Christian NEEDS a boat

[repirts]

I'm in the market for a boat for Christian (as usual I'm along for the ride) and I need some advice.

My budget is very limited. The Want Ad has a 19' Carolina Skiff (1989 with a '91 60hp Johnson, trailer) for about $4000. We will be fishing Boston Harbour, Merrimac river - inside the jetty etc. I'll be trailering.


Questions:
1) What is your opinion of Carolina skiff?
2) Is $4000 a fair price.
3) Other options?

thanks for your help.
Repirts (aka Christian's Dad)

[JohnR]

I have extremely limited knowledge about Cskiffs, all I will say is thay if you are going to be in boston harbor you NEED a good v-hull. Boston Harbor's biggest porblem is wake traffic bouncing off all the islands from all the boats. You really need something good in a chop because that's all you really ever have - steep faced, short period, chop...

I had an 18 foot bowrider with a somewhat shallow V, it POUNDED visciuosly...

[JeffH]

If you buy a Carolina Skiff make sure your first piece of gear purchased is full rain gear because you will need it. Then buy a soft pillow to lessen the shock to your kidneys.....

[repirts]

Thanks for the info. Doesn't sound promising. Guess I'll keep looking.

[BigBo]

Too Much $$$. C-Skiffs were real short money back then. The hull alone probably only sold for $2500 - $3000. Whatever your considering, you can check approximate value online at Kelly Blue Book (www.kbb.com I beleive or something like that). I'm with the others and would prefer something with more "V" for a smoother, drier ride. You should be able to find something in your price range check out www.boattraderonline.com as a good source.

[JohnR]

Just a couple that I found:

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/4/2/45139542.htm interesting prospect

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/1/0/40171610.htm should be abtle to find a Wellcraft V18 Steplift SOMEWHERE. Great boat, good rep.

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/9/2/40499592.htm Good Boat

You would be better off checking the Want Ads for local stuff...

You also may want to consider someone very knowlegable to check it out, both engine & hull - maybe even a survey before you give the cash...

BasicPatrick had a 19 Mako for sale (not sure now). Good boat but maybe High Mileage boat - Held four fat guys no problem

I have little doubt that my 18 bowrider rode better than the flat bottom Cskiffs... Not sure which older models are v hulls or how much "V" is in the hull...

[Billybob]

I don't know if this is up your alley, but it caught my eye. Over at the Ctriverstripers.com board, there is a post of boats for sale by the Maritime Education Network.
http://www.boards2go.com/boards/boar...6&user=striper
The 19' Aquasport might fit your needs, and the price may be right.
Check it out.
Bill

[Van]

I am selling a sweet 15 foot MFG (fiberglass) with a "like new" 60 hp merc outboard. Its alot more boat than a skiff.

Great "first boat" Ready to go,, needs nothing.

I think there is still an add in the classified here with pics.

[mrmacey]

i have a good family boat a few people on here have seen it we can talk about whats included in the deal runs about 150.00 a month payment warrenty till 2007 this boats brand new 20 ft rides all chop in the harbor has high rails dry boat call me if your interested 1 508 320 4175 mike! theres pics in the classifieds for christian we can talk id like to see some kids get the enjoyment of this boat!!

[JohnR]

... and ?

[JohnR]

This is worth looking into:

FS: 20 SeaCraft
FS: 20 ft SeaCraft c/c 1978 w/96 Yamaha 115 (brackset)
Also it is a "stainless steel bracket", and hull has "original gel coat, no bottom paint".
Price $6000
Picture available from marinereast@earthlink.net
For more info call (757) 344-9000.
(021127p)

This is what one looks like - one of the finest 20 Restorations I've seen:





More pics here: http://www.theboatzone.com/gallery/hammers20

and Here 9including restore pics): http://www.classicseacraft.com/hammers20CC.htm

Might not be worth it if it needs a lot of work...

[striperjackson]

its a skiff so rough water will be hairy, but if its in good shape and the motor is sound it sounds like a bargain to me.
let me know how things go, I just bought a '80 wellcraft cuddy w/ a mercruiser 470 for 2500$. needs a little work though.

[JohnR]

SJ - welcome to S-B....


Which one is a skiff?

[striperjackson]

I was Refering to the 19' Carolina Skiff in the original post by Repirts.

[repirts]

Still looking. Need opinions.

How about this? '84 Wellcraft 20v steplift cuddy with a 175 Merc OB with rebuilt power head. Needs gas tank @ $800-900. Asking $4500 but negotiable. Guessing I can pick it up with the new tank for $4500. Good buy?

How would this compare to an 18' CCfor fishability (room etc). Will spend most of the time in Boston Harbor, Quincy Bay etc

[BigBo]

repirts, V20 Steplifts are fine boats. They handle very well and it's a safe boat too. Just have the motor checked out good. I wouldn't be too concerned about the gas tank. I wouldn't hesitate to replace it with an inexpensive poly tank and you'll never have to worry about corrosion again. Just use it as bargaining power if you really think you want it.
Also, something else to consider; You didn't mention the age of the motor but I suspect it's at least 12-14 yrs old. Even if it checks out fine, it's still an old motor an should be factored into the negotiations. Then when it's all said and agreed on, you have to decide if you can live with the investment if the day comes and it needs a repower.
I'm not trying to scare you, but I've owned several boats and yes, I've gotten burned in the past.
I would say if you like it, offer them $3500.00 and go from there.
Good luck to you and Christian.

[macojoe]

reprits
I have a 1974 V20 Cuddy and love the boat. I have just completed a conversion from the oringal I/O to a out board. Ck the boat out goog! Grab the motor while it is up in the air and try moving it around paying close att. to the transom if it moves it has a bad transom if there is no movment then it should be ok. Step on the floor hard and stomp in different places to see that the floor is soild.
The motor is the Heart of the whole thing. If it is junk then no matter how nice the boat is you are stuck. Find out the year of the motor and all info then go to Iboats.com and ask if there is anything you should look for on this motor. They were great with Info for me when I went to look at my Yamaha.
Don't be afraid to ask for a comprsion test or to crack the lower unit screw to ck the oil. Make sure you here it run and runs smouth. while it is running shift it make sure it goes F,N,R make sure that it is pumping water. This time of year ask for a water test. If it is a good boat the guy you are buying from should not mind doing this if you are serious.
I have been burned before and if someone will not do these things then I move on. And even if it all ck's out something may go wrong. Its a boat and you will be adding money to it!!
Goo Luck!! And welcome to the boating world. No mater how bad it gets once you are hooked on the water you will mortage the house to stay on it.
Ask me I no

[macojoe]

Here is a pic at mine

[JohnR]

When you find the boat you want, and have agreed to a price, buy it subject to a survey. You WILL find issues and the surveyor will too but the survey will likely tell you how bad/good and you'll probably need a survey for insurance anyway.

The V20 Cuddy is a big boat, lot of cockpit space, can't fish the front... If you were to find the V18 fisherman you'd be a bit better...

[repirts]

Thanks to everyone for your help.

What it comes down to is $$. With one kid in college and the other in a private school, money is tight. I've been looking for some time for an 18 CC in this price range but all have been even older boats with older engines without the benefit of having been rebuilt.

Also figuring in the decision is that the cuddy is a drier boat. There will be a lot less grief if I can take my wife on moonlight cruises and picnicing on the harbor islands. With a CC, the first time she takes a wave in the face will be the last time she sets foot in the boat. Then I have to justify the expense of "my" boat, not "our" boat. It's all in the strategy.

It seems to be worth a look. Besides it's on the Cape and we can get some fishing in while we are there. If it doesn't work out, I'll just keep looking.

[Christian]

Well, looked at the Wellcraft today. Transom seems fine, floors solid, didn't see any blistering. All new main electrics, steering cables changed when engine was rebuilt. Needs lights etc rewired. Needs alot of cosmetic work but that's just elbow grease and a little resin and paint. It does need a new fuel tank but I wouldn't have to cut the floor open - there is a big access panel. I'm pretty confident I can do it myself. AND the seller seems anxious. I'm going back to test engine. If all checks out and the price is right, what the hell, I'll go for it.

[Christian]

Actually the above message and this one are from repirts but my machine at home this I'm my son.

[Pat]

Click here for details and pictures.

Also has new white bimini top (not shown in pics)
Great fishing space, plus enough room in the cabin to get out of the weather. - Sleeps 2 adults - Turn Key except for TLC type stuff... MUST GO, bought larger boat already and no room in the driveway for 2 boats. 401-781-4357 or email me thru the members section no problem.

Thanks,

[macojoe]

Needs gas tank $4500?? you do it your self?? This is a easy job but a good gas tank is not cheap and you have to do all the work?? $4500 Here is your bargining chip!! I don't no the size of your tank but price it out here on the net then figure the time to put it in and what your time is worth?/ I would offer $3000 and go from there. How is the trailer?? Lights no big deal. Jack up and wiggle tire does it move side to side?? If so new berrins are in order. rollers do they roll?? each roller is about $7.00 and new pins about the same, how many are there?? $7.00 X ? = $$
Are you launching the boat for a water run?? you can ck trailer real good then.
Engin in water test will show all. Only shows so much on hose.

I am not trying to scare you but this is all reality and you will be doing things to it. The purchase is just the beginning!!
I live here on the Cape in Yarmouth. I am not an expert by no means but have had a boat for 10 years now and been thur it more then once. If you would like I could meet you were ever the boat is and take a look with you. Maybe point out a couple of things that you might not think of being you are new to this.
Not trying to but in but if you want to I will give a hand.
Let me Know. I will be glad to.
Good Luck

[macojoe]

Just checked on some tanks. It will cost you about $200 to $250 for a 30 to 40 gal tank. Plus sending unit and new hoses and 3M 5200 sealint.
I would say $500 off for Fuel tank alone.

[repirts]

Well, I did it. Put a low ball offer on the Wellcraft and after a little discussion got it at a price that more than covers the tank and just about everything else. Offer is contingent on motor testing wednesday afternoon.

If all goes well, i'll bring it up this weekend and start right away. I'll post pics in the next few days. My guess is I'll be in the water by end of June.

[repirts]

Thanks for the offer to help but I've already taken the plunge. I got it at a price that I never expected and as long as the engine tests out ok, I don't expect any really big surprises. Just couldn't pass it up for the price.

The transom seems fine. Put all my weight on the lower unit of the motor and there was no flex, pull up as hard as I could - no flex. A small soft spot where a seat was mounted. Hull looks really good. There are the usual nick and dings and the wood trim is bad. But, I'm no stranger to working fiberglass and wood. I built a really sweet kayak a couple of years ago. I'll probably start on the tank right away and replace all the teak with Starboard. Don't need teak, this boat is for fishing.

Wish me luck. I'll post progress pictures.

PS Anyone want to buy a really nice kayak? I'll post a picture

[macojoe]

Good Deal!! Hope you have a great time with it!

[Van]

Buddy of mine has the same boat with a 150 maha outboard.

He has soft spots in the floor too. He had to remove the passanger side seat altogether. Check out the floor good and secure the seat better if you can. Seal the rest to keep any more water out.

Good Luck.
Just ask if you need help...nice boaters here.....

[BigBo]

Good going repirts and christian I don't think you're going to be disappointed with the way that boat handles and it's a great layout for fishing
Good luck with it!