cost of new stringers and transom for a 24'airslot

[quilcene]

I know this is a V20 forum, but I was told that some airslot people could be around, and I have a 76 24' airslot with twin iron dukes, and I would like to know what the cost of replacing stringers and transom (ballpark) would be? I live up in Washington State-I'd like to buy the boat-BUT, not sure if the cost of restoration would make it too stupid.

Thanks

[Curapa]

A boat would have to be free or very close to it if it needed stringers and a transom. Are you going to be doing the work or hiring someone?

[bradford]

I agree with Curapa. If she isn't yours already with some kind of emotional attachment, she ought to be FREE unless she has some recent repower or a sweet trailer. If you have to do stringers and a transom you'll have to spend a bunch on other stuff. If your doing the work yourself will make a HUGE difference in price. Paying someone to do it you might as well look for one already restored. Even if you have to travel cross country to get it you will save money. Show us some pics, we may be able to give you an objective opinion.

[quilcene]

Thanks for the input guys-I have a guy who says he will do stringers and transom for 2500$-I think the gas tank and deck will have to be replaced too-

Then the dukes will have to gone through and outdrives-

I'd like to keep it stock. Anyone know how the twin I-4 's ran? Those were 151 CI I believe-about 110 hp each-

All said the boat should be about new for 10k. So if I put in the 'factor', that means probably around 14-16k a very nice running 1976 24' airslot.

[randlemanboater]

I would bet you can find a really nice already restored Airslot for around $8-10k....but maybe not.

I know you can get some really nice boats for $16k these days that all you will have to do to it is fill her with gas and back it down the ramp.

[000's]

I have seen a couple for sale .Look on craigs list richmond ,I believe I saw one yesterday ,I think 5,000.

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by quilcene

Thanks for the input guys-I have a guy who says he will do stringers and transom for 2500$-I think the gas tank and deck will have to be replaced too-

Then the dukes will have to gone through and outdrives-

I'd like to keep it stock. Anyone know how the twin I-4 's ran? Those were 151 CI I believe-about 110 hp each-

All said the boat should be about new for 10k. So if I put in the 'factor', that means probably around 14-16k a very nice running 1976 24' airslot.

$2500 MAY cover the cost of materials alone to do the transom, stringers, and deck. So if he's charging you ANY labor, expect closer to $5-8K for a cheap job. Fiberglass isn't cheap anymore, and theres a reason why most only restore the premier name brands now as the others just aren't worth it. The airslot is a good riding hull, but I just can't see realistically sinking $10K+ into JUST an old hull. Figure in engines and outdrive work and you could easily have $15K into a 30+ year old boat and powertrain. You could buy a 5 year old turn key boat for this amount easily. Whatever you think it will cost you to pay somebody to do the work, triple it to be safe on what it will actually cost you. And speaking from experience, I would avoid having a "friend" do the work. Many times they will drag the work out, never finish it, or end up charginbg you out the nose by the time the jobs actually done. 9 times out of 10, the high priced fiberglass shop will be cheaper in the long run. Many think they can do fiberglass, but not many actually can do it right so it will last at least 10 years. So make sure and figure in teh cost of redoing the work if you go the cheap route as you have to cut corners somewhere to get the cost down.

I'm not sure about where you are, but good shape airslot 24's can be had down here in FL for under $5K that can be used with very little work. So unless the boat your looking at is free or has some special sentimental value, keep looking.

[bradford]

Rule of boat ownership: Whatever you think it will cost, multiply it by at least three.