Need Help!!

[Mustangwilliam]

My dad has found an old boat that is for sale and we wanted some experience boaters input. Dad has never boat or owned a boat so any info. would greatly be appreciated. Dad stopped at an antique sale and they had boat in a garage covered up and dad inquired. This is what dad was told about the boat. 1971 Caravel (Caravelle) tri-hull (bass boat), 15' 1/2", with 55 HP Fisher Pierce Motor (power trim???) and old trolling motor. The story behind the boat is the father bought the boat new in '71 and died in 1980. The daughter took it out only 1 time after 1980 and it has sat in a garage covered up ever since. Dad thought he might have found something, like and old car someone put up. But I am concerned about the motor starting or running. I would think that the motor would be bad and the rings dry rotted. The family priced it at $2000, which I thought was way to high. Any feedback from you guys would be greatly appreciated.

[zx150]

I don't know much about a boat that is that old but $2,000 seems real real high. I would take it to a local boat dealer/mechanic and see what he says about the motor. I would have him do a compression check and make sure the Trolling motor works. Then see what price he thinks it is worth. You may want to check out www.bassboatcentral.com and see what they say. If he is willing to spend $2,000 I think you can find a little better deal just IMHO. Ryan

[Jbyrd]

2000 is way too high. If the motor has set that long the carb will be junk. Gas lines and floats will probably have to be replaced. Also it seems like if a motor sits the electrical parts go bad also. Might be ok but odds are it will need some work.

[roberte68]

It comes down to this, does your dad want a project or something to fish from with little or no problems.

If he wants a project, and this sounds like an interesting one, some people are really into the old boat thing. To me the price is a bit high, but I have not seen it.

If he wants something to fish from that won't need work everytime he goes to the lake, he may want to keep on looking.

[steve604]

The well know definition of a boat is a hole in the water you pour money in. Spend a few more bucks and buy a newer rig. You'll be better off in the long run.

Steve

[phoenix]

Mustang;
I think all these guys are shootin ya straight ! Their comments sort of mirror what I would say.
Good Luck ! Whatever you decide.

[MsgMills]

I truly believe that the only good thing that would come out of such a deal on this boat would be Antique value. The boat is a 1971 model, that makes it 36 years old. If you restore it to it's original condition, yes you might have to invest more money into it. But in the long run it will only in crease in value more as an Antique. Boat Manufacturers of this boat would be amazed at how good of shape everything held up after so many years have passed since it was built I would guess. Might even want to purchase the boat from you as a display model at one of their Corporate Headquarters. So it might be worth the gamble on buying and re-doing what ever is damaged... Could be sitting on a well planned gold mine........