How much is this boat worth? how much do mechanics usually charge for inspection?

[Emmanuel2435]

Hello, i recently purchased this Boat. its a
1978 Seaswirl Runabout VIN BRCN201CM78J. I dont know anything about boats. I Purchased it off someone who got it in the auction. His wife made him get rid of it because she doesnt like it. but yeah Idk how much this boat usually is worth? and also how much is a usual cost for a mechanic to do a full inspection to see what it needs? thanks

 

[ThomW]

I mean the value of a boat can vary by its owner. A quick NADA guide search shows that the average price for a 78' Seaswirl with a 140 and trailer would range from $1900-$2200. Again that is a very basic number. A lot depends on the motor's condition, the boat's condition, and the issues an inspection may or may not reveal with the boat itself.

As far as cost for inspection, that depends on the mechanic, location, and thoroughness of the inspection.

Does the old girl start up? Any leaks?

 

[Emmanuel2435]

I mean the value of a boat can vary by its owner. A quick NADA guide search shows that the average price for a 78' Seaswirl with a 140 and trailer would range from $1900-$2200. Again that is a very basic number. A lot depends on the motor's condition, the boat's condition, and the issues an inspection may or may not reveal with the boat itself.

As far as cost for inspection, that depends on the mechanic, location, and thoroughness of the inspection.

Does the old girl start up? Any leaks?

the batterys dead but if i jump it. It starts up. but turns off after a bit. no leaks in the engine. I just dont know anything about Boats to know if i gotta hit choke or do certain things to keep it on and running. btw I got it for $1000 including the trailer. so i dont feel so bad about it. I just want to know what to tell the mechanic to look for so i dont seem so naive and risk getting over quoted because hes trying to make an extra dollar.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Since you have already bought the boat, what are you wanting him to inspect and why? Are you trying to figure out if the boat is seaworthy? If everything works correctly? Are there specific problems you want to be fixed (e.g., won't start, steering doesn't work)?

I assume you have any titles/registrations required for the boat, trailer and outboard (if that is considered separately, as it is in some states). Without those in hand, I would not spend a dime on it.

 

[tpenfield]

The boat is worth (to you) what you paid for it. It may not be worth much to others. Inspecting it ($400 ish) might be a waste of money.

 

[Emmanuel2435]

Since you have already bought the boat, what are you wanting him to inspect and why? Are you trying to figure out if the boat is seaworthy? If everything works correctly? Are there specific problems you want to be fixed (e.g., won't start, steering doesn't work)?

I assume you have any titles/registrations required for the boat, trailer and outboard (if that is considered separately, as it is in some states). Without those in hand, I would not spend a dime on it.

I’m trying to figure out everything it needs to be seaworthy. I don’t know much about boats like I said so I wouldn’t even know what it’s missing or what to ask the mechanic to inspect. Unfortunately I’m very ignorant when it comes to boats. What should. I ask the mechanic to look into? You rn should I just take this as a loss, sell it For what I bought it and buy a boat that’s ready to go?

 

[Stinnett21]

First I would recommend you take a course in boating. This can be done online. In it you will learn about safety requirements and rules of "road" among other things. Next, go to the ramp where you'll be launching most often (without the boat). Choose a busy day, e.g. Saturday, and observe. Plan to stay a long time or even come back on different days. This can be entertaining and you will learn a bunch. Next, do what it takes to get the motor running. Next, launch the boat and tie off to a dock. Do not leave the dock. Bring tools and a good flashlight. Poke your head and flashlight into every nook and cranny and observe. If no surprises turn up, untie and go boating.

 

[ThomW]

I guess the big things to find out are if it floats, doesn't leak, and the motor runs. When you went to start it, did you use new gas? If you are totally unfamiliar with boat motors and do not think you can get the motor running well, you can bring it in an ask a mechanic to check motor over and get it running. It starting and dying could be a number of things. Ideally, you'd want to check the compression on the motor, then the spark, then see how it runs and that it is getting good gas. I wouldn't count it as a loss yet, at least until you see what you are working with.

 

[Scott Danforth]

43 year old fiberglass fishing boat with obvious UN-sealed holes in the transom , and old Johnyrude 140 and a trailer

$500 for the motor
$500 for the trailer
$0 for the boat itself

 

[kpg7121]

the batterys dead but if i jump it. It starts up. but turns off after a bit. no leaks in the engine. I just dont know anything about Boats to know if i gotta hit choke or do certain things to keep it on and running. btw I got it for $1000 including the trailer. so i dont feel so bad about it. I just want to know what to tell the mechanic to look for so i dont seem so naive and risk getting over quoted because hes trying to make an extra dollar.

You're worried about a mechanic making an extra dollar? You should have thought of that before you got into boat ownership without even knowing how to start one.

 

[Toyelectroman]

Probably looking at 2 hours labor for a boat mechanic to give it a once over. I forget what the going rate per hour mechanics charge these days

 

[Grub54891]

When you started it did you have it hooked to water? If not it at least needs a new water pump impeller.

 

[racerone]

Judging by the ---" swiss cheese "----on the transom I would say the plywood in the transom needs attention.

 

[jebby]

boats worth nothing. motor 500-1000 if you get it running properly. 200 ish as is. trailer 250-500 bucks depending on condition.

mechanic is going to tell you hull is rotten. how rotten, hard to say.

at minimum with no history if you are going to use it, change the gear oil, plugs and wires and impeller, make sure its pumping water strong. get the carb cleaned and make sure no old gas is in it. from there it depends how deep you want to go.

for an inspection id guess 2h shop rate give or take a bit, that wont fix anything.