Old Tri-Hull Inherited. To restore or not?

[JoshuaD]

A friend was given this boat from his neighbor and since the friend is soon moving he has gifted it to me. I am in the process of figuring out if it is worth the time and effort to restore it. I was able to go get a few pictures of the current state of the boat; but minutes after I arrived it began to rain.

I did get some pictures and quick measurements. The boat is approximately 5' 4" wide and 15' 3 long. Obviously it's an older model tri-hull and I can see where a "Sea Charmer" decal has came off. Can't find much information on the internet about it.

You can see a Wizard PowerMatic 12 motor sitting in the boat. The friend was talking about scrapping (and had been told it was running last he knew) but I'd imagine if I gave him some cash I could probably get it.

From what I can tell with no real experience it appears to be structurally sound, but the transom is rotted and someone has cut out a notch to inspect the integrity (pictured). I've spent a few hours exploring the site and will continue as the restoration process proceeds; but with first impressions am I getting in over my head?

As the summer is winding down I'd love to spend a few hours a week with my teenage daughter as we put a bit of time and effort into learning and restoring this project. We'd have time (6 months or so) and some extra money (would prefer no more than ~$800) to get this ready for next season. Thoughts, suggestions, or advice?

I've attached a imgur photo gallery.

 

[Scott Danforth]

If the transom is rotten, most likely the remainder of the structure is as well.

The boat will cost you about $1500-$2000 in fiberglass and materials just to get the hull restored. Not to mention the 300+ hours of your time

For that price, you can get a decent aluminum boat with a running outboard on a trailer that you can be boating later today

Only you can answer if it's worth it to you

 

[GA_Boater]

Welcome aboard.

I hate to dampen your enthusiasm, but your friend was given a pile of scrap. The best thing to do junk the boat and sell the trailer or find a better boat that fits the trailer. Seeing the motor laying the boat the way it is with cowl off for years maybe, it is probably scrap too. Volunteer to take it to the scrap yard for him and give him the couple of bucks you would get.

You will do better spending the 800 bucks on a running boat and forgetting about this "gift'. The most expensive boats are the freebies.

 

[JoshuaD]

If the transom is rotten, most likely the remainder of the structure is as well.

The boat will cost you about $1500-$2000 in fiberglass and materials just to get the hull restored. Not to mention the 300+ hours of your time

For that price, you can get a decent aluminum boat with a running outboard on a trailer that you can be boating later today

Only you can answer if it's worth it to you

Thank you for your answer, Scott. As you were replying I was browsing the restoration boards and had came to the conclusion that aluminum would be my best bet for a project. Thank you for confirming my fears and and saving me on a bunch of wasted time and resources.

 

[JoshuaD]

Welcome aboard.

I hate to dampen your enthusiasm, but your friend was given a pile of scrap. The best thing to do junk the boat and sell the trailer or find a better boat that fits the trailer. Seeing the motor laying the boat the way it is with cowl off for years maybe, it is probably scrap too. Volunteer to take it to the scrap yard for him and give him the couple of bucks you would get.

You will do better spending the 800 bucks on a running boat and forgetting about this "gift'. The most expensive boats are the freebies.

I'd rather my enthusiasm dampened than my wallet.

"The most expensive boats are the freebies" Great advice. Much appreciated.

 

[sphelps]

Transom , stringers ,deck ... Piece of cake .... If no title not worth the aggravation ... Have to consider getting a good running motor ...More bucks ...
Trihulls are good stable hulls though ... My Manatee was in about the same shape and size ... If it didn't have a title it would be still laying in the guys yard ...

 

[Ned L]

I'm not sure that little boat has anything but a plywood transom in it (no stringers, no sole (deck)). I'd do a quick shovel out and post some better pictures of the inside. If is built the way I'm thinking it wouldn't be more than about $100 to put it back together. And that outboard,.. At that age 'not scrap'. If it turns over it could be easy to get going (so simple an engine),... If not there are guys in your local chapter of the AOMCI (Antiqu outboard motor club) who would love to have fun with it. It's not valuable, but worth more than scrap.

 

[gm280]

The only answer to your question is, do YOU really like the boat? I mean is there something that draws you to it and you like the design and layout? If so, it can be brought back to life and made totally safe and usable again. Yes is does take both work and some money, but not as much as you may think. And that engine looks interesting to me. I would have a good time refurbishing that engine just to see it back it great condition again. But I like doing those things. So only you can make the final decision to rebuild both or neither. JMHO

 

[Pusher]

I'm not sure that little boat has anything but a plywood transom in it (no stringers, no sole (deck)). I'd do a quick shovel out and post some better pictures of the inside. If is built the way I'm thinking it wouldn't be more than about $100 to put it back together. And that outboard,.. At that age 'not scrap'. If it turns over it could be easy to get going (so simple an engine),... If not there are guys in your local chapter of the AOMCI (Antiqu outboard motor club) who would love to have fun with it. It's not valuable, but worth more than scrap.

I think Ned is going down the right road here. I would suggest that your friend has half a boat here... meaning boats sell for half the price or more when they don't have a trailer. Sawzaw the thing up and dump it if Ned's route doesn't work and then hunt for a boat of similar length that will fit the bunks on the trailer. You should be able to pick up a pretty nice boat for $300-600 and spend the extra $200 on new life jackets, seats and rod holders.... or a trolling motor if that one doesn't pan out.

Edit: Sorry, the seats in it look "Pristine" for another year or two So USED trolling motor, battery, and PVC pipe rod holders and you'd be set. Don't forget the worms!

 

[Pusher]

BTW, if you're still thinking about a rebuild it kind of looks like it had benches at least in the back that were removed for space. At it's age you might need those for strength.... I guess if he made it this long as is then you might be fine too though.

 

[tallcanadian]

What a great little boat to rebuild. This would be the perfect starter for any beginner. I would love to rebuild this one. NIce 20 hp outboard, trolling motor on the bow. Perfect.Gimmee

 

[JoshuaD]

Transom , stringers ,deck ... Piece of cake .... If no title not worth the aggravation ... Have to consider getting a good running motor ...More bucks ...
Trihulls are good stable hulls though ... My Manatee was in about the same shape and size ... If it didn't have a title it would be still laying in the guys yard ...

I doubt it has registration as I saw no hull ID, but it's possible I am wrong.

 

[JoshuaD]

The only answer to your question is, do YOU really like the boat? I mean is there something that draws you to it and you like the design and layout? If so, it can be brought back to life and made totally safe and usable again. Yes is does take both work and some money, but not as much as you may think. And that engine looks interesting to me. I would have a good time refurbishing that engine just to see it back it great condition again. But I like doing those things. So only you can make the final decision to rebuild both or neither. JMHO

I do like the design and layout. I've seen a number of the jon boat to bass boat conversions that inspired me and gave me some ideas. For me; the condition is a big draw for me as I'd love to spend 20-30 hours or so over the winter spending time with my daughter restoring and modifying it. Also; a problem solving chore is fun for me (I run linux as my main operating system :lol: ); especially if I know it could be done.

 

[JoshuaD]

I think Ned is going down the right road here. I would suggest that your friend has half a boat here... meaning boats sell for half the price or more when they don't have a trailer. Sawzaw the thing up and dump it if Ned's route doesn't work and then hunt for a boat of similar length that will fit the bunks on the trailer. You should be able to pick up a pretty nice boat for $300-600 and spend the extra $200 on new life jackets, seats and rod holders.... or a trolling motor if that one doesn't pan out.

Edit: Sorry, the seats in it look "Pristine" for another year or two So USED trolling motor, battery, and PVC pipe rod holders and you'd be set. Don't forget the worms!

We have a few kayaks and a paddle boat that we use to fish from sometimes. Life vests, paddles, fishing rods, tackle boxes, and even free PVC (my dad is a bit of an amateur plumber), and many tools to accomplish the job are already at my disposal. The family has a business in sewing and though upholstery isn't the specialization I'd have access to local distributors who sell cheap to businesses only.

 

[Pusher]

If the budget isn't an issue, then it sounds like you found a fun project to work on with your daughter. You might pound on the hull and make sure it's solid before jumping in.

If I get a girl when I have kids I hope she's that cool!

 

[JoshuaD]

If the budget isn't an issue, then it sounds like you found a fun project to work on with your daughter. You might pound on the hull and make sure it's solid before jumping in.

If I get a girl when I have kids I hope she's that cool!

Okay, just got back from seeing the project and looking at it with new eyes. I did pound on the hull in numerous places and all seemed to be solid. I'm about to do a photo update of what I have learned.

 

[JoshuaD]

Here is the updated photo gallery. Descriptions within.
https://imgur.com/a/Teo2r

 

[gm280]

Here is the updated photo gallery. Descriptions within.
https://imgur.com/a/Teo2r

Okay, I see a few interesting things. However, I've seen similar or even worst. I did see the port (left) side railing system laying there. That is a good thing it you plan to clean them up and reinstall them. Of course the transom is toast. But that is a given on most older boats and not a problem either. So move the boat to where are planning to work on it and start cleaning it out. Then post those pictures as well. Also take a lot of pictures now, and after it is cleaned out and also measurements as well. You will be amazed how you will look back over the pictures and measurements as the project continues. Start reading some of the many boat restoration threads on these forums and get an idea what is coming. The engine is interesting and I can't tell how bad it will be to refurbish it. But being an older type engine, don't just discard it. :thumb:

 

[sphelps]

Might better find out how hard it will be to register ..... I would not spend any time or money until you know it can be made legal ...
These things can be a real PITA sometimes ....

 

[gm280]

Might better find out how hard it will be to register ..... I would not spend any time or money until you know it can be made legal ...
These things can be a real PITA sometimes ....

I have to absolutely 100% agree with Sam on that one. Don't put a cent into the boat until you have it legally yours. Otherwise it may not be yours and the work will only make the true owner very happy. JMHO