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Attachment 164069ok so is it worth while to restore a 23 year old boat that you love the set up in and is hard to find another with that setup and motor is still running or buy new???? Love the layout on this boat and the room it has, have to have room for shad tank and such. Has a leak somewhere which isn't stopping us from fishing or anything. Either have it restored with all repainted and inside of boat redone or buy new? What kind of boat would be comparable to this it is 19.5ft long.
I would think you could restore that boat a lot cheaper than buying a new one like it. I would think Lund would be closest to that boat but set up like that I would bet you would be in the 40's. Be close to that on most any of them that would compare. Try to get you some estimates then compare that to cost of new. Your not going to wear out that hull.
Any ideas on where to get it restored at?
I'd restore if your are satisfied with the set up, bet that's a fishing machine. Like Cray said, high dollar to buy a new one comparable.
Restore it yourself. Not near as hard as you think. Good winter project. Maybe get someone to paint it for you. 2-3000 and you'll have a completely redone boat vs 25000+ for new
tcounty just don't have the time to do it myself. kids in sports, work and all that stuff. rees guide it is a great fishing boat and is accomadating for what i need it for. Mostly stripers and crappie.
If you aren't gonna restore it yourself then I change my vote to almost new, you can pick a fairly new rig in the low to mid 20s that is along the same line as what you have. may have to shop for it and be willing to go get it but it can be done. One thing good for you is you are already in yankee boat country. My next one will most likely be along those lines but I am not even looking cross eyed at anything rite now, know what will happen if I do.
Only thing I really know about as far as boat restoration is, there is a guy who works for Bass Cat boats in mountain home Arkansas. He restores bass boats on the side. Have seen a couple of 20 year old boats he did and they were perfect. Don't know how to get in touch with him but was told you could call Bass Cat and ask for the guy that does restorations and they would put you in touch with him. Floors,carpet and seating is hardest part. I would think some phone calls to local boat dealers might help find some one.
check out tinboats.net for some ideas, or maybe someone there can offer more advice on where to get the re-sto done and the costs associated as well.
I know that from what you are saying about the little time you have that you have a very busy life. Thats ok but you can still restore it. It might just take a little longer. one thing you could consider and it depends on where you fish and the normal conditions for the area is to get a smaller boat to use while you work on this one. From what I can see it would be well worth the time to restore it yurself. None of the things you would have to do are beyond the abilities of anyone one here. If your not sure how to do parts of it just ask. I am sure someone on here has done it. I have one I was restoring but due to other reasons I parted it out. I made more than I had in it. Plan on getting another one next winter/spring.
I assume that's a riveted boat and it's most likely leaking from one or more of the rivets. The rivets would have to be bucked from the inside, which means removing the flooring and floatation. I had one done by an outside down around Amelia (I think it was Haynes Fiberglass--they do the aluminum too) for under $3000 about 10 years ago. Don't bother to repaint, you'll just tear it up again anyhow. :) You might want to put in new decking while they've got it apart. The closest really is a Lund, and you're talking high 40's with a new motor, trailer, etc.
If you do decide to buy new or newer, Let me know what you want for this boat. I am very interested in it.
I wonder if restoring a boat is a lot like restoring an old car... you have a lot more money in it than you will ever get out of it if you decide to sell?
The motor is the heart of a rig.....before (if) you decide to restore get the motor thoroughly checked out.....
If it runs and floats, Be happy. Restoration is IMO the way to go, I would check with some local boat shops or even upholstery shops and see it anyone is interested. In every town there are a few guys working out of their garages that will take on a project like this (Actual time + materials). If you know which Rivet is leaking, it can be fixed from the outside without tearing the boat apart. There are "Blind" pop rivets that do a great job. I personally replaced 26 rivets on one seam in an 18' boat that belonged to a friend. Tools required, cordless drill, drill bits (3/16" and 1/4") 3M seam sealant, 1/4" Blind pop rivets and rivet gun some sand paper and alchohol prep pads. Repair took an afternoon did the repair in his driveway. There is now a kit called Bullfrog that is probably better but what we did that afternoon 4 years ago has worked and seen dozens of local trips and 5 trips annually to lake erie. The hull is still sound, no leaks and trustworthy and reliable!
Good info BuckeyeKdog. I've never heard of them. I gotta check em out.Quote:
Originally Posted by BuckeyeKdog