Going to buy a boat

[glmoore001]

Hello Guys.. I am looking for a project boat to fool around with and have been considering my neighbors 76 Sea Ray. the boat is about 19 foot. It looks solid, but I am a newbie and really dont know where to look to be sure. It for sure is going to need a wiring harness (critters ate it) and the interior redone, but it has an acceptable trailer and I was told the engine and drive were running fine. He is not asking much for the boat but I am worried about buying parts for something this old.

I am an experienced industrial machinery mechanic with lots of tools and a good background in repair, I just dont know boats.

Any tips you guys can give me on checking condition and weather or not parts are available? thanks....gary

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Going to buy a boat

Giving you any tips is a little difficult given the few details you've given. The older Sea Ray hulls are simply the best there is--with fiberglass about twice the normal thicknesses. A 1976 is a very aged boat, and it may have some problems that need to be addressed by a boat mechanic/surveyor prior to purchase.

With the wiring harness out of it, the boat is worth very little $. Their best bet is to get enough of the wiring repaired and running, so you could check out the motor compression, etc.

The outdrive on this boat may be the first generation Mercruiser dating back to the 1960's, which parts are becoming difficult to find.

I'd just hate you to buy this boat, and it might be end up being an anchor.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Going to buy a boat

Treat it as a total math equation - Can I afford to lose the purchase price? (Honestly - a surveyor would probably cost you more than I'd be willing to pay for the boat).

The quick description sounds like something I would only do if I really liked the hull, thought the drive should be reasonable to get going again and I could afford to lose every penny I sink into it. It's probably somewhere between a $0 and $500 boat (lean as close to $0 as possible). I purchased an early 70's OMC stern drive. Most will tell you to run the other way from something like that (I had no clue at the time), but I've done relatively well with it. If you're mechanically inclined, ready for an honest "project boat" and can risk the money, it might be okay.

Post some pics if you can, tell us drive type and engine and we can probably add a little to the discussion.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Going to buy a boat

What motor and drive are in it? Some powerplants are obsolete and very difficult to find parts/service for which could make it not a worthwhile project.

A '76 fiberglass boat that "needs and interior" is about 90% likely to have rotted deck, stringers, and transom. Please head down to the restoration forum and check out any of the fiberglass boat resto projects and decide if you're up to the challenge. It's not difficult work but it's time consuming, messy, and the materials needed to do the job properly aren't particularly inexpensive.

 

[glmoore001]

Re: Going to buy a boat

Thanks Guys.

Let me see what I can do about pictures. I am willing to risk the funds for a learning experience. That might sound a little dopey, but I do like a challenge.
I will keep the money invested low...thanks..gary

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Going to buy a boat

Sounds like you're going about it the right way. As long as you are approaching it as a project, and not a turnkey go for a ride tomorrow deal, you'll be fine. Take a stroll through the restoration section if you want an idea of what you could be getting into as a project. If it looks fun, go for it.

 

[glmoore001]

Re: Going to buy a boat

Well the sea ray fell thru, a relative ended up buying the boat.

Then I started lusting after a 26' nova twin engine and figured out that I have no where to work on it or store it in the winter, it is just too big.

I have the ambition, what I need is a great big pole barn.

 

[produceguy]

Re: Going to buy a boat

Check your local cregs list, you can find some good deals.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Going to buy a boat

Start with something simple for the winter - find a cheap old outboard and build a little stitch and glue wood boat. There's a bunch of different designs to choose from (fishing, cruising and hydroplane). If you keep it simple you can get it done rather quick, get the "bug" cured and not blow all the cash you'll need when you find the right BIG project.

Hope you find the right one!