Restore or buy another hull?

[eavega]

Hello Folks

I have a boat that I purchased about a month ago for $400. Its a 1972 15' Chaparral tri-hull for which I have not been able to find any information about. The boat has a 50 HP Evinrude motor, which I have verified runs, shifts, etc. My dilemma is that the boat needs a new transom and a new deck. The stringers seem to be in good shape even though there was wet foam underneath the floor (Deck had been replaced on the mega-cheap, unsealed plywood screwed into the stringers). I plan to re-do the transom and the floor, including replacing the foam. I've started estimating materials for this work, and have come up with a figure of about $450-$500.

There is a guy here who has been advertising a 15' Glasstron tri-hull (with no motor or seats) for $450. I contacted him to get some details about his hull, and he tells me that its rated for 115 HP outboard. He claims the transom and floor are solid, and that the boat has always been kept indoors, etc, etc.

Obviously if the boat is in good shape, I'd be on the water quicker if I purchased the Glasstron, swapped out the seats, motor, etc, and for the same money. My problem comes with the motor rating. These boats are similar in size and style (both are 15' tri-hulls), so if the Glasstron boat is rated for a 115 HP, will my 50 HP be able to push i? I have no way to compare the weight on the two, but I am sure the 50 HP pushes the Chapparal at about 30-35 MPH depending on the load in the boat.

Then comes the problem of what to do with the old hull...

I'm attracted to doing the repairs myself, because that was I am sure that the transom and deck are in good shape. Reality of it, though, is that I will probably keep this boat for only 3 or 4 years tops, then trade up to something bigger.

This boat will mostly see use as a fishing boat, but will occasionally take the family out for a day of cruising around the lake.

Any sage words of advice?

Rgds

Eric

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Restore or buy another hull?

My recommendation would be to either fix the hull you have or look for an aluminum hull for your 50. Tinnys are lighter and will perform better with less horsepower plus you'd have that whole no wooden stringer thing going for you. My guess is that Glastron would be a real turd with only a 50. What's the max HP rating of your Chap?

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: Restore or buy another hull?

Restoration IMO is only worth it if you are capeable and will enjoy doing the work because you really want the boat.

If you're planning to upgrade in as little as 3 years, I'd say dump it like the pile of crap it is and buy something else. Why spend your free time and weekends working on something you don't intend to keep?

Grouse

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Restore or buy another hull?

I doubt the stringers are fine on your current boat if the foam has been wet.

I doubt you would get 30-35 mph out of it either. I could be wrong but I think 30 may be pushing it.

Pick up a 15-16' tinny (gotta be a Starcraft) and the 50 will work perfect on it. Plus, IMHO, tinnies make better fishing boats as most fishing boats put up with a good amount of abuse.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Restore or buy another hull?

nws the ratings, 115 sounds big for a 15'. In the 70's I had starcraft aluminum bowriders with 55's on them (twice) and they were right quick. The old 55 was the smallest 3 cylinder back then.
But we had floor and soft stringer issues, mostly due to joint failure from salt water corrosion.
Keep that 50 if it runs.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Restore or buy another hull?

I dont see how you will get anything over 30 mph with that rig.
As for your question.
If you are keeping the boat go ahead and do the restoration.
If you are not keeping the boat and change it in 3 or 4 years why will you restore it at all? Has the deck been already removed or the transom job started? If the transom is not shut to the point of being unsafe and the floor is not shut to the point you will step trhu it then why do it? You will not get your money worth back when you sell the boat. If the transom can hold that time and the deck is shut then I would just drop plywood in top of the deck and put some cheap outdoor carpet in it. Keep it simple and cheap, you are not keeping the boat. This will not cost you $100.
The problem with the other hull is that being as old as it is it might need resto also in the next years.

I honestly think your best bet is to leave it as it is, if save or just temporize it. Good luck!

PS - If you are worried about being able to sell the boat I am very sure that motor you have if working right and sold by it self will bring you the $400 you just spent...

 

[halas]

Re: Restore or buy another hull?

I would get a different hull.