1975 20' SF decision time: repower or sell.

CaptainFrank · #1 10-03-2006, 11:52 AM

Hi all, my first post here.
I've had my 1975 20' SF since 1981.
My 1986 Suzuki 115 just blew.
The boat is basically stock - the only major repair needed and performed was last year when I replaced the original aluminum fuel tank with a brand new exact replacement, including all fuel hoses, gauge, and even the deck fill.
Boat is in great shape otherwise, just not made pretty.
Put lots of fish in it over the years.
However, over the last several years, it has basically lived on my driveway except for the 2 weeks that we trailer it down to Virginia (I'm in NJ). Nevertheless, I seem to spend $200-300 on it each year just to get it ready for its annual outing. I always say I want to launch and keep it at a slip, but I just never seem to do it.

So I'm at a crossroads - sell it now with a non-working engine, or re-power with a good used engine (can't do a new engine at this time as kid's college tuition begins in less than one year). I'm sure I would use it more if it had a much newer, reliable engine. I might even spring for transom scuppers to replace those troublesome original brass tube ones.

I know it's unreasonable to ask your opinions as to repower or sell (though I think I'm asking anyway), but if I were to sell the boat as is, what do you think I could get for it?

Thanks, Frank

FELLOW-SHIP · #2 10-03-2006, 12:57 PM

Ha Capt. Frank

I will give you the same advice I give any one about boats which is if you don’t plan on using the boat at least 25 times a year don’t buy a boat it would be cheaper to hire a guide for one or two trips a year that would put you on fish. For you if you are not using it sell it. Boats require a lot of work to keep up and if your heart isn’t in it any longer let it go to someone that does. Take the $$ and enjoy it some where else.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

Capt Chuck · #3 10-03-2006, 05:00 PM

Welcome to CSC Capt Frank

I can tell you what I have heard over and over and over again:

Quote:

Yeah, I used to own an old SeaCraft. 1975, it was a beauty. Heck it was paid for and the kids loved it also. The Crap they build these days, sure ain't the same. It just goes to show ya, I should have kept the darn thing

ocuyler · #4 10-03-2006, 10:13 PM

Capt. Frank,

Welcome to CSC! I would suggest you consider followng both advices above. Capt. Chuck says keep it - but consider stashing it until the tuition thing works itself out. Then bring her out and get back into it.

In the meantime, take the saved time and money and hire a skipper when and where you want to find fish.

The 2 saddest days in a SeaCraft owners life is when you sell your boat and when you wish you didn't sell your boat...

strick · #5 10-03-2006, 11:54 PM

Welcome. It's hard to say what your particular boat is worth without seeing it but I can tell you that a ball park figure is between 1.5-3.5k depending on it's condition. Of course that's just a guess from what seen lately.

I agree with everything everyone has said so far but if it were me I would not be boatless....get a used engine and fork out the 200-300 a year in maintence. Your a good dad....I wish my parents had helped me with some of my college tuition

strick

ocuyler · #6 10-04-2006, 12:16 AM

Quote:

I agree with everything everyone has said so far but if it were me I would not be boatless....

Strick - You and will NEVER be boatless, but you can't expect to inflict our wierd form of boater VD on everyone...

Lenny · #7 10-04-2006, 08:11 PM

My dad up until recently has always said he should have never sold his little SeaCraft fortunately for him I bought it this summer

He wasn't supposed to see it until it was done it didnt work out he saw it and couldn't believe it, the look was priceless now that I have it I will be sure it doesnt go anywhere. Hang on to it because you will be sorry

Snookerd · #8 10-05-2006, 03:47 PM

CptFrank-Out of the over 2,000 members @ Classic SeaCraft.com who act as a support group for each other's illness, don't sell it! Seriously...Fellowship is right, if your heart's not in it, move on (from the clear, uninfected part of my brain). Each one of us hears that same question echoing in our heads. Some of us have learned to use the illness to our advantage (Otto)and buy additional boats. When a 4 boat owner

gets rid of one of his, he knows that he's got another one or three more. Hopefully that's clear as mud

Good luck on your decision.