Is this a good deal? For a project boat

[fern-tsi]

Found this on a local listing~~140 Johnson motor and trailer 17 ft Mako boat motor and trailer. $1200

I called the guy and he said the motor runs good i can hear it run but needs prop, steering ,and center console.

Supposedly has good 70's hull and not sure what year motor.

Im looking for na center console project but dont want to get in over my head by rebuilding floors stringers ect.
Any advise would be appreciated.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Is this a good deal? For a project boat

She looks pretty rough and it wouldn't surprise me a bit if she had some wood "cancer" in the transom and other parts.

$1200 is too high of a price for me on that rig.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Is this a good deal? For a project boat

Well, you're probably buying a motor. What I mean by that is there is no way to tell what kind of shape that boat is in without touching it. It looks like it's been well used, and that might well mean stringers, floor and transom are a mess. It's missing controls and steering - that means someone's been stealing parts because this boat is not seaworthy.

Approach this as a pure project - it's not going to be as easy as putting a console on, grabbing a controller and hitting the water. Consoles are not cheap, controls shouldn't be too bad though. If that motor is in GREAT shape, it might be worth about $600 - $800 boat, motor and trailer.

 

[Island Seeker]

Re: Is this a good deal? For a project boat

What's your overall budget? How much do have to commit to the project? Offer him $500.00.

 

[fern-tsi]

Re: Is this a good deal? For a project boat

I got $1500 to start with i plan on it being some what a slow process as bills permit you know.
I cant see paying over $800 as it sits. I'm not scared to work with fiberglass as im pretty good at fabing stuff up. Just not a pro when it comes to OB motors. I figure if its got good comression and pisses good water it should be decent right

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Is this a good deal? For a project boat

Check the deck, stringers, and transom really carefully and thoroughly. It's a started project which was never finished for whatever reason. If the motor runs great, and the fore-mentioned checks out, the package is probably worth 800. You'll still be taking a chance with the motor since you'll only be listening to it run, but not under a load (in the water with a prop)... But it is a Johnson... Good luck. That project's gonna cost a lot more than 1500, though.

 

[Dans1994-220BR]

Re: Is this a good deal? For a project boat

I would do yourself a HUGE FAVOR....Save up some money and buy a decent boat. That looks like a P.O.S. Trust me from many boats that I have bought that are projects. And I have restored several wooden boats. Its not worth IT!!!!! Way to much time and money wasted.