Is it worth it?

speedpilot · #1 03-15-2010, 06:50 PM

Hey everybody. I'm looking to upgrade from a 14' aluminum fishing boat to a V20 and I'm hoping to get some opinions.

I'm looking at a '78 model with an '88 150 h.p. Mercury "Black Max". Boat, dual axle trailer and motor all for less than $ 2,000. The boat/motor/trailer have been sitting out in the weather uncovered for a little over 2 years, however. Trailer will need all new brakes (all components rusted) and new fuel tank, as the current one is full of sediment and badly corroded. The motor seems to be in good shape other than just lack of recent use. His asking price seems pretty good, but I'm concerned about what all that weather might have done to the inside of the boat. I don't mind putting some money into it, but would like to get it on the water this season without spending a fortune right away. What kind of time/money am I looking at for a fuel tank replacement in this boat?

macojoe · #2 03-15-2010, 07:59 PM

Gas tank can and will be a **** to get out and depending what you want to replace it with can cost a pretty penny!!

Lift motor up then lean on it good lifting up and down, if you see the transom moving, cracking noise, or see cracks forget it!!

Stoop on the floor every were, if soft run away (except the cover over the gas tank, thats a easy fix.

Offer him $1000 and go from there. Just my 2 cents

phatdaddy · #3 03-15-2010, 09:15 PM

knowing you've got fuel tank issues , trailer issues. unknown motor issues & a starting investment of $2000, that's gonna put you at around $3000 to $3600 after you do all the work. you can get one water ready for that amount. if you can get it for $1000 like mj suggest and can do most of the work your self, more doable......

speedpilot · #4 03-15-2010, 10:16 PM

I figure if I do get it, I'll probably install the new brakes myself but probably get someone to install a new fuel tank. What kind of ballpark figure should I be thinking about for a job like that? I'd most likely use a 40 gallon tank.

phatdaddy · #5 03-16-2010, 07:33 AM

first thing i would do is get a portable tank and get the motor going, if that checks out, then work on the tank and do the brakes last (if at all).

i think the tank would be an easier project that the brakes. a lot of other guys have done the tank swap and will probably chime in.

bradford · #6 03-16-2010, 11:18 AM

Too much money in my opinion for a boat that needs that kind of work. It sucks working on a boat all summer while your friends go out and have a blast. There's lots of deal out there. Look everyday here in the For Sale section for about a week or two and you'll find another one in much better condition. No matter what boat you buy you'll end up spending money on her. Spend a little more and get something you can put in the water and use and work on as you enjoy it.