1969 IMP Navajo

[partitanium]

I am new to joining the site but am getting ready to buy a boat tomorrow. The boat in question is a 1969 IMP navajo with V6 from a buick. The motor is reported to be 235 HP. I will be paying $400 for this boat. My questions are first off if this is a good deal and secondly I need advice on how to fix the problems and what costs may be. I have been searching online but haven't had the best luck. The exterior is great with no structural flaws.
Problems:
1.Wiring - Horn, lights, bilge pump ( works but not hooked up correctly, electric fuel pump not hooked to battery. The horn worked recently but is now not working. None of the lights work on the boat but haven't been used for years. I imagine replacing them will fix them. All of these problems are wiring based and need to be addressed
2. Head Gasket -needs replaced and my friend will replace it for no labor
3. The interior needs new carpet and new seating.
4. Needs a new gas tank and fuel lines


Please let me know what you think and/or know for sure. I am new to boating but I think I can figure out most of these things with a small amount of guidance. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

- Abram

[IMP-ish]

Be careful and don't fall in love before you check it out twice.
All the miscellaneous wiring problems could mean more is wrong. Look for corroded bus bars, connections, etc. No big deal to replace and rewire one or two things. It sometimes turns into rewiring everything.
Spend an hour looking for any rot.
Figure what it will cost you to fix what you see wrong and then triple it and you'll probably be on the mark. (with any)

[partitanium]

I see what you are saying thank you for the advice. It's hard to not get starry eyed on this. There doesn't appear to be any rot on the boat itself but my suspicions are that you're saying I should look at the wiring for rot. From what I can tell the wiring looks pretty decent and they have clipped some of the wires away. Don't get me wrong this boat is far from perfect and needs a lot of work. Can you describe what the rot would look like.

[partitanium]

Where could I get a cheap fuel tank for this boat. it currently has a 15 gallon tank. Any ideas?

[WestVanHan]

Originally Posted by partitanium

Where could I get a cheap fuel tank for this boat. it currently has a 15 gallon tank. Any ideas?

Abram:

The last thing you want to go cheap on and fool around with is the fuel system on a gas boat.
One leak and BOOM you are all dead and/or burnt and/or drowned. Seriously.

A couple months ago a boat went up here in Vancouver,family was lucky to get off into a dinghy and Coast Guard was close..dad was in hospital for a week.

The next to last thing (maybe) to fool around with is the wiring. One short,and a scenario may be:the wiring burns,boat catches on fire,the engine dies,the radio won't work,the tide pulls you out, a freighter runs you over,etc etc.
Things can rapidly escalate from what seems a silly little problem into a bad event.

Spending a bit on a boat surveyor may save you thousands.

It is only $400 though,and if it gives you pleasure (or gets you out of the house away from the wife ) to fool around with the boat go for it.

[partitanium]

I completely understand when I say cheap I don't necessarily mean on quality just on price. Maybe it was too small for the boat it was on or something like that. I may have posted this in the wrong category but this is a boat I will only be using on small lakes and not in the ocean. Still I see your point in the safety measures and I believe I will need an inspector to check it out before I legally take it on the water in missouri. Thank you for your concern and reply.

[gonzo]

235 on a V6 is unrealistic unless it was a custom job. 170-180 is more probable. Have someone check the stringers, bulkheads and transom.

[partitanium]

Ok I found a guy to survey the boat online within an hour of where I live. What would be a reasonable fee to check the stringers, transom and bulkheads?

[partitanium]

Also the 235hp was what he said but I'm with you 235 hp on this motor is unlikely. I'll post pictures when I am on my computer at home.

[Ike]

I agree with pretty much everything said. I am speaking from experience. I bought a 1972 18 foot Sea Ray for $400 (included a 1994 trailer) I knew what I was getting into though and that it would require a lot of time and work. So far I have sunk over $3000.00 into it an it's not on the water yet. Hopefully in a couple of weeks. I have been working on it off and on (mostly off) for 6 months. I have done all the work myself so that figure is just parts and materials. I will be finishing up the interior this week. It is pretty much all new including structure and seats. I have worked on wiring, fuel system, engine, and so on. Big problem now, the ventilation blower and collector box are trashed and need to be replace. Unfortunately the collector box is glassed into the bottom of the deck.

Anyway, know what you are getting into first. And yes that HP is way high.

[edjunior]

I wonder if the 225 was mistaken for the Cubic Inches for the engine. Rather than a 225HP engine, it is either a 225CI or 231CI Buick V6.

[partitanium]

Yeah all the structure appears to be in good shape. I think 235 is the ci size. Do any of you know where to get cheap boat seats like an entire interior from a salvage boat or something like that?

[IMP-ish]

Lots of legwork is the only way and then it's luck. Sitting outside for a couple years kills the seats. Owners who have them stored inside aren't gonna tell you to go ahead and take the seats and interior. Finding someone parting out that still has a perfect interior would take some real luck.

[PAR]

How do you know the "structure appears to be in good shape"?

A 350 Chevy is hard pressed to get 235 HP on a stock marine application, so the V6 is just kidding itself.

Boat seats are available from several sources, though you'll pay retail through the nose. Often it's best to just recover them or make new ones. Seats would be the last thing to worry about. How about the drive's gears, controls, linkages, plumbing, electrical and electronics?

[oldboots1950]

I will give you a 15 gallon tank. All you have to do is take the 1969 IMP 22' Inca that it is in. You will have to bring your own trailer.