Rookie needs advice on io to o conversion

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by willb, Oct 30, 2006.

  1. willb
    Joined: Oct 2006
    Posts: 2
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Houston, TX

    willb New Member

    Hello nautical experts.

    I have a chance to aquire a 25' Searay for free.
    Interior is shot, engine is shot, drive is shot,
    trailer is shot. My intent is to strip it, paint it, and
    refit it with outboards. Good idea?

    I'm not sure of the model. It is 25', covered bow
    with a head just inside of the doorway.

    It has sat out uncovered for the last 6 years. Do you
    think the hull framing is still good? The stern plug was
    removed those years ago so it is (perhaps) not holding
    water.

    Anyway, what I want is a twin outboard offshore fishing
    rig, on the cheap. Seems like this boat was ok new,
    how 'bout refitted?

    Somebody stop me.

    willb
     
  2. bilgeboy
    Joined: Dec 2005
    Posts: 157
    Likes: 7, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 45
    Location: Boston

    bilgeboy Senior Member

    You can get 'er for a song, you say?

    You need that like a hole in the head. Hulls are free, for a reason. Some makes of some hulls retain a value, but not many.

    Twin outboards are not cheap, so you are not going to save any major % by going with a cheap hull.

    That's my warning. On the flip side, many folks here have cut thier teeth on some dream turned expensive reality. Who am I to judge? Its a great way to learn.

    Mike
     
  3. hansp77
    Joined: Mar 2006
    Posts: 690
    Likes: 34, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 200
    Location: Melbourne Australia

    hansp77

    What Mike said.
    (with an EDIT to add, I am no 'nautical expert')

    Spend some time and read through some of the numerous threads here regarding fixer-er-uppers like what you are talking about.
    (here is one that didn't turn out too well http://boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=12710)

    I reckon the only financial reason to go about it this way is if you are the sort of person (probably like me) who would find it hard to save up into one chunk the amount of money you will need to get a working boat of the size you want in good order.
    Fixing up and refitting a boat like that will most probably cost you in the long run AT LEAST as much as what it would cost to buy a second hand one of the same type in good working order.
    The only difference is that you will slowly and steadily invest (bad word) the money into the boat over months or years, rather than in one hit.
    The time you invest is probably going to be a write-off.

    That said,
    this is the way I went about it (though my boat was in much better order than what you describe) and I wouldn't have it any other way. I could not have afforded my boat in top condition (which it now is in).
    Failure was a strong possibility, and pain and suffering a daily experience.
    But, being my first boat, I learned SO MUCH, and now know my boat from the ground up.

    Think very carefully about this, and do all you can to find out what, and how much, this boat is going to put you in for (and what resale value you will be left with at the end).

    Do you want to go boating, or do want to go boat-building?

    It has been said before many a time-
    There is no such thing as a free boat.

    Hans.
     

  4. willb
    Joined: Oct 2006
    Posts: 2
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Houston, TX

    willb New Member

    Hard to say no

    I don't mind paying for good engines. I know their value.
    If I keep it simple I can always trash the boat and sell
    the engines.

    What I can't afford to do is shell out for a 25-30ft boat
    with all the cute ammenities.

    All I need is a sturdy hull with good engines. All the other
    stuff gets put onboard over time anyway.

    Do you think that this searay, with the poor description I
    have provided, is a good candidate to merit all the work
    you guys are warning me about?

    I have been reading through the other threads but am
    still wondering if there is a general type of hull that is
    either the best or worst for this type of conversion (concerning
    planing hulls.)

    Is it just a matter of keeping the COB correct?

    Does anyone know where I can get good technical drawings
    of specific hull makes and construction?

    Thanks for the replies, and the heartfelt warnings.

    I take your advice VERY seriously.

    willb
     
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