seven_magnum
Petty Officer 2nd Class
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2011
- Messages
- 127
Hi,
I need some help deciding if I should dive into this project or look for something else. I have lots of small boats (14 footers) but do not have anything that makes me feel comfortable on big water. I have been looking for boats for a few months now, and have found a $200 Starcraft Islander. It has no motor, outdrive or trailer, but is in beautiful condition! The floor and transom are both solid, and everything is in very good shape. The hull doesn't seem to have a scratch on it! I guess my question is should I look for a complete package ready to go, or would it be smart to invest in this? What I am looking for is;
1. Boat will handle the Delaware bay. It gets rough out there, and I sometimes would like to venture out into the ocean and fish the wrecks out there.
2. The boat must also trailer easily
3. The boat must be reliable and safe.
I have read about these islanders and they seem to fit the bill. I will use it in fresh water a lot as well, in the Susquehanna river and Raystown Lake. If I buy this boat, I have two options to power it. Would it be best to build a bracket and hang and outboard on that? should I find a cheap downer boat and get the outdrive and engine that way? I would probibly prefer the outboard for the room, but I know my way around an automotive engine much better. The guy that has the boat has a small boat yard, and this is what he would be willing to sell me;
Boat for $200
Trailer for $1000 (maybe I could find one for cheaper?)
Mercury 90 for $2000 (seems small to me? I don't need speed though, just reliability. )
Homemade Bracket for $450 (I would probably spend more on one and build it myself make it more robust, and a swim platform of some sort all in one. I know an excellent aluminum welder who would be more than happy to help out.
I have seen many boats in craislist for $1500 that have 470 mercursers that are advertised as "good running boats." One of them also has a 1991 Loadrite advertised that would probibly work for the islander. It has a 20 foot fiberglass boat on it now. I would probably give the hull away after I had what I wanted or junk it. Would I be better off if I would buy one like that and put the engine and outdrive in the islander? These are both 18foot bowrider type boats, late 80's
So what do you guys think? Would this money well spent on a good fishing boat, or would I be better off if I spent $3000 on say the 20 foot '89 Sunbird cuddy down the road. It's turn key with a 4.3 and OMC outdrive. I am good with a wrench and love the looks of the islander, and the fact that it is bigger. I just don't know if it is worth the money to fix it up compaired to a turn key model like down the road. I know you guys like pictures and it helps to see what Im dealing with. I thank you for your time!
Foster
The trailer he would sell me is on the starcraft next to it. That boat is in the process of being scrapped. I thank you for your time!
I need some help deciding if I should dive into this project or look for something else. I have lots of small boats (14 footers) but do not have anything that makes me feel comfortable on big water. I have been looking for boats for a few months now, and have found a $200 Starcraft Islander. It has no motor, outdrive or trailer, but is in beautiful condition! The floor and transom are both solid, and everything is in very good shape. The hull doesn't seem to have a scratch on it! I guess my question is should I look for a complete package ready to go, or would it be smart to invest in this? What I am looking for is;
1. Boat will handle the Delaware bay. It gets rough out there, and I sometimes would like to venture out into the ocean and fish the wrecks out there.
2. The boat must also trailer easily
3. The boat must be reliable and safe.
I have read about these islanders and they seem to fit the bill. I will use it in fresh water a lot as well, in the Susquehanna river and Raystown Lake. If I buy this boat, I have two options to power it. Would it be best to build a bracket and hang and outboard on that? should I find a cheap downer boat and get the outdrive and engine that way? I would probibly prefer the outboard for the room, but I know my way around an automotive engine much better. The guy that has the boat has a small boat yard, and this is what he would be willing to sell me;
Boat for $200
Trailer for $1000 (maybe I could find one for cheaper?)
Mercury 90 for $2000 (seems small to me? I don't need speed though, just reliability. )
Homemade Bracket for $450 (I would probably spend more on one and build it myself make it more robust, and a swim platform of some sort all in one. I know an excellent aluminum welder who would be more than happy to help out.
I have seen many boats in craislist for $1500 that have 470 mercursers that are advertised as "good running boats." One of them also has a 1991 Loadrite advertised that would probibly work for the islander. It has a 20 foot fiberglass boat on it now. I would probably give the hull away after I had what I wanted or junk it. Would I be better off if I would buy one like that and put the engine and outdrive in the islander? These are both 18foot bowrider type boats, late 80's
So what do you guys think? Would this money well spent on a good fishing boat, or would I be better off if I spent $3000 on say the 20 foot '89 Sunbird cuddy down the road. It's turn key with a 4.3 and OMC outdrive. I am good with a wrench and love the looks of the islander, and the fact that it is bigger. I just don't know if it is worth the money to fix it up compaired to a turn key model like down the road. I know you guys like pictures and it helps to see what Im dealing with. I thank you for your time!
Foster
The trailer he would sell me is on the starcraft next to it. That boat is in the process of being scrapped. I thank you for your time!
