Need opinions on a project boat!

[fireattackvdf335]

I know this is not a Wellcraft, but I would appreciate ya'lls honest comments on this. I reely hope Skools shows up on this one because I think he would be most helpful. FIRE TO SKOOLS, FIRE TO SKOOLS!!!

Alright, I found a project bought that I'm interested in buying. It's a 2000 20' Chawk that has been storm damaged. Below are some pictures. What am I looking at for repairs? What I'd like to end up with is a seaworthy CC/skiff for clamming, crabbing and fishing. I'm envisioning it with a basic console and leaning post powered with a 115 or 140/150 Suzuki or Yamaha. What's it worth? Thanks!!!

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/fireattackvdf335/P5160005.jpg


http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/fireattackvdf335/P5160004.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/fireattackvdf335/P5160003.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/fireattackvdf335/P5160002.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/fireattackvdf335/P5160001.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/fireattackvdf335/P3220014.jpg

OK, what do you think? The asking price is $750 hull only. I'm thinking about contacting Chawk and asking for a quote on repairs for the heck of it. Thanks for looking and the comments in advance, I respect ya'lls opinions!!

[reelapeelin]

Just know that yer in for a REEL project...the middle rib under the port gunwale looks cracked, but does that crack go thru to the outside of the hull??...other than that, all looks cosmetic ... what does floor-deck feel like when you walk around on it??...soft spots??...w/butt of screw-driver, tap all over transom and see if solid or hollow sounds...go entire side to side at different levels, then top to bottom ...what do you hear?? Is there a thru-floor hatch you can access the stringers??...if you go thru all that and feel good about it and yer ready to tackle or pay for cosmetic repairs, GO FOR IT 8) ... like Skools did, post progress pix in Off Topic ... we like to WATCH!! 8)...

[fireattackvdf335]

Thanks RAP. I haven't made a trip to see the boat yet, but I am soon. I noticed the cracked rib that you saw and had the same concern - good eye. Thank you for your opinions!!!

Should I have posted this in the Off Topic? If so, can it be relocated?

Thanks and keep em coming!

[Stillrunning]

If your saying project boat as one you would fix up yourself it may work. If you are going to have a shop fix the damage, another mount a motor and do the rest of the work then I'd say no. I think you could find a good used boat cheaper than it would cost to have this one fixed by a shop. If you did buy expect some cost like this

500 to 1,000 leaning post and center consol used
4,000 and up for a good used motor
1,500 and probably much more for fiberglass repair
1,500 miscellaneous parts
Paying someone to do the work lots of $

You can find a good hull for 1,500 to 2,000 with no motor then you only have to mount the motor and go.

[fireattackvdf335]

I would be doing the work myself. The guy "says" that the deck and transom is solid. He didn't think I would need to lift the deck for repairs - we'll see. You are right though, it may make more sense to find a better hull. I was thinking more like $400? Afterall, the whole reason for the project is to have a decent heavy duty work skiff for relatively cheap...

[Airslot]

Run away, run away...while teh deck and transom may be solid today, are they dry? How long before the rot starts? This looks like one of those never ending 15-20k projects, and if you love the boat, thats fine. Otherwise spend the money on a boat you can use.

[macojoe]

I agree with Reel, all seems easy to fix, but the rib under the gunnel?
If floor and all checks out offer him $500

Does it come with the trailer?? Thats another expense if not?

Good luck and don't leave us in the dark!! Lets know what you do!!

[Stillrunning]

I see you live in Va. is this boat located at budget boats?

[fireattackvdf335]

Air: LMAO!!!!!! Run away is solid advice, my friend...solid indeed! Being a 2000 model, does the fact that water has gotten into the bilge matter as much?

You know how it is, you can justify just about anything with enough effort.

MJ: Yeah, the port rib bothers me too. I have confidence in my boat repair skills cosmetically, but structurally not quite as much.

Still: You got it! Talk to me man.

I guess what makes it appealing is: the price, I can make it a basic open boat that's easy to get around in and get bloody, Chawk is a respected solid hull, I like the idea of the basics, and I like the Chawk 20.

I also figure that I would buy either a project or turnkey. If it's a project, may as well start at the basics and cheap. I'm fairly certain that I'm giving away the state of my mental health with all of this.... lol

[twistedparot]

skoolz is at the beach and wont be back till monday. but, i dont think you need him to tell you what you have already heard. lot better boats out there for lot less money.

[Stillrunning]

Budget boat probably purchased this boat from an insurance co. which totaled it out and sold it to the higher bidder. Which around here is uaually budget boats. They have parted this boat out until nothing is left except the hull and now they say "what the heck maybe we can find someone to purchase this junk" (sorry but that is what it is). Why do I say junk? Because if it was worth fixing up budget boats would have fixed it up and then sold as a complete boat. Thats what they do. It would take too much work for them as a shop that works on boats but they want to sell it to you so you can fix it up and now you have to replace all the stuff they have sold off the boat. Keep looking around you can find a much better project boat. Do you pass a boat sitting in someones yard that has not moved in a few years. Go knock on the door and tell them you will remove the boat for free. In the tidewater area you are surounded by 100s and 100s of used boats that people just want moved or very little money for. I don't know you but just by coming to this site asking for opinions tells me you do not understand how much of a money pit this could turn into. Good luck.

[fireattackvdf335]

Thanks Still, that reely puts it into perspective. I appreciate everyone's comments and opinions!

[reelapeelin]

If you LOVE HER, MARRY her!! ;D ;D ;D ...

[fireattackvdf335]

I do and I will...but it won't be that boat! ;)

[randlemanboater]

Even if you get it all fixed up, that C-hawk doesnt have much deadrise, woud not ride like a V-20, but you could push it with a smaller motor, say a 115.

[willy]

Fire I think that when you see damage like that you have to walk away, reason is CHawk is a tough boat, and it took a good pounding to break it up like that. With that kind of pounding there will be things that are not visible like hull to deck joints with cracks, stringers cracked either major or minor that you cannot see. These cracks will let water in pretty quick and damage will be around the corner.
Walk away brother JMHO

[2ndchance]

How much are they gonna pay you to take it. ;D

[76GMC1500]

That boat is worth fixing if you do your own glass work. *Grind out the big chips along the chines and corners of the boat and fix with fiberglass. *All of the scapes and whatever should be smoothed with a grinder so there are no corners or chips to initate cracks that may spread in the gelcoat under the paint you apply later. *Fill those with fairing compound. *Throw on some paint and you've got yourself a good looking and seaworthy hull. *It appears to be all simple work, just a lot of hours. *If you can afford to do the work yourself, this would be a great project.

The only thing that really concerns me is the cracked rib on the left side. It doesn't appear there is any fiberglass damage on the outside. Just a little more grinding and glassing, no big deal.