MGB: Buying a Boat

I can hear the groans already.......

I am looking into a long term boat project (seems like they all turn into long term haha). I found a 1950 Chis Craft 30 footer for a good price. I intend to have the entire bottom re done professionally and the rest of the bits I will do. Its in fair condition but I haven't seen it yet. I will be meeting up with the seller in a few weeks. It looks fairly good and has been kept in covered storage for several years.

My questions are how many thousands of dollars does it cost to have a boat stripped, re caulked, and re sealed? Has anyone tinkered with old Chris Crafts or something similar?


I know the two happiest days of a boat owners life are the day he/she buys it and the day he/she sells it but maybe after its all said and done I can have some fun in between.

I will post pictures as soon as they finish downloading

Cheers

Ryan

They have water in Kansas?

Oh Yikes....I'm not in Kansas anymore. I really need to update that. Im going to be living in the Seattle area in a little bit.

Un/fortunately I have been down this road before. Unlless you have unlimited patience and a good amount of financial resources,I wouldn't do it. Most people that have wooden boats long term are wood boat fanatics. you need to be to put the time and money into these things. Even a fiberglass boat requires a good deal of upkeep. Chances are the stringers would need attention. If it's been land bound for a long time, that is a big issue. I think it's great if YOU want to do it, but I would not. I restored a 26 foot lapstrake boat years ago, and will not forget the experience! Remember, the amount of time and money spent will more likely be substantial. Regards, Mitch.

Check boat prices at Yachtworld.com. There are a ton of great deals on boats that don't need to be redone. Like a car it is cheaper to let someone else do the restoration.

ditto... not to mention boats of that vintage condition and size...are usually close to free.........

...heres one made out of steel........http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/boa/1445532380.html

Go to woodenboat.com

Restoring a boat like this will probably cost 4 times as much and take 5 times as long as you think. Really. And that is assuming you have the tools and skill already. That is no small task.

You would be much better off getting a boat in good shape, and keeping it in good shape...rather than restoring one.

TOny

If you think MG's suck up your time, don't even begin with a wooden boat.

If you want a cruiser for the NW, shop around, they're all over the place.

As Mitchell said, unless you're a fanatic don't do it.

BOAT = B.reak O.ut A.nother T.housand...........

A boat is just a hole in the water to throw money into.

I completely agree with all your assessments / advice I just saw this boat for $1500 and the gears started turning. Naturally I am very skeptical but it seems that it was the sellers Dads project and he is tired of storing it. It has been out of the water on stilts for at least 3 years. I see similar boats that have been cared for running for $15000 +. You are all right in the cost aspect I don't think any project I have started and / or finished came in anywhere near my budget.

Thanks for putting it in perspective!!!

It sounds like the kind of boat that usually ends up being free to obtain. Most guys over their heads in boats want to make sure they get to a good home. You need a survey from a wood boat expert to get any idea but a rough guess is several times the asking price above; most likely many times.

The two happiest days in a boaters life are the day they buy it and the day they sell it.

like b's. Worth $25-$25,000 depending on condition, boat survey.

Larry, out of the boat ownership for good.