Think I may have found my boat but have questions

[bldgengineer]

Wasn't sure where to put this so if this isn't it please move it. The guy doesn't want to go below $2000. Its a 1986 steplift I/O

The good is it has a solid floor, solid transom, good trailer, steering isn't locked and no rot in the cuddy.

The bad being a locked up motor, probably needs new gel coat soon, and the fuel tank is the original aluminum(is this really bad?), needs new seats, and doesn't come with any electronics. Its been sitting for almost 2 years due to the motor being locked up

If I were to get this I'd take the I/O out, fill in the hole and mount a bracket with a 200 OB on it.

I know I'm new here but I've been lurking for a LONG time and value everybody's opinion on these boats. Please take the time to look at the pictures and let me know your honest opinion.

[macojoe]

Looks good and sounds like a nice restoration!! nothing like a full transom conversion!! They the best. get a good price and go for it!!

[bldgengineer]

I'm trying but he won't budge off the $2K Still trying to figure out if the price is justifiable. I'm too into the boat to justify it myself lol
BTW MJ, I've been staring at your gallery for the longest time

[THEFERMANATOR]

$2k with a locked up engine sounds quite a bit to high to me. He's probably been sitting on it for 2 yeras BECAUSE he won't budge off his $2K.

[tartuffe]

Take a better look at those stringers. Try finding a gap to see if you can stick a screw driver in there. I thought there was one in the 9th pic.

Also, what money to you plan to spend on doing this upgrade to an outboard? My guess would be a minimum of eight grand after purchase by the time you find a good deal on a used engine, controls, steering system, and bracket.

If the hull and stringers/transom are solid (and you are absolutely certain as the transom can be deceiving until you gain access to it/drill it) along with a road-worthy trailer its not a bad deal. I would try the old (15) hundred dollar bills with one extra in my pocket before walking away for another week.

[bldgengineer]

I pounded on it with my fist for a good amount of time. Ive got a bruise on my hand from it now. Everything felt/sounded solid. Nothing sounded hollow. The guy selling it is a pretty well know dealer where i'm at. The PO emailed me telling me where to find it. He let it sit for a year before selling it to the dealer. The dealer has had it since about last fall from what he tells me.

[macojoe]

yea, he has to come down if he wants to move it!! thats a bit high for locked motor and also needing other stuff, i say $1000 at most.

thanks, i have a ton more pics in a gallery you can't see

[bldgengineer]

ouch lol! you guys are hard on sellers! or maybe i'm being soft...

I do know that the trailer alone would go for 800-1000 around here. even though its single axle its more desirable due to the tolls everywhere around here at 5 dollars an axle...

MJ, I'd love to see what else you have!

[step up here]

here is my .02 cents
In order to complete that rebuild even going with the 3.7 liter it will take a good boat wrench, some money and plenty of time. NOW POSSIBLE SOLUTION
Buy a running boat and most of all take it for a sea TRIAL. Their are some V-20 for sale around 2500.00 3000.00. With trailers or without. You will get to use the boat this season and am sure you will always have some work to do!
You may even get some extras on the deal too. Like safety equipment, anchor rope,
vhf, and GPS Like the saying goes; The two happy days of boating are the day you bought it and the day you sell it.