Restore or sell a 1974 Browning Tri-Hull

[PSUFan]

I inherited a 1974 Browning 18' Fiberglass Tri-Hull with a 115 HP Mercury Mercruiser motor. The engine has less than 100 hours on it. The boat hasn't been used in years, but about 8 years ago a new ignition system was installed and the motor serviced in preparation for the season. The boat never made it to the water after these updates. The hull is in good shape and the motor looks like new. I have no idea what a boat in of this age and hours-of-usage on the motor would sell for and/or whether or not it is a wise investment to keep as a starter/recreational boat. Thoughts?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Restore or sell a 1974 Browning Tri-Hull

Got any pics? Outboards are Mercury, inboard/outboards are Mercruiser. Which do you have?

70's tri-hulls aren't particularly desirable. Even in mint condition you're looking at $2500 TOPS. $1500 more likely. However, if everything is indeed in good shape, if may very well be a great starter boat for you.

 

[PSUFan]

Re: Restore or sell a 1974 Browning Tri-Hull

Thank you for the reply. It is an outboard motor. I plan to take a couple of pictures this weekend and will post them here.

If I keep the boat, I would restore it to mint condition for nostalgic reasons. If I overlook nostalgia and objectively consider the cost/benefit between investing to restore the boat I have vs buying used how much boat could I buy?

For example, if I am willing to spend $8000 for restoration (paint, seat coverings, engine servicing), how much boat could I buy for $9500 if I turned around and sold the boat for $1500. Would I be looking at the possibility of being able to buy a mint condition boat 20 years newer of the same HP and size? Obviously I haven't spent the time to do this research on my own but would like the advice of those who have experience in this area to get a feel for what the market may offer.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Restore or sell a 1974 Browning Tri-Hull

I think there is more to it than that. For instance, if you put $8000 into the boat, you will 100% know the condition of the boat, and trust it accordingly. If you sell it and buy a newer one, some if not all of that confidince will be lost. What is that worth to you.

What is should really come down to, is do you like the boat, the motor, the layout, etc. If no, then no amount of restoration will solve that. If yes, then you will be well off to make it like you want.

Last thing, there is a middle ground. You mentioned $8000 to restore it. That's alot to put into the boat. Ask yourself what you would have if you put half that into it? If the answer pleases you, maybe that becomes the goal.

Good luck with the deicsion.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Restore or sell a 1974 Browning Tri-Hull

I think less than half that $8k would be a more reasonable number to assume to spend for a total gut and redo restoration.

As Jon touched on this above, just about ANY fiberglass boat more than a couple years old has the potential to have rot in the deck, stringers and/or transom if it's been left exposed to the elements for a while. A badly sealed thru-hull or fastener can start transom rot. So a boat you restore (properly) you'll know is solid. It's also not tough to rebuild these boat better than they were even from the factory. So it's your call. Financially you have a bit more of a concern though with a tri-hull. Because of their dated look, even in showroom new condition, they won't be worth that much.

 

[CaptOchs]

Re: Restore or sell a 1974 Browning Tri-Hull

Do you really want to sink $4k into a boat you might not be able to sell for $2k in a few years? If it were me, I would take a close inspection of the boat first. Rotting floors are not too hard to replace. If it needs stringers or transom I'd junk the boat and sell the motor. You can get a really nice boat with an I/O for $8k. If the Mercury 115hp is the same vintage as the boat be prepared to pay at the pump. You might go through 5-6 gallons of gas in an hour or two. Just something to think about.

 

[PSUFan]

Re: Restore or sell a 1974 Browning Tri-Hull

Thank you for all help on this post. After reassessing the boat's condition, researching boat sales and considering the feedback you provided it does not appear to be a wise investment on my part to restore the boat. Thanks again!

 

[martyp123]

Re: Restore or sell a 1974 Browning Tri-Hull

I inherited a 1974 Browning 18' Fiberglass Tri-Hull with a 115 HP Mercury Mercruiser motor. The engine has less than 100 hours on it. The boat hasn't been used in years, but about 8 years ago a new ignition system was installed and the motor serviced in preparation for the season. The boat never made it to the water after these updates. The hull is in good shape and the motor looks like new. I have no idea what a boat in of this age and hours-of-usage on the motor would sell for and/or whether or not it is a wise investment to keep as a starter/recreational boat. Thoughts?

Hi, just wondering what you did with your boat ? I'm supposed to look at one tomorrow and know nothing about them. Do you have pics of yours ? What are they worth ? This one has a 230 HP Evinrude.

Thanks, Marty

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Restore or sell a 1974 Browning Tri-Hull

marty, welcome to iboats--but this is an old thread and that poster is probably long gone down the river in another boat.

Start a new thread but include IN THE TITLE the information you are looking for, not "new boat" or "need help" or other meaningless titles.

check the capacity plate on your prospect. a 230 sounds way to big for an old 18' tri-hull. And a 1970's tri-hull is not worth much; focus on the motor and the whole rig (as in, a running boat for $2000). Not amny people would spend time and money to restore one.

 

[martyp123]

Re: Restore or sell a 1974 Browning Tri-Hull

marty, welcome to iboats--but this is an old thread and that poster is probably long gone down the river in another boat.

Start a new thread but include IN THE TITLE the information you are looking for, not "new boat" or "need help" or other meaningless titles.

check the capacity plate on your prospect. a 230 sounds way to big for an old 18' tri-hull. And a 1970's tri-hull is not worth much; focus on the motor and the whole rig (as in, a running boat for $2000). Not amny people would spend time and money to restore one.

Hey Home Cookin' thanks for the response. That's a good idea. I'll try that & see what happens.

Thanks again & safe boating< Marty