Possible project boat? StarCraft Islander

[Landworklem]

Owner is will to part with it for $500 which I figured the trailer is worth at least that much. Been sitting outside since 2014 and the interior definitely needs some attention. The owner paid $2500 for it 10 years ago and had it on the water 3 times. As far as he knows it will still run and the deck is still good. The hull and exterior look to be in excellent condition. Just wondering if it's something that has some potential as far as restoring or just buying for the trailer... Thank you!

 

[GSPLures]

Welcome,

Outside covered properly or outside with a torn harbor freight tarp over the top?

People do not usually give a good condition boat away for $500.

Trailers are only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, could be $2500 or $25 depending on if somebody buys it or it sits until you take it to a scrap yard.

I would make sure it runs, what works and doesnt work, and check for soft spots yourself. Even a solid deck doesn't guarantee the stringers/transom are solid. Could of been a deck over or lots of other quick improper fixes.

Or it could possibly be a steal, no telling since there are a bunch of $500 specials on the resto forum (mine included )

To do a restore costs a good chunk of money and time. Would the boat be worth it/ fit all your needs? A resto is a cheaper way to get a brand new boat if you do not count your time.

Just weigh all the pros and cons and be prepared for a possible gut on a $500 boat.

 

[matt167]

depends on the market.. There are guys that will give $2,500 for that right now.. Its's a $10k boat in good enough condition to fish. rigged with downriggers where I am at. It's a later model Islander. Yes it's worth at least $500 which is probably some where around scrap value. But it's probably an easy flip to $1,500 with a pressure washer still selling as a project. There are no stringers on a tin starcraft, so even if the deck is rotted it's really not a huge deal. The transom on an I/O is a bigger issue but even then, not a huge deal.. If it runs and isn't froze, buy it as quick as you can for $500 because you cannot loose

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... What's it got for power,..??
If it's an OMC I/O, you should pass, or expect to part it out,.,.,...

 

[Lectro88]

You have received both sides of the coin in answers.
1 being good sound boats don't (Typically) sell for $500
The 1st. reply couldn't have been said any better.

the 2nd reply at worst was probably is close too if you play your cards right and can swing walking away with a clear con... (spelling)piece of mind, that word...

Now here is my 1/2 cents worth.
A $500 boat is a project boat.. period.
a project is whatEver you Make it, thats anything from crap to Art.
It's also a snowball of cash and effort. as far as you are willing to go with either.
Satisfaction is your only payback at the end of the day, or the only payback to expect and not be disappointed.
A junk boat ("CAN") be turned into a jewel with enough Time, Money and Effort.
BUT.. make no mistake it will take all 3 and some sweat.
Have fun. and good luck.