Am I screwed??

I just bought a 1979 Ski Tique (on May 8th) for $3000. I am a novice at inboards. Everything seemed ok with the boat when we tested it in the water and the seller said everything in it was solid. The engine sounded great and the floor solid as well. Just needs lots of tlc and a good cleaning(the hull especially) Well as I am beginning to clean the inside, I have noticed the fiberglass covering the stringers is craked all along the top and water has rotted out the stringers I am almost certain. This is now a project boat! That is not what I wanted, and especially for $3000! I did not know what to look for to see if stringers were solid until looking around in the forums here. Man do I now feel stupid! Do I have any recourse with this guy? What should I do? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Tough question to answer. As to whether you have recourse, it will depend upon your state and local laws.

On the other side, $3000 is actually a pretty low cost for the boat. If I assume it had a trailer, and that everthing is there, that is about what I'd expect to pay for a project boat. It is a lot of work, but you can replace the floor and stringers, fix the upholstery and buff out the exterior and probably have a boat that's worth 5-10K depending upon how well it comes out. BKH

It is actually in pretty good cosmetic shape inside. The seats are in good shape as well as the carpet. I would not replace the carpet if the floor did not need replaced. The performance of the boat seemed ok when we test drove it with the previous owner, but again that was the first time I had been in a correct craft. It does have a trailer but not original. The engine seams to be fine. It runs very smooth and has the great exhaust note out the back, plenty of power with the 4-barrel. I wonder what floor and stringer replacement costs? Any way, I'll see how it is in the water next weekend.

Hey...forgot to mention...doing it your self is a good way to learn more! For some it's a big part of the enjoyment, knowing you did the work!
Also...in regards to the stringers, overall , they might be better than you think...you won't know for sure until you can see them all and probe a bit. In many cases, stringers can be hardened if the rot is not too deep and in spots...or new sections can be mated in.

Well, post some pictures of that boat in the meantime. BKH

To address your first concern...depending on a few more details like engine condition, I don't think anyone on this site would say you got ripped off. You probably paid for what you got and the boat will probably be fine as is for at least the season. Plus, it may be cheeper than you think to repair (not replace) the stringers if you're not into doing it yourself.

One thing for sure...you came to the right place for help.

Good comments and advice.

stang72 -
       If the stringers have small soft spots what do you use to harden them,resin,Por 15 or what ? My stringers had some delaminated
fiberglass , but the motor mounts are tight and I'll pull the carpet & floor in the fall.

crooney70

fredo68 whitley co here
if you bought the boat
from a private owner you
have no legal recourse
it was an as-is sale
if you bought it from a
registered indiana boat
dealer he would have
certanly had you sign a
as-is buyers guide. 3g's
for a neat old boat even
needing work isnt bad,
i bought my 68 mustang
basket case up at james
14 years ago for 2500.

cheer up no worries mate

fredo68

Chris unless your planning on moving to Tampa/St. Petersburg area, it's going to be pretty hard for me to help you out. I need to change my signature since I'm not in IN any more.

$3,000 for any Correct Craft boat is good. As long as your hull and engine are in good condition, you would expect to spend some money fixing it up. I think most of us on this CCF.com have purchased their boats knowing they had to spend money on it to get it right. For me, it was over $7,000 for a $9,900 boat. Don't sweat it, just work with what you have. That's my opinion.

Ken

For us lazy people...

Crooney70's boat

Chris,

I would be very happy with that purchase. Looks very complete, and the rub rail, windshield, guages and seats looks to be complete and in great shape. I would say enjoy it this summer, and maker her like new this winter. BKH

Now that is something I like!

Chris,
Assuming you get it all worked out and you will! Bring it to the green lake reunion!