Looking at a project boat - need some help

[dancw77]

It's been about 10 years or so since I've owned a boat, and the bug has hit again. I'm looking for something just to get out on the lake and river with my boys and do some fishing.

I came across this on on FB market place, and wanted to know what you guys thought. Here's the listing:

"16ft prince craft with trailer needs a little tlc it has a 25 horse Johnson outboard trailer needs trailer lights tires lug nuts and has a very small leak needs 2 rivets near the back of the boat I started to paint it started with a white primer on the rivers on the inside just needs to be finished being painted and yes that is silicon on the rivers in the back of the boat I did that so I can find what rivets leaked and also planned on putting a floor in so that could of been more reassurance fro leaks later down the road I have magnetic trailering lights on it now motor is well kept up comes with 4 seats gas tank battery ropes anchor everything you will need I have titles for both boat and trailer"

Obviously it's going to need some work. Anything that stands out as a red flag? Seller says he had it on the water last year and the motor has run recently. He also said the motor smokes on startup but then clears up (seems normal to me). I'm going to look at it tomorrow but any advice would be appreciated. He's asking $1,400. Seem reasonable?

 

[gm280]

I am assuming that since you did at one time own a boat, you probably know what to look for. And that is how everything in general looks. If it looks well kept, then you need to determine if it is what you want. Just remember, most every boat you will look at will need work. No used boat is ever going to be perfect or water ready without some type of work. If you think that your effort is something you can handle and it fits your needs, go for it. Looks fairly nice from the pictures, but not being there, that is about it! JMHO. let us know what you do and decide...

 

[dancw77]

I am assuming that since you did at one time own a boat, you probably know what to look for. And that is how everything in general looks. If it looks well kept, then you need to determine if it is what you want. Just remember, most every boat you will look at will need work. No used boat is ever going to be perfect or water ready without some type of work. If you think that your effort is something you can handle and it fits your needs, go for it. Looks fairly nice from the pictures, but not being there, that is about it! JMHO. let us know what you do and decide...

The leaking has me a bit spooked. I've never had to deal with that. Seller told me the rivets rotted out where they made contact with the carpet on the trailer. Is that a likely scenario. I owned a little 12' with a 9.9 before, so I'd still consider myself a novice.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I’d plan on servicing the trailer wheel bearings, too. I would guess new tires, wheels, lug nuts, maybe bearings, and lights plus wiring will set you back at least $400. More if the hubs or spindles are bad, too. At least the trailer frame is open, so making sure it’s sound should be a bit easier.

I’m not sure what costs might be associated with a few repairs to a tinny, but the boat doesn’t look bad from pictures. (Admittedly, that does not mean much! Boats always look good in pictures, don’t they?) Just make sure the motor runs well.

If the pics are pretty accurate as to the boat’s condition, I’d offer $1000-1100 and meet in the middle if he balks.

 

[gm280]

The leaking has me a bit spooked. I've never had to deal with that. Seller told me the rivets rotted out where they made contact with the carpet on the trailer. Is that a likely scenario. I owned a little 12' with a 9.9 before, so I'd still consider myself a novice.

If the leak is truly rivets, I don't think you have much to worry about. Most any type rivet you can come up with can still be bought and installed. And if it is more then a simple rivet leak, like maybe a crack, then only you can determine if you can to that repair.

Not knowing you abilities, I wouldn't have much trouble repairing either of those situations myself. But then only you can make that decision. But again, do let us know how it works out either way...

 

[danw77]

I’m pretty mechanically inclined. I just don’t want a huge project. I’m fine with minor repairs but I’m not up for rebuilding a motor, boat, and trailer. And I also want to make sure I don’t pay too much in case it turns into a bigger project than I bargained for. I’d like to be on the water with a couple weeks.

 

[gm280]

Anyway you can do a test run with it at any lake? If you can that would display everything you were wondering about and then you can make up your own mind. Just and idea.

 

[danw77]

Anyway you can do a test run with it at any lake? If you can that would display everything you were wondering about and then you can make up your own mind. Just and idea.

Unfortunately, no. I’ve got to go by whatever I can see on land.

 

[gm280]

Unfortunately, no. I’ve got to go by whatever I can see on land.

Then think worst case scenario and go from there. If you think everything you think could be wrong with it is something you can fix, then you have your answer. Other then that, not seeing it in person, I can't offer much more info.

 

[danw77]

Picked it up for $1100. Motor runs great. Seemed pretty solid and it looks like it only needs a couple of rivets. The wheel bearings are shot but the rest of it looks pretty good. Spent the day cleaning it out and I think I’ll have it in the water by next weekend.

 

[kcassells]

Good luck to ya and have some fun.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Great, make sure you come back after your first outing an let us know how it went!

 

[gm280]

Sounds like you are a happy boater now. Bearings and rivets are easy to fix. Anyone buying any boat/trailer should check and repack bearings anyway. So even if you need new bearings they are pretty cheap to get and pack. Let us know how it worked out on the water. :thumb: