Trying to value of a boat that needs major repair

I'm looking at a '71 correct craft mustang that needs quite a bit of work. The interior is fairly clean for the age. The left rear stringer by where it's notched out for the transmission cover is rotted. Walking around the boat I can't feel any other soft spots.

The motor is a Chevy small block, the guy say's it's a 327. From what I've been able to find these usually came with a Ford engine, sometimes a Chrysler 318. The motor hasn't run in a couple years, and some of the wiring is missing insulation. It's not melted, just coming off from old age. The owner told me that he wasn't getting power down to the starter and he just parked it. I cranked it over with a ratchet and socket so I know it's not seized.

The exterior of the boat is pretty sun faded and has a couple of small knicks on each side of the front through the gelcoat and just to the fiberglass. He has put a rough fiberglass patch on them that would need to be sanded and painted.

The boat has right around 2k hours on it, and comes with a trailer that is functional but won't win any beauty awards. It does need new tires since the current ones are pretty weather checked. The bunks are also pretty rotted and would need to be replaced.

Not sure if I have any more information on it. What's a fair value for the boat? I'm a auto mechanic by trade so I'm not too worried about the engine issues. I've watched a few videos on stringer replacement and although it looks like a chore I'm confident in my ability to repair/replace all that's necessary.

As close to zero as possible. It sounds like it needs a ton of work and you'll have much more in it than it's worth if you fix it properly. You are probably having fun dreaming about it, but the engine is the least of your worries.


EDIT: Donald posted just before me, but he is out of his mind if he thinks what you described is worth 3.5k to 4k. (side note - I already know that Donald is out of his mind.)

$1k? Or am I out of my mind? Stringers, gel work, trailer work, engine work, I'd maybe even say $500. Or am I just plain crazy? Let's be honest, stringers will cost almost $500 (forgive me if I'm dead wrong, I've never done it) Trailer will be $100. Gel will be $100 maybe? Engine work, I don't know. But you would be best trying to get him below $1250.

JMurph wrote: As close to zero as possible. It sounds like it needs a ton of work and you'll have much more in it than it's worth if you fix it properly. You are probably having fun dreaming about it, but the engine is the least of your worries. EDIT: Donald posted just before me, but he is out of his mind if he thinks what you described is worth 3.5k to 4k. (side note - I already know that Donald is out of his mind.)

I agree. But, if you can get it cheap enough, ($800-$1400?) sounds like you can get it running to enjoy some for the summer, then either make plans for a stringer job, sell it or part it out,

Smithfamily wrote: JMurph wrote: As close to zero as possible. It sounds like it needs a ton of work and you'll have much more in it than it's worth if you fix it properly. You are probably having fun dreaming about it, but the engine is the least of your worries. EDIT: Donald posted just before me, but he is out of his mind if he thinks what you described is worth 3.5k to 4k. (side note - I already know that Donald is out of his mind.) I agree. But, if you can get it cheap enough, ($800-$1400?) sounds like you can get it running to enjoy some for the summer, then either make plans for a stringer job, sell it or part it out,

Donald thought it was a 1971 Cypress Garden d*ck Pope special used in the Masters and Moomba and pulled Lucky Lowe. Not all of us are so lucky to have one of those.

I'd say $800. $3500 will get you on the water tomorrow in a 70's model CC

TRBenj wrote: The prices quoted by chevy350 to fix it are way out to lunch... Off by a factor of 5+.

Well the I'll just excuse myself from the conversation .

Cody, I'm say hit the guy with the facts about all the work that needs to be done and try to get him to $750.