Mystery tri hull

[hopefullrussian]

Hello this is my first post on this forum. I have been looking around for my first boat and been doing a lot of research and have found so much useful information on this forum so I decided who better to help me with the process that the members on here. In my initial research phase I was looking at different boats for sale just to get acquainted with different types. Then I looked at pros and cons of boats witch showed me that the hull is one of the biggest factors. And in the process of looking at different hulls I stumbled on a picture of a tri hull and fell in love with the shape and how spacious a pretty small boat can be. I understand that in choppy water tri hulls are awful, and me mainly using it on the ocean doesn't seem like a good idea. But since it seems that every tri hull purchased needs to be restored (about which I'm stoked I enjoy making things) I think I could make seating more comfortable for choppy days. So I've been looking for tri hulls for sale and I've stumbled upon one that the people selling have no info on. It's some car dealer ship that has a random boat (they said the boats make is boat and its rear wheel drive lol). So I'm looking for help trying to ID this boat and any if any information would be helpful. Thank you and I apologize for my grammar and spelling.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Mystery tri hull

Do a Google Search for Mark Twain Tri Hull and I think you'll have it. I've seen several completely re-done and they are beautiful boats. I'm a big fan of tri hulls (I've owned 2 now), but I'd be leery of taking them out on big water - though my last boat (a 15') used to troll on Lake Huron before I got it.

You'll have quite the project on your hands. Make sure you don't pay much for it, unless the pictures are worse than reality.

Welcome aboard.

 

[hopefullrussian]

Re: Mystery tri hull

Oh ok thanks I wasn't sure what it said on the back but that looks right. Yeah they have it posted for sale for 995$ but from what I gather about tri hulls is that 400$ is the MAX I should pay because of all the work required.

 

[glnbnz]

Re: Mystery tri hull

That does look like a total gut job. If you really want to know how much work you have ahead of you...run through this thread:

http://forums.iboats.com/boat-resto...eck-stringer-restoration-splashed-454460.html

This will give you a very good picture of the time and expense involved with the job you are facing. Not trying to discourage you or anything but many of us on this forum have at one time looked at a boat and thought "I have tools I can fix it" not knowing what we where getting ourselves into.

Definitely "Welcome Aboard"

 

[Bomber Goober]

Re: Mystery tri hull

to give you an idea, I'm roughly $1500 into my 14' 3V rebuild. New transom stringers and deck. I'm also re gelcoating the entire thing so your cost might be slightly less. You can check out the link in my signature for all the pics of my rebuild.

EDIT: and yea its a lot of work, sweaty greasy bloody work. But so worth it

 

[southkogs]

Re: Mystery tri hull

Oh ok thanks I wasn't sure what it said on the back but that looks right. Yeah they have it posted for sale for 995$ but from what I gather about tri hulls is that 400$ is the MAX I should pay because of all the work required.

It's not really about tri hulls, it's about condition. If it's not running and looks dirty and who knows what else, there's a good chance they should give it to you simply to get it off their property. BE VERY CAREFUL.

 

[hopefullrussian]

Re: Mystery tri hull

That does look like a total gut job. If you really want to know how much work you have ahead of you...run through this thread:

http://forums.iboats.com/boat-resto...eck-stringer-restoration-splashed-454460.html

This will give you a very good picture of the time and expense involved with the job you are facing. Not trying to discourage you or anything but many of us on this forum have at one time looked at a boat and thought "I have tools I can fix it" not knowing what we where getting ourselves into.

Definitely "Welcome Aboard"

Thank you I've been wanting to get a boat for a while now. Finally at a place in my life when I can. And thanks for the link, I have actually stumbled upon frisco boater on you tube a little bit ago when I was seeing what I be getting into and have watched the videos on this one and another boat. And not only did they show me what I'd be getting into but also a lot of helpful tips and tricks. And definitally would be my biggest project yet. So I'm trying to soak up as much info as I can so my boat won't do the same with water. Haha

 

[azmav]

Re: Mystery tri hull

I would not pay $400 for that boat. I picked up an 84 Bayliner with a trailer, no motor for $75 and I should not have paid even that much. I am having to do everything rebuilt, I knew in advance that such was the case. The motor is where the value of the boat is at. If the motor does not run or is missing, then you really have very little value there. They may not see it that way, I cannot see a car lot selling this boat to you at an amount that makes sense for you. They will sell it to some other flub who does not know any better, but if you can haggle, do it! Could be a fun project.

 

[hopefullrussian]

Re: Mystery tri hull

It's not really about tri hulls, it's about condition. If it's not running and looks dirty and who knows what else, there's a good chance they should give it to you simply to get it off their property. BE VERY CAREFUL.

Yeah sorry I just keep saying tri hulls because I've been watching mainly tri hull restoration videos. And may I ask more specifically what do you mean by be very careful?

 

[hopefullrussian]

Re: Mystery tri hull

I would not pay $400 for that boat. I picked up an 84 Bayliner with a trailer, no motor for $75 and I should not have paid even that much. I am having to do everything rebuilt, I knew in advance that such was the case. The motor is where the value of the boat is at. If the motor does not run or is missing, then you really have very little value there. They may not see it that way, I cannot see a car lot selling this boat to you at an amount that makes sense for you. They will sell it to some other flub who does not know any better, but if you can haggle, do it! Could be a fun project.

Oh ok thanks for the info. Yeah I've been looking at other boats too they all need restoration looks like but other options are from people selling them not a business. I'm gonna post more pictures here or should I start another thread? I'm new to forums period. And yeah I wa just going to show up with a 100 dollars in hand but now I'm doubting even doing that. Maybe I need to move away from the tri hull idea because I couldn't find many tris for sale in CA and yet alone under 1500$. But then again those do come with engines and like I've recently learned from here that is where most the money is.

 

[azmav]

Re: Mystery tri hull

If you got it for $100, that would be pretty good in my opinion, as long as you know that you will be putting a lot of money back into it, anywhere from 800-3000. Plus then you need a motor or a rebuild on what's there. Nothing wrong with Tri Hulls, can be great boats. Very stable. I have one I will be doing after I finish the Bayliner. The I/O's are a little easier to renovate I think since the transom, deck, and stringers can be done without popping the cap. Is there still an engine in the boat?

 

[hopefullrussian]

Re: Mystery tri hull

If you got it for $100, that would be pretty good in my opinion, as long as you know that you will be putting a lot of money back into it, anywhere from 800-3000. Plus then you need a motor or a rebuild on what's there. Nothing wrong with Tri Hulls, can be great boats. Very stable. I have one I will be doing after I finish the Bayliner. The I/O's are a little easier to renovate I think since the transom, deck, and stringers can be done without popping the cap. Is there still an engine in the boat?

So I was told it has a mercrueser 4 cyl. Does that mean its 165 hp or not necessarily? He said it ran when they bought it but it has since has been just sitting do 4 years (I'm guessing trying to make a sale that means at least 5 or six) so I asked for the price and he said its on the website where I found the boat and I said I know but 995 is ridiculous and he said make an offer I said I felt bad asking it for a 100 so I said 200 and even though its a dealership he said I gotta talk to my wife and we know how that turns out hah.

 

[hopefullrussian]

Re: Mystery tri hull

It's probably a real low ball if it is a good running engine though huh? It just seemed like it was a family boat and there must be a reason they kept it sitting out right after they bought it.

 

[azmav]

Re: Mystery tri hull

Everyone always says, it ran when we had it 4 (read 5-10 years ago). And everyone always says, "just needs a little TLC".

Here is a thread you should browse on this very topic.

http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topic...at-ads-craigslist-287916-181.html#post4237336

It is a collection of ads we have all found and commented on, as well as many members opinions on these types of ads. You will not feel bad about offering 100 when you are done. That said, the engine being there probably gives it some value, but likely going to need a lot of work if it has been sitting that long. Check out this thread on just how to start an engine that has been down that long,

http://forums.iboats.com/engine-fre...kening-sleeping-outboard-boatbuoy-158086.html

And if they don't accept the 200, consider yourself lucky and keep looking. The fever is on you to find one now sounds like, but you are part of a community now that is not fooled by false estimates of value. Get a deal because you do not want to put in the amount of work you will have to knowing that you paid a lot for the boat. Only way paying more is worth it would be they demonstrate a working engine in good condition. Even then, you have no idea the hours on the engine, how it was cared for, and how long it will last.

 

[hopefullrussian]

Re: Mystery tri hull

That thread is awesome. And yeah if you look on the pictures o that boat at the top it's looks like numbers 666 on the side of the hull so maybe bad luck boat.

 

[azmav]

Re: Mystery tri hull

Here is another great thread on Tri Hull owners. They are some great boats with some real classic lines. Bring back memories for a lot of guys. If the deal does go through, there are some great ideas here for you to review.

http://forums.iboats.com/boat-resto...repair/tri-hull-club-yes-no-maybe-346413.html

They even have their own decal I think.:laugh:

 

[southkogs]

Re: Mystery tri hull

...And may I ask more specifically what do you mean by be very careful?

Mainly, that a boat such as the one you show above could very possibly come with a BUNCH of problems - more than you'll ever honestly be able to deal with. At the same time, it might be a real diamond in the rough.

Determine how much money you can risk on something before you dive into that restoration. Then check the boat over to know what you're paying for. If that Mark Twain is in terrible shape (engine doesn't run, stern drive is questionable, floor has a soft spot, etc., etc.) and the seller wants $1,500 that's just way too much for a boat you're gonna' have to restore/rebuild. On the other hand, if $400 makes it yours and you can afford to have the project fail - then that's not so bad. Especially if you can recover some money selling the trailer. See what I mean? Analyze the risk you decide to take on.

...They even have their own decal I think.:laugh:

It's called a "badge of distinction." We do have stickers for the 3V club.