getting a boat for free

[WHO_CARES]

have a chance to get a fiberglass boat for free. my question, is there a way to tell just by looking if the boat is solid? what should i look for? i dont have a lot of money to fix it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: getting a boat for free

There is no such thing as a "free boat". While you may get to tow it home with no cash outlay, the minute you hook it to your tow vehicle the costs begin. Title/registration transfers etc. Then there is the possibility that the boat is not worth fixing so you now have a disposal problem. And if there is an engine/drive problem the costs go up quickly. And on and on it goes.

 

[alexr254]

Re: getting a boat for free

What is the make, model, year, engine?

pics are always good to look at too.

It will be hard for anyone to give an opinion with little to no information on the boat your talking about. And yes absolutely there is nothing free, eventually money will be used....

 

[WHO_CARES]

Re: getting a boat for free

i understand that nothing is free. it has a 20 johnson that runs good. i was wondering what to look for as far as the fiberglass goes, is there any way to tell if its sound? can i tell visually and what are the warning signs

 

[southkogs]

Re: getting a boat for free

Tell us a little more about the boat, and we can probably tell you a bit more. Here's what I mean:

If you are looking at a 14' fishing boat with a 20HP motor on it, the boat is likely fine. Those open hull types are pretty simple construction and unless they're abused they last FOREVER. It may be dirty, but chances are it's completely seaworthy. Your biggest problem is if the motor is going to stay alive.

If you're looking at something more "fancy" that is just using a 20HP, then things might be much more complicated.

Hope that helps a little.

 

[62 ROYAL SCOTT]

Re: getting a boat for free

HELL-O WHO_CARES What kind of boat do you have? Always check the bottom of the boat frist ,then look for side inpack deep marks and so on,then you might want add a little water to it and check for leaks [make sure the plug is in] also look for repairs -[ THATS WHAT I THINK ]- As far as red flags - YOUR GUT FEELING WILL TELL YA ANYWAY HAPPY NOT SO FREE BOATING

 

[bassman284]

Re: getting a boat for free

First thing to look for is a title. Even a free boat will need a title in most states. Depending on your location, you may also need a title for the motor and even the trailer. Lacking any will cause you some expense along with a fair amount of terror and anxiety.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: getting a boat for free

a free running 20 HP OMC is a good start.

 

[WHO_CARES]

Re: getting a boat for free

just found out its a crownline 1962 with a 20hp johnson, and appreciate all the comments

 

[alexr254]

Re: getting a boat for free

Here is a link to some more info on that boat

http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/Crownline

As long as your willing to pay for registration, and understand that repair costs are non avoidable... congrats on your free boat and engine

 

[bassman284]

Re: getting a boat for free

Wow. That could be real interesting if you're into classic/antique boats. It also kind of blunts my title argument since most states title requirements are for boats made after 1970 or so.

I'd definitely drag that bad boy home and look it over. Worst case scenario, you cut a deal with a collector.

 

[WHO_CARES]

Re: getting a boat for free

thanks bassman is there anything to look for as far as fiberglass cracks or whatever, how can i tell if its solid

 

[erwinner]

Re: getting a boat for free

You're probably not going to want to hear this, but there's a lot that could go wrong. Mainly rot in the wooden components of the boat, namely the deck, deck/hull supports (stringers) and transom. (the very back where outboard mounts)
They should all be encased in fiberglass, but when a little crack happens, it can pull a lot of water in and ruin the entire piece of wood over time. You can take a small 1/8" drill bit with a piece of tape to stop you from going through and test the transom in multiple places. If it's light colored dry wood shavings you may be in luck over all, if they're dark or wet then you know you're in for trouble. Then fill with an epoxy.
Some more experienced guys will give you more ideas, this is just what I've seen done here before. My aluminum boat only has one piece of wood, (transom) so it's pretty easy to maintain.

 

[seamorewaterVIP]

Re: getting a boat for free

chips cracks and blisters (looks like a zit w/o a head) on exterior. walk the entire floor and watch for movement in the deck as you step downward. better yet have some one else walk it while you watch the deck Best way is to take a cordless drill and some 3m 5200 with you and drill some core samples in the transom and stringers (if you can get to them any where) then back fill with 5200 shavings should be brown and dry not black and dusty.

thanks bassman is there anything to look for as far as fiberglass cracks or whatever, how can i tell if its solid

 

[southkogs]

Re: getting a boat for free

Looking at the 1959 brochure on Fiberglassics.com for Crownline, I'd tell you if that 20HP is running - grab it.

The worst that will have to happen is that you'll have to take a chainsaw to the hull (if you try to drop it whole it there's a fee in most places), tote it to the landfill, sell the trailer (or give it away) and find something else to put the 20 HP on.

Check the decks and such like everyone is saying, but also take into account this boat is probably between 12' and 16'. To take the topsides off, flip the hull, patch, sand, etc., etc. is not a crazy project. Four guys, a couple of pizza's and a cold beer or two should have her disassembled and flipped over in a evening or half day. Definitely look through a couple of the restoration threads and see what you think. There are a couple of really nice old boats that have been brought back from the dead.

 

[bassman284]

Re: getting a boat for free

WHO, some good info above from guys who know a lot more about this than I do. As they say, check the restoration forum. These guys can AND WILL fix anything. If you're just interested in a boat ride, this may be more than you want to take on.

 

[5150abf]

Re: getting a boat for free

If it is free get it just for the engine, if you can get a year or 2 out of the boat itself that is even better, free engines are like actually catching a leprachean, it just doesn't happen.

I will say if you actually found a 40+ year old glass boat that isn't ate up you will be the exeption to the rule, the first thing I woudl do after I got it home woudl be to put my foot onthe engine and start applying pressure to see how far it moves to see if I woudl take it out on the water or not, shoudl move not at all or 1/4'' or less, any more than that and the transom is suspect.

 

[Seevee]

Re: getting a boat for free

Get a guy that knows hulls. Could be a good deal and maybe not.
There's a lot of good hulls out there because folks run out of money when the engine quits.