Is this a good deal?

[anthony7]

1962 starcraft 14' fiberglass. 35hp Mercury twin motor. Boats hull and interior are both in good shape and the paint is too. Comes with the trailer as well. It's negotiable $700, what do you guys think? (Sorry I don't know much about boat pricing)

 

[Nippissinger]

Re: Is this a good deal?

If the motor fires, idles, has good throttle range and spits water then I would negotiate. Fiberglass is heavier than aluminum making it harder on small tow vehicles. Also there is the stress factors of glass. Transom corners, glass coated stringers, bow and keel are some places to examine. The floor is definitely up on the list of concerns. If it was repaired, by whom and how long ago. If not sure, then try and get a good look at her from under the enclosed bow. Not all floors are easily accessable, but I try and get a look.

Not a lot of coin, but if there is inside damage, could be costly and time consuming... I made the mistake of purchasing an older Starcraft aluminum with rear trim damage, now I have to get the trim professionally matched as I cannot find the caps and rub rails anywhere. And the windshield is from a newer model so the canvas top does not fit properly and can not find a stock or close replica of windshield....

So money is hard to come by and I like to be sure I am happy with my purchase. It has to fit my needs and be somewhat repairable with out too much hassle...

Sorry if I sound negative, just keeping the good points out front...

Nipper...

 

[anthony7]

Re: Is this a good deal?

No thanks by all means be as negative and honest as you feel fit. I just wanna know what I could be getting myself into. The floor was solid and everything else was solid as well. The motor fired up and idled fine. Anyone else care to weigh in?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Is this a good deal?

It will be a slow fishing boat. I would be very cautios of the hidden wood being rotted. Being completely serious..... I am partial to aluminum boats for being durable and I have yet to see an old fiberglass boat that did not need work.

I would be looking at craigslist all over the place for a boat. A travel trip for a lower maintenance boat is cheaper in the long run.

Depending on the year of the merc 35 hp I would check to see if parts are still available too.

 

[Smeag]

Re: Is this a good deal?

i recently purchased a boat and let me tell ya the deck was solid as a rock. but sure enough an inspection underneath revealed a few hundred pounds of waterlogged foam and wood mulch. i would just be open to the idea and have a plan for what you will do if you do find some rot underneath. do the research and find out if you are willing to do the work if need be. otherwise you may be better off finding more of a sure thing.