Question for the Experts

OBXfisher · #1 03-01-2006, 07:18 PM

Hello all. Glad I found this forum. Maybe someone on here could answere a question for me. I know of a 1978 23' Seacraft IB that is just sitting in storage and has been for about 10 years now. It has an inboard diesel (I think it is a Cummins). I have fished on the boat many times when I was younger with my uncle who still owns the boat. We have not fished on it since he bought a 36' BHM which is what we do our fishing out of now. I have great memories of fishing on the Seacraft and I think I would like to buy it from him and restore it. I think that it is in sound condition and just needs more cosmetic type work more than anything. He told me that he had new decks put in it and the bottom paint is new as well. It does not have a useable trailer and of course all of the electronics have been stripped. Not sure where I should start as far as price to pay for it. Any suggestions or should I just get it appraised?

ocuyler · #2 03-01-2006, 07:46 PM

Welcome to CSC. That's a GREAT boat and you would do well to own it. Regardless of what your uncle's memories of the condition, I suggest the boat be surveyed for condition as well as value. From there, you can get an idea of the costs to renovate (add 25% to whatever you estimate).

THEN, I would ask your wonderful, loving, handsome uncle to GIFT you the boat if you renovate it and let him fish on it any time he wants. You never know...

Scott · #3 03-01-2006, 08:37 PM

The condition of the engine would be first and foremost on my list ...
Spend the money to have a good Diesel mechanic check that engine over, then go from there. If the motor is in poor shape that changes everything.

OBXfisher · #4 03-02-2006, 10:46 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. I am a little concerned about the motor as well. Not sure how many hours are on it. He told me that about 10 years ago when it was first taken out of the water is when the decks were done and at that time the motor was pulled, checked, and found to be in sound working condition. Compression tests were good as well. Unfortunately that was 10 years ago and as far as I know the motor hasn't been turned over once in those 10 years, so hard to say. It has been kept out of the weather and dry. Guess I'll just have to get me a mechanic in there to look at it as well as an appraiser.

But before I do that, of course I am planning on trying the "GIFT" idea mentioned above. I'd just like to have a price in my head to start with if he doesn't go for that idea.
I'm hoping to, one way or another, be starting a restoration on this boat this spring.

By the way, can anyone recommend a place to look for a trailer to hual this boat on?

TUGBOAT · #5 03-02-2006, 12:02 PM

OBXFISHER~~~~~ Welcome ! It Helps when Ya put where You are from as the local knowledge of the area is readily available. I've got a surveyor in the Miami/Homestead area that is great.He will travel anywhere in the World as He does but then eXpect the $ to Go Up ! Click on My link below(83 seacraft) scroll to the bottom & His name ,number is there.
Again Welcome to the site ! Gift ! That's the way to go,Sitt'n for 10 Years,Don't tell'em bout this site.Remember "SeaCrafts" went out with Button-up Shoes !

Tug