New boater, new old boat!

[emarkd]

Hello all,

I just bought my first boat! I've never had a boat of my own before but I've been around boats many times in my life. I found a 1984 Bayliner Capri Bowrider 1950 with the Volvo AQ125A stern drive setup in it. It's on an old Creaseman galvanized trailer. The motor, steering, trim, everything works great. The interior is pretty good. Somebody put new vinyl in it not too long ago and it's cleaned up nicely. The deck has a few small soft spots and the carpet is stained up, but I don't think it's bad and I'm willing to do the work to repair the deck.

I kinda bought the boat on impulse. I basically stumbled across what I think was a great deal and bought it a bit rashly. I gave 700.00 for it and have spent about 300.00 on parts, including a new battery. We'll see if I wind up learning a hard lesson or not, but right now I'm having fun!

Thanks,
-Mark

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New boater, new old boat!

As long as you know what you're in for when it comes to the deck replacement I don't think you did poorly at all for the $700. Good luck with your boat.

 

[sparky344]

Re: New boater, new old boat!

At that price you have little to lose. My first boat never left the driveway. Change the water impeller (unless you know it was done recently), keep the oil clean, watch the gauges and enjoy yourself.

If it completely falls apart you can piece it away on eBay for twice what you paid.

Welcome to boating.

 

[Nandy]

Re: New boater, new old boat!

If you like your boat and it does what you want your rig is worth every penny and minute you put in it to get it to work right.
Deck work is not for the faint of heart. Go to the restoration forum you will understand what I mean. Those soft spots you have there are called rot, you probably knew that. Your stringers MIGHT be rot as well as your transom. How bad? only drilling into the suspected area with a small drill bit will give you an idea. If you decide to do that let us know before you drill so we can tell you how to do it. Im not trying to rain in your parade, but if your transom or stringers are seriously rotten you risk sinking your boat (worst case).
I for one would not go crazy fixing a $700.00 boat unless I really, really, I mean, really like it. I would run that baby until it is to the point that is coming apart. By then you will know enough about boats that your next buy will be a lot better.
BTW, we insist in photos when posting about new boats! Go out, enjoy your boat, have fun, visit us often!!

 

[emarkd]

Re: New boater, new old boat!

Thanks everyone for the welcome messages. I should've expected someone to want pics posted. I know that's what I always look for in posts as well. I haven't even made any yet, but I'll try and take a few this evening and post them.

-Mark