Inherited a custom made wooden replica 1950's runabout WITHOUT an engine

[JASinIL2006]

That is a cool looking boat, but the transom (flat vertical panel on the very rear of the boat) does look like it's buckling or the layers have delaminated. That may mean there are more insidious structural problems inside...

If it were me, the first order of business would be to decide if I wanted to sell it or keep it for myself. If I were to sell it, I would not invest a dime in it; I'd leave that to the new owner, as you're not likely to see any profit (and you could lose money) if you paid for new engine/transmission.

If you want to keep it and use it, which would be very cool, I'd first have the boat inspected/surveyed by someone familiar with that style of boat to make sure it is good structurally. Only then would I start looking into buying the gear needed to get it running.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Thanks for the input Scott. What is the transom? And what kind of price would you put on it as is?

the transom is the rear of the boat

there should not be buckling here

 

[Buster53]

That is a cool looking boat, but the transom (flat vertical panel on the very rear of the boat) does look like it's buckling or the layers have delaminated. That may mean there are more insidious structural problems inside...

If it were me, the first order of business would be to decide if I wanted to sell it or keep it for myself. If I were to sell it, I would not invest a dime in it; I'd leave that to the new owner, as you're not likely to see any profit (and you could lose money) if you paid for new engine/transmission.

If you want to keep it and use it, which would be very cool, I'd first have the boat inspected/surveyed by someone familiar with that style of boat to make sure it is good structurally. Only then would I start looking into buying the gear needed to get it running.

BEST advice given!

 

[supercruiser1216]

the transom is the rear of the boat

there should not be buckling here

I see

 

[supercruiser1216]

BEST advice given!

Sure do appreciate your opinion. To sell as is, any ideas for price?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Sure do appreciate your opinion. To sell as is, any ideas for price?

you will have to do some research.

if you are in Florida, the Mt Dora boat show is coming up. that would be a good place to start with gathering prices of vintage boats.

you could probably ask $30k and get a few offers in the $15-25 range. however since you do not know much about the boat, you may be taken advantage of quite easily.

however if your family is attached to it emotionally since it was hand-built by your FIL, I would not sell it.

if it was finished and that transom was addressed, you may get $40k

 

[Buster53]

My opinion, FWIW...the transom needs to be looked at and evaluated. Selling as is, is ok, but any potential buyer will have questions. OK, how much to fix? $? $$? or $$$?
You can't put a value on the boat when the potential cost of the transom is a complete unknown.

 

[flashback]

When it's all said and done you have a homemade replica with no motor or tranny that needs work. I think you'd be fortunate to get 5,000

 

[racerone]

Some of these boats have huge value based on reputation of the builder.----One builder always used a " single plank " of mahogany for the transom. Etc , Etc.----Location of where it was built.-----Number that were built.-----Or based on reputation of the shop that restored it.-----A custom " home built " may not be in the same category.

 

[supercruiser1216]

Old and new - old looking boat with modern powertrain vs vintage engine. Yes I would start at a marine mechanic or marina. But I think you need to find someone who wants to do this kind of work. I would think you would spend $25k plus to have a new engine trans etc installed.

Here is an example of a bobtail set up for inboard, would need trans controls prop and shafting on top of this

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Thank you so much for this info.

 

[supercruiser1216]

When it's all said and done you have a homemade replica with no motor or tranny that needs work. I think you'd be fortunate to get 5,000

I appreciate your input. Thanks.