1973 23' CC question about I/O to Outboard issue.

[ocuyler]

Here is a picture of my boat "without" a bracket. You can see how it sits. I will have a picture with the bracket in a few weeks.

Chuck,

A FEW WEEKS!?

[ocuyler]

Nothing like a 1500 pound payload to test your flotation bracket...

[SECF3114M73J]

I agree, this boat needs a lot of work. Take a small plastic faced hammer or the butt of a screw driver handle and tap around the suspect areas, you'll be able to hear whether it's solid or not. I would have a mechanic check out the motor,you need a compression check,etc. I'd like to see why the hatch was caulked, that's just a storage compartment.That plywood patch on your fuel fill and vent channel, shows that a hack worked on the boat, lacking patience. But all in all, I'd say this is typical condition for a boat of this vintage.

[CaptScottNC]

Thanks guys.. you are helping me make my decision as informed as possible. That's what I was hoping for. So how much are you looking at to have someone replace the transom? This just repairing properly and then adding back the existing bracket just for figuring the repair costs and sale price ( I won't fault the guy for having the wrong bracket).

So if you would guess guys.. what is it going to run me to repair the transom, Labor, glasswork, removal and reinstall?

Then how much for the floor that definitely needs replacing?
same deal, removal, labor, glasswork, repainting?

OH and I'm definitely getting it professionally surveyed. The insurance company requires it for a boat this old and I'm glad they do or I'd be tempted not to spend the money.
So what do yall think about these repair costs?

Enough people had them done I should be able to get pretty close. You can send in email if you dont' want ot talk money figures here CaptScott@shacklefordcharters.com
Thanks

[laser]

Hey Capt Scott welcome to the site...I think it is safe to say that we feel this boat is special not just another boat. Seeing 2x4s is a bad sign to us and takes away the value of the boat from a purchase stand point. Some of us have spent more money then we should on 30 yr old b oats but when you go to Bass Pro and see that they are selling our boats for $70-80k then it doesn't seem so bad. If you get the boat be prepared to spend money but know that you will end up with a better boat then they are selling now!
I went with the Seamark (Potter) bracket because the bracket had a better design concept (floatation) then the less expensive metal brackets...and it was well worth the extra money. my transom is only down 2" with 100+ gals of fuel and twin 135s. My floatation equals the weight of the motors and the underwater shape is like having a giant trim tab without drag. hole shot is flat and what I ended up with is essentially a 25'+ integrated bracket Seacraft.
If you get the boat and want to upgrade the motor consider twins, the ETEC etc but put a floatation bracket on now and it may extend the life of your transom for a few years (stiffens and spreads the load)and replace as needed or stages but do it right. I have spent probably $30k and been working on it for 1 1/2 years and it is still not complete but it is a passion for us!!
Bill