Taking the Plunge...possibly!

[OGG]

I am looking to join the group of boaters soon. I am looking for some advice. I have found a 1987 Skeeter 175 Starfire with a 150hp Mercury on it and it has been sitting since 2002. An older woman bought it for her husband and he fell ill so they moved to a warmer climate. It is in Ohio they are in Florida. I was told by a buddy that since it has sat so long and they, obviously, are not going to use it that I could possibly get it if I offered $500 cash. It has been sitting out and has not been covered but it has held together pretty well. The floors look solid, all the rod lockers and storage looks like it needs cleaned but all in all it looks like it would be a great boat...especially for me! I have only seen a couple on line and they are going for $3000 to $5000 dollars. Anyone out there have any advice or even possibly own one of these bass boats? I have not heard anything good or bad about them. It is a 1987 should I be worried?
I'd appreciate any help.
Thank you,
-OGG

 

[labguy]

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

My initial concerns are since it has sat up for so long, did they add any stabil to the fuel? If it has been uncovered, how is the vinyl? I would imagine the floors are going to have soft spots. Did they drain the foot before putting it up? If not, water could have gotten trapped and froze doing damage. I would say go check it out thoroughly and take someone that knows about boats or hire a surveyor. If they do take 500, then that will give you some extra money to do some of the repairs that are obviously going to be there on a boat that has sat out that long uncovered.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

Good advice. Don't get your hopes up until you check it out thoroughly. 8 years is a long time for a boat to sit unprotected in the weather.

 

[OGG]

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

labguy,
The plug is out so i do not think that there is damage in the hull area due to freezing. One seat has a tear in it, but I figure they are going to have to be replaced anyway. The sitting for so long was my concern as well, but both the guys(boat owners themselves) that i was with, said that I would be amazed at what a marine engine can withstand. I was figuring on doing a lot of the work myself, you know putting some sweat equity into the boat. I just figured if I put time into it I could make it my own and I would then take care of it better. The problem is that I know that owning a boat has a lot of hidden costs associated with it and I do not want to end up putting $4000 dollars in a 1987 boat when i could essentially get a later 90's boat for that price.
Thanks for the advice. Anything else would be great. I will be sure to go over everything you mentioned before making the offer.

-OGG

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

ask around the repair forums and/or Mercury forums about starting it for the first time. If they say to give it a try, bring your own battery and gas/oil; do not use what's in the tank.
You may have to buy it blind and get it to a mechanic to start it. You can see if it turns over, and check compression. But all in all, I suggest you plan on repowering it, and budget accordingly, and if you don't have to, you are ahead.
The $500 is just a down payment.

Also if you are going to use the trailer it sits on, be ready for tires and bearings before you go very far.

 

[labguy]

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

labguy,
The plug is out so i do not think that there is damage in the hull area due to freezing. One seat has a tear in it, but I figure they are going to have to be replaced anyway. The sitting for so long was my concern as well, but both the guys(boat owners themselves) that i was with, said that I would be amazed at what a marine engine can withstand. I was figuring on doing a lot of the work myself, you know putting some sweat equity into the boat. I just figured if I put time into it I could make it my own and I would then take care of it better. The problem is that I know that owning a boat has a lot of hidden costs associated with it and I do not want to end up putting $4000 dollars in a 1987 boat when i could essentially get a later 90's boat for that price.
Thanks for the advice. Anything else would be great. I will be sure to go over everything you mentioned before making the offer.

-OGG

On the freezing part, I was mainly talking about the foot of the motor. If the motor is not tilted down after being pulled out of the water, it cannot drain fully and that water can freeze and do damage to the foot. As long as you go into this with a realistic mindset and make the offer accordingly, I think you will be fine. Since you are willing to do the work yourself, this forum is a great resource because these guys are VERY knowledgable and can talk you through just about any and all repairs. Just be prepared for surprises. That almost always happens on a used boat. I just bought a 1991 Sea Ray that is in excellent shape. I went over it thoroughly but when I got it home, had to replace the stern light base, repair a couple of dings, and remount the boarding steps. Good luck bud and happy boating!!!

 

[OGG]

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

Cookin,
What do you mean by repowering it? Replacing or tune up? I figure a tune up will need to be done no matter what...problem is here in Ohio(not a lot of places to take boats) they charge an arm and a leg.
Wifey is suspect to me getting it, but I fish in tournaments and I have to schedule around my boating buddy. I also have a 3 yr old girl who absolutly loves the outdoors and I think it would be fun for her and I to work on it together (me doing the work, but her spending time helping/watching) and then having a chance to take her out on it in a year or two. My boating partner and other boating buddy seem to think that it would be a steel. I do have them to help me if I would need them to help. One is really good at fixing and problem solving boat issues, the other I may as well be his boat mechanic.
I did notice the tires - will need replaced- and I know how to do bearings. The trailer is faded but looks okay -I guess we will find out if we pull it out of the ruts its set itself in. The boat itself is red and suprisgly has held its color. A good wax and buff would make it look new again. I meant to mention it has a 54# thrust motorguide that looks brand new on the front of it. Looks like a 2000's model, probably bought when they purchased the boat.

Thanks guys please keep the possible pitfalls coming but still havn't heard anything about the model itself? Anyone know anybody with a Skeeter from that year or around that year?

I appreciate the insite!

 

[OGG]

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

Labguy,
Thanks for the help! Also, thanks for the clarity on the freezing issue, I didn't think to look at the position of the motor. If the motor has to be replaced there is no need for the boat. I appreciate the comments and discussion.
Hope to see you around and will probably need some of your expertise down this long road of boat ownership.
Sorry to hear about the 91 Sea Ray, but I am sure you are proud of it. This being my first boat, it is a huge deal for me. I know that you probably had the same jitters and excitment as I do right now. Which one should I get, am I getting a good deal, what if, how much, etc...etc. I am excited and nervous all at the same time.

 

[labguy]

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

Labguy,
Thanks for the help! Also, thanks for the clarity on the freezing issue, I didn't think to look at the position of the motor. If the motor has to be replaced there is no need for the boat. I appreciate the comments and discussion.
Hope to see you around and will probably need some of your expertise down this long road of boat ownership.
Sorry to hear about the 91 Sea Ray, but I am sure you are proud of it. This being my first boat, it is a huge deal for me. I know that you probably had the same jitters and excitment as I do right now. Which one should I get, am I getting a good deal, what if, how much, etc...etc. I am excited and nervous all at the same time.

The Sea Ray is my third boat and was really nervous/excited when I went to inspect it. Luckily the things I missed amounted to about $20.00 in repairs and a few hours tinkering around. Of course, I didn't mind. If I can't take it out much now, the second best thing is to crank up the stereo in it while I tinker. I now will find excuses to go downstairs so that I can look at it and run a towel over it, lol. As far as a Skeeter bass boat, my brothers ex-father in law had one ( I think it was a late 80's model) and never heard him having any issues. And of course a mercury outboard is about as good as they come. The best thing is parts are readily available just about anywhere. In fact, I purchased a new impeller kit at Academy for goodness sakes. As far as being able to share the experience with your daughter, you are dead on. I have an 11 year old daughter that will come down there when Im working and sit in the boat and keep me company. We will take it out fishing (not a fishing boat) and spend some quality time and not catch a thing, but cant think of anything I would rather do. When it warms up, it will be time to break out the tubes, ski's, and wakeboard. Enjoy the process of getting it tip top shape because that is half the fun. Happy boating!!!

 

[OGG]

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

Lab,
Thanks again for the advice. Sounds like you made a good purchase on your third boat. Also, sounds like you have a wonderful fishing and work partner (your daughter). I am hoping that I can have a similar experience with my little one in the coming years. I am excited about the possibility of being a boat owner as well as giving my family an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors on the water.
There is just something about being on a River or Lake!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

For $500 I don't think you can get hurt. If the motor has good compression, everything else is fixable. My last boat was purchased for $200 and had a '73 Johnson 85HP on it. It had likewise not been run in many years. We dumped a good amount of money into the motor at the mechanic's getting it to run properly (carb rebuilds, powerpack, coils, etc) but we then used it for 5 seasons with no issues. I sold the rig last year in excellent running condition when I upgraded to larger boat.

Your biggest concern will be rot in the wooden components of the hull. Transom, stringers, deck. Again, this is all repairable but it is a major project. Fishing boats like that are always in demand so it would worthwhile to fix up.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

repower =replace motor.
You are being very realistic so you will be OK. You might not get on the water for a while; depends on how much time you have, and you have to count on the unexpected. You could spend days, literally, chasing an electrical short. Or if you take it to a mechanic now, fine, but come May they will be busy--if they are any good.

Some people (not you) think they can plunk down $500, put some duct tape on the seats, splash the boat and take off. They need the cautionary tales.

I don't think your 3 year old will be much help and you need to get her out in a boat sooner than a couple of years to get interested; they are smart and she'll put her hands on her hips and say, "I've been working on this tub for months and no boat ride? Screw this!" BTDT. Take her fishing--non-tournament. 3 is a good time to start.

 

[OGG]

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

Home,
I do not foresee myself getting on the water this year. I am working on my Masters degree and to be honest do not have a vehicle that is equipped to tow the boat. Will probably park it for the summer in the garage(if it will fit) or in the drive(covered) and tinker with it when I have time in the summer. I am being optimisitc in saying that by the end of the summer next year I may have a chance. But you are right about time, getting it to where it needs to be to go boating and enjoy it. NO duck tape, just a lot of cut, busted, and greasy hands and elbows. I want to do it right if I'm going to do it at all.
The three year old is more inspiration than an actual helper. She loves being outside with Dad and I feel will like to watch and help me(you know getting me pliers, screwdrivers). I have a pond close and we will be doing all the fishing we can do this summer. When the bluegill start I have a feeling we will be fishing on a weekly basis. I can't wait! I laughed when you said she would have her hands on her hips before long....already happening, and she is two months to reaching 3. I have a long life of being a Dad ahead of me if this is starting already, huh!? I love it though.

Thanks for the insight.
-OGG

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

You have a long life ahead of you--I have 2 girls, now in college. Wouldn't trade them, but there were times....

Do as you are doing, keep her engaged in activities; watch for opportunities to make it fun; let her work at her ability even if you have to sneak back later to tune it up (this does NOT apply to the spray paint gun). The rewards will come back in spades. Mine love showing the boys that they know what to do; one rescued a boat load of people drifting to sea when she was eight b/c she knew how to restart my cranky motor.

Sorry to drift OT but it's important. I love seeing dads doing it right

 

[OGG]

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

Home,
I am all ears when someone talks about their experiences, especially with their young ones. The fact that you have girls gives me a little perspective of what my future will bring. I promise you she will not have the spray gun.
Short story: Yesterday I stayed after school (I'm a teacher) to work on my master's homework. My wife called and told me that she offered to take our little one over to the pond to play (you know throw rocks and sticks). My wife told me that my little girl said, "so we can fish", and got excited. Then my wife told her that only daddy knows how to fish, and my little girl proceeded to explain to my wife that she knew how to also. She said, "you throw the line out and then you turn, turn, turn (motioning with her arms the turning motion, like a boxer hitting a speed bag). So today we are going fishing for the first time, got her Dora the Explorer fishing pole ready to go. We may not catch anything but it will fun.
Back on topic:
Do you know anyone who has owned a skeeter from that era, or the model I am looking to possibly buy?

Ezmobee,
Thank you for the advice. I will check out the transom, but how can I look at the stringers? I know the deck seemed like it was in good shape, but wont know for sure till I get up on it and put some weight on the floor. All the compartments, rod lockers, storage areas, battery area, and livewells all seemed in pretty good shape. All the doors opened without a hitch and the hinges and pull rings were smooth. Let me know if you have heard any issues with these types of boats. The Mercury 150 will need a close inspection, I know. I was thinking about replacing the spark plugs, wires, draining the fuel and oil and seeing if it will turn over. Are there a couple of other things you would suggest?

 

[osborn159]

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

hello, my .02 if your gonna spend $500 on a 1987 boat the biggest thing to worry about is the powerplant, the rest is just time and a bit of cash to repair, as was said prior to repower is not an option for you.
also a 1987 boat uncovered for i believe it was 8 yrs plan on a hull rehab, ie probly stringers, transom and floor, if not immediatly within a year or so, they werent designed to last forever.
and if you decide to rehab it you can ride with the knowledge of whats under you and the pride of knowing you did it, its dirty, itchy and frustrating, but to buy that boat today new would easily approch or exceed 15k, you could rebuild for much less, resale is still what the market allows, nobody cares about your blood, sweat and tears in one of these projects, so dont do it to resell it, if you decide to do it plan on keeping it for a while get your sweat equity out of it then move on, and take pics as you go on, it may help you sell it later, peice of mind for the next guy.
good luck
BTW skeeters are popular boats here, see them around a lot, heck i walk out my front door and the neighbor has a skeeter 21' cc bay boat in his yard, i always liked them and the company is still around, that in itself should say something

 

[OGG]

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

Osborn,
I do not plan on reselling it anytime soon. I am concerned about the point you made about hull rehab. The hull itself will be britle or are you refering to just the floor and stringers. Since you mentioned the transom, that concerns me! I do not know if I could do all that myself, having no experience in fiberglass would mean having a company do that = lots of $$$. Dont have a whole lot of that!! I am more than willing to put my own sweat and tears into this as a project but, like I mentioned before, I do not want to put $4000 dollars into the boat. I was thinking in total over then next year and a half having about $2000 in it total. I am being very optimistic, but want to be realistic about my budget. Wifey would not be a fan if I pump $4000 - $5000 dollars into this when I could have just purchased a newer boat without all the work.
Thank you very much for the info oz.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

If the deck is solid don't go looking for trouble with the stringers. My point there was that soft spots in the deck usually hint at problems with the sub-structure. These things tend to rot from the bottom up so by the time you have soft spots on the deck, the stringers are usually mush. BUT if your deck is solid I wouldn't dig any further. As for your transom, there should be no flex when you put a good amount of pressure on the motor (you can stand on the cav plate and bounce a little). If your transom is rotted it isn't the end of the world. There are ways to repair it without tearing the boat whole boat apart. $2000 would more than finance a complete rebuild if you DIY.

Do a search on here for "awakening a sleeping outboard" for motor tips.

 

[OGG]

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

bee,
Thanks for the clarification. I know that I have not purchased the boat at this point, but any advice is more no advice. This forum is great for someone like me at this point. Thanks for the tip on the "awakening a sleeping outboard" I will be sure to check it out. I greatly appreciate your knowledge...I am a newbie at this and it is fun learning about something I have very limitted knowledge about, a little scary and intriguing at the same time.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Taking the Plunge...possibly!

I still say focus on the motor first. If it's dead, you want to know before you fix up the "free" boat unless you happen to be in love with it. And then plan on it dieing in the next 2 years. If you can't handle repowering, I'd not buy an inoperable boat and I'd have serious reservations about an old one.

Look at it this way--you are OK with putting $2000 into it after a $500 purchase. Look around at $2,500 boats that don't need restoring which operate--b/c that's where you'll be in a year. But guess what you have to do with a $2,500 boat? Spend more money, every year. Maybe $500 one year, $2,000 (new used motor) the next. The expense never stops; it just starts with the purchase.

Not trying to be discouraging; just realistic.