So I went by and looked at that 250c in Murrells Inlet, I really like the boat.

My big concern is that the motor mount bolts are crumbling from corrosion. If I understand correctly, to replace them requires power head removal.

Sounds expensive...what do the experts say?

I like that one, but some very smart guys who's opinion I respect always say not to own an opti out of warranty.

Spares intrepid had the optis, my whitewater had hpdi yamahas. After reading through the ad though I feel it's overpriced, has some stringer issues.

Depending on your time frame Randleman and pocketbook you could find a project hull for cheap and have it set up how you want. Like any boat you pay the piper one way or another. I think it was Ferm who said whatever you think it will cost multiply it by 3-5 and how long they say it wil take also multiply by 3-5. lol

Yeah, I believe Opti and HPDI are the same beast when they break...high dollar.

As for time frame...I would like to fish my " new boat" sometime this year, preferably sooner than later...but I don't mind fixing stuff and understand that takes time, which I will have more of starting June 1, when I retire.

As for pocketbooks, mine is always fairly thin with 2 kids in college and a 3rd 2 years away from it.

which motor mount bolts are we talking about?

The ones I noticed were the bottom ones that are under some covers on each side of the lower unit.

They crumbled when I just barely touched them...I assume if the lower ones are that bad then the tops would be the same.

The same ones are pictured in the below link.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-...ng-normal.html

lowers are easier than the uppers, the uppers will require powerhead removal. If you have a mechanic check it out, pull a couple power head anodes and look at their condition

What would be the average charge for replacing upper and lower if done by a shop?

as long as we're spending RMB'smoney

http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sa...-24-000-a.html

not sure if this is one with a fiberglass fuel tank, but if so, might be a problem


http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sa...n-4strkes.html

always liked these hulls, lots of storage and has flush deck to bow.


Found you another one

http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sa...-open-30k.html

Id hate to uote that job,but I'm going to guess 6 hours per plus more depending on corrosion