Should I ? 1984 Grumman 16 ultra side console

[73 Dolphin]

Ah. Aluminum boats! So the question is, is she worth saving? She is a beast of a boat with a 90" beam.
I have too many projects to count and no time to do them but when this came up I had to jump on it. Yes I know they bob around like a cork, get blown sideways by the slightest breeze, make an annoying " slap " sound and can give you a 3rd degree burn in the Florida sun, but its cool, right?

I did restore a 22 foot 70s Starcraft Chieftain center console a few years back. Easy to work on and lots of fun to do.
I really don't see any love for Grumman boats on the forum
( well really just not much info period except for canoes and dinky john boats ).
Plenty for Starcraft but Grumman not so much.
Yes I know everyone and their Dad had a Grumman canoe at some time but they made plenty of boats -
even some real ones like this.

So what do you think? It will need a nose cap, re wiring, new floors and re-power at least. The thing with the Starcraft was being an i/o, motors were available cheap ( Merc 165 ). With this I'll need a min of 40hp up and being an outboard it will be expensive as even the rattiest of outboards here is Florida is prized more than your first born, judging by the prices being asked.

Please jump in with opinions, whether you owned one and where there may be more resources on these.
Oh and I did already buy it so please limit the " take it to the scrap yard " comments to a minimum !!

Thanks!

 

[kcassells]

ha ha that's pretty funny saying I already bought so …...
Hey I'm not a tinney but that sure does look like 1 strong boat. Good luck. Lotsa guys here to chime in.

 

[Scott Danforth]

So what do you think? It will need a nose cap, re wiring, new floors and re-power at least.

so it should be done in a week. its not like you are rebuilding a fiberglass boat and gel coating the hull.

 

[73 Dolphin]

so it should be done in a week. its not like you are rebuilding a fiberglass boat and gel coating the hull.

Does that mean you are giving me the $5000 for the re-power? if not it will be more than a week !
Thanks for the encouragement though!!

 

[kcassells]

Really Dan.... A whole week?
Nice boat do your thing and ask away.

 

[73 Dolphin]

Scott. You pretty much hit the nail on the head. What I am asking is ,from peoples experience with this boat,is it worth re-powering seeing as that will cost $3500 or more. But also along with that any model/brand specific real life advice.
Also as Ive seen very very little info on these it might be a good resource for others down the line.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Scott. You pretty much hit the nail on the head. What I am asking is ,from peoples experience with this boat,is it worth re-powering seeing as that will cost $3500 or more. But also along with that any model/brand specific real life advice.
Also as Ive seen very very little info on these it might be a good resource for others down the line.

if you are looking to make money on a restoration...... you wont. to make a small pile of cash restoring boats....... start with a large pile

"worth" is perception based on value to the buyer.

you can rebuild a OMC-stringer powered tri-hull...... however it wont be "worth" anything when you are done

however a Tinny in good shape will always have value to a tinny lover and will always sell

but that is not why we restore boats..... its because we like working on things.

for an outboard. hop in the car and drive a day to get a motor for under $1k with controls from areas like the great lakes or the mid-west (yes outboards down here in FL are stupid expensive compared to the rest of the US)

for a hull restoration, you are looking at $500 in materials (including foam and paint) that is assuming there is no corrosion damage.

then add a used-outboard, etc and you are in it for between $2000 and the $3500 you mentioned.

however because you will have sunk a few weekends into it, you will want to keep it.......

so ask yourself, is it worth it to you to restore it, or sell it as is.

 

[73 Dolphin]

Yes, it can be done. I've done it before. Here is the old Starcraft before and after. Did all the work except making the transom. I did install it though. Took me more than a week though !

The question is more should I do it on THIS boat. I'm sorry if that wasn't clear. I understand the time and the cost.
And yes Scott I totally agree with your assessment. Good tip on sourcing power. Maybe a road trip in my future.

Looking for advice on this model if there is anyone out there. Personal experience, anything that may not be immediately apparent and such.

 

[oldrem]

I may be in your position in the Spring. A buddy wants to give me a Smoker Craft project boat. One thing I can say, is if I take it on I won't be pushing to finish it like I did the Sylvan.

 

[Scott Danforth]

And yes Scott I totally agree with your assessment. Good tip on sourcing power. Maybe a road trip in my future.

When I re-powered my hellion, I was specifically looking for a Merc 9.8 with electric start. found it in Missouri for $140 with tanks and controls. simply had a relative pick it up and dealt with logistics over a holiday

besides CL, and various classifieds, facetube market place is a good source for looking for items across the US

 

[DeepCMark58A]

I am a big fan of aluminum boats, but then again I am fishing inland fresh water. I like aluminum over glass because my boat is portable meaning it is trailered every trip it is lighter and easier to get in sketchy boat ramps. Anytime somebody suggests working on an older boat is too expensive, I suggest they take a look at the price of new.

 

[73 Dolphin]

When it rains it pours...1985 Grumman 5 meter center console.
Couldn't help myself!!

 

[oldrem]

Busy times ahead

 

[mickyryan]

I may be in your position in the Spring. A buddy wants to give me a Smoker Craft project boat. One thing I can say, is if I take it on I won't be pushing to finish it like I did the Sylvan.

Famous last words i have eaten several times , they need more salt btw

 

[kcassells]

I may be in your position in the Spring. A buddy wants to give me a Smoker Craft project boat. One thing I can say, is if I take it on I won't be pushing to finish it like I did the Sylvan.

You go BOY!!

 

[DeepCMark58A]

I still scan craigs and have not found a better deal that my 1983 Lund Mr Pike with a 50hp mercury with tilt and trim. Carpet is original and solid. But I will always look for just the right project, I passed on an 18' Lund Tyee that needed a new transom because I am moving next spring/summer