Need Repair Opinion, Aluminum Bow Damage

[WinnipegBoatMan]

Hey guys,
I have a lead on a 199? Crestliner Aluminum boat, for about $800, it has some pretty bad bow damage on it. Just want to get everybodys opinion on if I should go for it, and where to start?

I've some pics uploaded, to give everyone a better idea of what i'm trying to figure out
1) should I buy it? $800
2) What would be a good estimate on repairs if I do it myself?
3) Where do I start, or can it be fixed?
4) where can I get blueprints on sheetmetal for it?

I do have experience in aluminum sheetmetal, I use to work on aircraft sheetmetal for a few years, i can do the work.. just where do I start?

Thanks everybody!

 

[WinnipegBoatMan]

Re: Need Repair Opinion, Aluminum Bow Damage

here are the pics

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Need Repair Opinion, Aluminum Bow Damage

I wouldn't gamble on that one...surely there are better aluminum hulls available for your $800. That damage does not look to be repairable in my opinion.

I paid $1000 for a 16' Starcraft in excellent condition other than the fact that it needed a new deck. I would not pay any price for that one.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Need Repair Opinion, Aluminum Bow Damage

There is absolutely nothing worth saving there. There's two threads down in the Starcraft section of the forum where we've posted deals we've seen on craigslist for Starcrafts. There are MANY nice complete boats for under a thousand there. Not trying to convert you to a Starcrafter or anything just showing that there's lots of great aluminum hulls out there for under a grand that aren't majorly messed up.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Need Repair Opinion, Aluminum Bow Damage

And, like HA above, I bought this for $1k
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/DSCF2139.jpg which included the motor which ran.

 

[Ned L]

Re: Need Repair Opinion, Aluminum Bow Damage

is it repairable? Short answer is "Sure it is", and it can be done so that the boat is as safe & reliable as original. ...... HOWEVER, it will cost a good bit in time & materials, and when you are done with the work, and at some point done with enjoying the boat and try to sell it, you will get only pennies on the dollar for it. No one will want to buy it because as has been said, there are lots of great ones out there.
If you buy it for $800, & put say $500 into it, and then can only get $100 for it when you sell it a number of years from now that ends up being much more expensive than a boat that costs you $1500 now & can be easily sold for $1200 in a couple of years.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Need Repair Opinion, Aluminum Bow Damage

Just not worth the added expense, time and trouble. Keep looking.

JMO

 

[WinnipegBoatMan]

Re: Need Repair Opinion, Aluminum Bow Damage

Gents,
Thank you so much for your input! I'm going to pass this one up, and search for something else!!
I very much appreciate your input!! I'll be on the hunt for something else!
ezmobee you got yourself a very nice boat! I hope i'll find one too!
Matt

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Need Repair Opinion, Aluminum Bow Damage

Thanks. Check out this thread, we'll find you one http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=428279&page=18