68 critchfeild montego 17' trihull

Discussion in 'Multihulls' started by loganwsdad, Oct 1, 2007.

  1. loganwsdad
    Joined: Oct 2007
    Posts: 2
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    Location: Albany, NY

    loganwsdad New Member

    Looking for a winter project. Found this boat for $300. Has a rotting floor and some other problems. The owner has no idea of the motor condition or when it last ran. the trailer is in bad shape too. Is this a good first time project boat or do I really need to know what I am talking about before I begin this. I tried looking for info on these types of boats or plans to the flooring with no results.
    Any input would be helpful. New to the site. Thanks for any input for someone who knows very little about boats. With 2 young sons I think this would keep me at home more and as they get older a good project for us.
     
  2. Texas-Tri
    Joined: Sep 2007
    Posts: 10
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    Location: Chicago

    Texas-Tri Junior Member

    I think for $300 if you can get the motor running, you'll probably at least come close to covering the cost if the boat itself isn't salvageable. Unfortunately I'm not familiar with the critchfeild montego 17. I just bought an old beater fixer upper trimaran too and there are lots of things to consider when buying a "project boat". Depending on how much work it needs you have to understand that it may end up costing more than the boat may be worth when you get it fixed up. That said, it can be very satisfying bringing an old boat back to life, particularly as a father and son project. And when you finish, you will certainly know your boat intimately. The journey can be just as satisfying as the destination.

    Are the hulls wood? Is there any rot in the hulls or structure? If so, it might be more of a rebuild from scratch than just a fixer upper. Did it come with good sails and rigging? If you can post pictures and more information on this site, I’m sure you’ll get more detailed information from others who are more experienced than me.

    I just bought a fixer upper tri to (for less than a hundred bucks). I figure I’ll spend many many times that and countless hours to get it back into any kind of serviceable condition. There is something very gratifying about bringing an old boat back to life even if it may not be the most practical way to go. Good luck!
     
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