Fiberglass boat damaged in storage unit fire

Discussion in 'Fiberglass and Composite Boat Building' started by aalope2001, Mar 4, 2016.

?

Should I buy? Yes or No. :)

  1. Yes

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  2. No

    4 vote(s)
    80.0%
  3. Price is too high.

    1 vote(s)
    20.0%
  1. aalope2001
    Joined: Mar 2016
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    Location: San Antonio

    aalope2001 Junior Member

    Hello I have a boat that I am considering buying for 1700 and 900 on the trailer. The gel coat on the left side had minimal blistering and the cowel for the motor is a bit discolored. The boat cover started to melt a bit on the right side and it damage the seat covers a bit. There is not other damage to the boat. I will post some pictures shortly. I would appreciate if someone might be able to determine if it is even worth the purchase.
     
  2. TANSL
    Joined: Sep 2011
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    Location: Spain

    TANSL Senior Member

    I could tell you that you should not pay more than 50 dollars for it but, of course, with so little data can not advise anything.
     
  3. aalope2001
    Joined: Mar 2016
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    Location: San Antonio

    aalope2001 Junior Member

    Sorry, i am still waiting on the pics. :)
     
  4. aalope2001
    Joined: Mar 2016
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    Location: San Antonio

    aalope2001 Junior Member

    Here r some pics

    Here are some of the pics. Will get more today
     

    Attached Files:

  5. TANSL
    Joined: Sep 2011
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    Location: Spain

    TANSL Senior Member

    These photographs are not going to clarify a lot. For example, there may be hidden defects that photos can not emerge. You go to an expert in the field and to make an assessment of how much it will cost to put boat in conditions. So you can see if it is worth repairing or it is better to buy a new one.
    On the other hand, sure you can find on the internet offers of second-hand boats, similar to yours, with the price being asked for them.
     
  6. Kailani
    Joined: Apr 2013
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    Location: Hawaii

    Kailani Senior Member

    I would worry about possible unseen effects on the fiberglass laminate from the heat. I wouldn't even take it unless the boat was really special to begin with.
     
  7. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
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    Location: Eustis, FL

    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    Welcome to the forum.

    Instead of looking for fire damage, look at the rest of the boat. Does it run, does the engine/drive look to be in good shape, have a look at the electrical to see if it's serviceable, etc.

    Simply put, ignore the cosmetic stuff and focus on the what you have to work with, assuming the cosmetic stuff can be easily sorted out. Lastly, the price seems high at $1,700, though I'm guessing at the boats age and equipment. You can buy perfectly good examples of this style of boat, for that price that just need to have the fuel system cleaned up, from lack of maintenance. Cushions and bimini tops should be considered "consumable" items and are easily replaced.

    Even if the hull is "cooked", if the hardware and equipment is serviceable, you can landfill the hull after stripping the good stuff and transfer it to a different hull. Of course, this assumes you have a pretty good idea of the mechanical aspects of this sort of undertaking, like 'glassing skills, engine and drive repair skills, electrical understanding, tools, working space, etc.
     
  8. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    gonzo Senior Member

    Upholstery is expensive. I would say it would become attractive at half that price if the engine is good.
     
  9. Ike
    Joined: Apr 2006
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    Location: Washington

    Ike Senior Member

    I agree. The price is way to high. I would offer them about 1/10 of that. There is no way without a professional survey to know what kind of damage occurred that you can't see. The cost of repairs may be far more than what the boat is worth, and probably more than the $1700 they are asking. Tell them you'll buy the trailer and take the boat off their hands for free. Then strip the gear and landfill the boat.
     
  10. Mr Efficiency
    Joined: Oct 2010
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    I agree that no meaningful valuation can be made based on the scant information given. I am amazed people are saying it is overpriced, without even knowing what motor is attached to it.
     
  11. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
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    Location: Eustis, FL

    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    It's pretty easy to make an evaluation, even with the limited images and data on the boat. There's a huge used boat glut on the current market, so values are low generally and very low on "projects". Simply put, in his area, he can pick up a good, running example of the same boat for $1,700, so any fixer upper will be a song and a dance. Personally I don't think he should buy it, because I don't think he knows what's ahead of him in terms of effort, money and time. I make this rationalization because, if he had the skills to make a reasonable assessment, he'd have a lot more to say about it's condition, the engine, year, make and model, etc.
     
  12. aalope2001
    Joined: Mar 2016
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    aalope2001 Junior Member

    2004 Sea Hunt Escape 200
    2003 Mercury saltwater 150XL 2 Strike Series
     
  13. aalope2001
    Joined: Mar 2016
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    Location: San Antonio

    aalope2001 Junior Member

    Here r some pics

    More pics
     

    Attached Files:

  14. aalope2001
    Joined: Mar 2016
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    Location: San Antonio

    aalope2001 Junior Member

    Here r some pics

    And a few more pics.
     

    Attached Files:


  15. aalope2001
    Joined: Mar 2016
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    Location: San Antonio

    aalope2001 Junior Member

    The adjuster said the bulk heads are fine and the structure of the boat checks out, but the process of removing the old gel coat and matching and refinishing will generate the majority of cost. I personally would not fix the gel coat immediately as this boat will never hit salt water and will be kept in covered storage. I am going to low ball the insurance company and see if i can win the bid.
     
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