1981 project 23
 

Hey All,

I am looking at an unrestored but "fiberglass redone" (whatever that means) engineless project 23 from 1981.

The guy wants $4500 for it. I have two questions.

What would a company like Metan Marine charge to redo what is wrong, maybe transom deck, stringers, console and gelcoat.

Would a 1981 hold a 635 pound engine like the Verado's?

Thanks

Re: 1981 project 23
 

Ken-
A single Verado with a bracket would be fine. The transom and refinish the gelcoat could be almost double your purchase price without the bracket.

Re: 1981 project 23
 

I don't think I would want a bracket. It would add a few feet that I would have to pay for at the dock. I think the bracket would increase the weight by moving it further from the center of the boat. Maybe the foam floatation in the bracket offsets the weight.

Do you think $4500 would get the boat refinished?

Re: 1981 project 23
 

Ken-In this market, you will get the most work for your dollar. The $4500 would be the price area for a transom rebuild from what has been quoted over the past 6 years or so. I have seen a bunch of 23SC's with twin 2.5 block Mercs (close to 900lbs.)without a bracket. Go for it on the Verado!

Re: 1981 project 23
 

Donnie from Chas. SC (member here) has a 23' w/bracket and Verado.

Re: 1981 project 23
 

Do a bracket. If you replace the transom go with a bracket no matter what motor you go with. My next project will be with a bracket and from what I read that is the way to go with a 23.

Re: 1981 project 23
 

no, for $4,500 you will not get that boat refurbished, I do not think it comes with anything, console, rigging, etc. it is just a hull on a trailer.

There is not foam in the bracket it is an air chamber and if you buy the correct one it will offset the weight of the engine at rest but more importantly it sets the engine back into the clean water behind the transom and it gives you more deck space.

Re: 1981 project 23
 

The guy I spoke to yesterday said it would cost 40k to restore. When I build my new shop maybe I will take on a project like this myself.

Re: 1981 project 23
 

Why not ask Metan?

Re: 1981 project 23
 

I don't know what all you want done when the words "restore" and "refurbish" are used but it is not at all difficult to run the numbers up fairly quickly when having boats redone. .....or so I'm told ;)

Re: 1981 project 23
 

ken

i went to look at the same boat yesterday for a friend. the hull was good looking but there is a lot of stuff to do on that boat. one thing that jumped out at me was a crack that extends about 1/3 the width of the notch in the transome :(. he said that the deck was solid, but I noticed that while there weren't super soft in any one area, they did seem to flex almost all over the boat.
I am in the process of doing a '73 23cc. I am doing it all myself except for the motor setup, so my cost would be a lot different than having someone else do it.

If you can do the work, then I think that you could get the boat in the water and running for ~5k + cost of the engine. that includes builing a console/doghouse, new transom, re-coring the hatches and any kind of electrical work. to have someone else do it( just to do the stuff above) ~10-12k +motor. for a full restoration i would agree with the 40k estimate.

Re: 1981 project 23
 

So anyway I bought this project. My plan is to close the transom and bracket, replace the tank (and move it back a little) so I can build a doghouse with potty action, redo the decks, fill the holes in the gunnels, and generally try not to drive myself crazy or broke.

Ryan, the guy I bought it from, is a pretty good guy, and the hull is is good shape.

Obviously, I will be posting on here as soon as I get started. In the mean time I have to finish a tolman skiff, which is about a month away...

Re: 1981 project 23
 

Oh I will probably do a suzi 300 for power, unless honda releases a 300. In which case I will think about that one.

Re: 1981 project 23
 

I hope so!!! That's what I want!! Sure would like to see some perf. #'s :D

Re: 1981 project 23
 

My friend is putting a 300 ETEC this week, they say it is lighter and better than the Suz. He should have it in the water in the next week. I have heard great things about the ETEC.