restoration within 5 years anyway.

IO's are a whole different animal, but the most important thing to know going in is that you likely wont make your money back and it will cost more than expected, but then again that's true of any boat if you get if free or drop 10K. If ya like a boat and enjoy the process......go for it.

Gotta Agree. I dont see those "perfect condition" $5k boats everyone keeps telling me I should have bought instead of rebuilding the engine in mine. If I could have found a 21', v-8 powered, NON-TRIHULL, good interior having, rot free, on a trailer, completely ready for the water boat for $4-5k I would have bought it. Sub is right. I see all kinds of resto threads on boats that I wouldnt have even taken the time to turn my nose up at. I see resto threads on tri-hulls that I would have junked simply for being a tri-hull. I see resto threads on Badliners that were not worth when NEW the materials they were built from. I mean, honestly, 99% of the boats we all own are never going to be worth even close to what we have in them. I see it on this forum all the time...boats are not an investment in anything else but time. So why is it that one person gets kudos and cheering for restoring a graveyard POS that they will never get their money back out of, but others are told not to get "boat x" because they will never get their money back? I agree with Sub 100%. If you like the boat, and are not worried about return on investment, then go for it. If you have to have the latest and greatest thing, with no repairs necessary, then forget looking at used boats at all, and get yourself into a dealer and into debt for a brand spankin' new one. Me? I will stick with my $1500 boat that needs three times that in repairs and upgrades. I will then have a like-new boat for $6-7k, and I will know it inside-out. Will I be able to sell it for that much? Who cares? I will USE that much out of it!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Free boat?

Ok since we aren't allowed to just blanket poo-poo cheap project boats ..... Can we at least agree that a worthwhile project needs to have at least 1 thing going for it? That could be a solid hull or a good motor or a good drive or a nice trailer.

 

[Sgrayscoop]

Re: Free boat?

Anyone in the area to come look at this? Border of sc and nc

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Free boat?

Ok since we aren't allowed to just blanket poo-poo cheap project boats ..... Can we at least agree that a worthwhile project needs to have at least 1 thing going for it? That could be a solid hull or a good motor or a good drive or a nice trailer.

Hehe...good enough . New rule: the project boat in question must have at least two (2) redeeming qualities to be considered for project worthy status.
1. Good hull
2. Good engine and/or drive
3. Good interior
4. Good trailer
5. Collectable/rare status
6. Because I like it

ok?

 

[Sgrayscoop]

Re: Free boat?

Hehe...good enough . New rule: the project boat in question must have at least two (2) redeeming qualities to be considered for project worthy status.
1. Good hull
2. Good engine and/or drive
3. Good interior
4. Good trailer
5. Collectable/rare status
6. Because I like it

ok?

5 and 6? maybe 1

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Free boat?

7. It belonged to a treasured relative

When I was shopping for my SS, I wanted 2 of the following: good hull (pretty much a given with aluminum SC's in my area), not missing any parts that would be difficult to source (like a windshield panel or something), a nice trailer, and/or a running motor you could get parts for.

I showed up with cash in hand to buy one that had a Chrysler 105 on it. After much mental anguish, I ended up walking away because (in addition to the obsolete motor) it was missing some parts and was also sitting on a solid but odd fabricated trailer.

I ended up buying a better one for $1000. This was the condition it was in when I brought it home: http://s176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/?action=view&current=hole_shot.mp4

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Free boat?

I started a thread on this subject. Check it out!

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=471322

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Free boat?

Can boredom count as an excuse? Then again most of the dumbest things I've done have come out of boredom.