Considering Buying A 73 Bass Boat That Needs A New Floor. Worth It?

[777funk]

There's a guy who will trade me a 73 Charger Bass Boat (looks a little like a Ranger from the same era) that's in need of a new floor. He said there are no leaks. It has a trailer and a 50 HP Johnson. So that's nice... it's no cost to me (other than the trade) which is the right price.

 

I'd like this to fish with my 10 and 8 year old sons.Would this be worth the time to build a new floor in? I'm not getting it for value or for beauty. It'd be to fish in. I'm pretty handy (wood working, painting, etc) but have never worked on a bass boat so I'm curious what I could face in making the repairs?

 

thanks in advance!

[EmersonFish]

If the motor is sound, I see no reason it wouldn't be worth it (of course, I don't know what you are trading for it, but you seem okay with it). Putting in a floor shouldn't be out of your depth. There will likely be other issues that arise, but if the boat is sound and the motor is sound, you've crossed the major hurdles.

You might consider, while you have everything out of the boat, taking that time to replace the wiring for your electrical, or at least make sure it is all is good shape. If there is a live well, make sure all of the hoses/fittings are in good shape. Make sure you have a good bilge that works, and the hoses/fittings for it are all good. Stuff like that is all pretty easy, and actually kind of enjoyable to work on with the kids. For the most part, even if you don't know anything about boats, the existing stuff in the boat serves as a diagram, and if it doesn't, there is a ton of info on the internet to guide you. All of the things I mentioned, and the little projects others might mention, add up a bit (money-wise), if you end up having to do a lot of it, but nothing out of this world.

[Fishing Rhino]

Be prepared, when you remove the deck, you may find that the stringers, and any cross members may need replacing as well.

 

It's an old boat, and quite likely that there has been water intrusion to the wood components beneath the deck.  These are crucial, structural members that provide strength and stiffness to the hull.  They need to be shaped to conform to the hull, and the tops of all these members have to be in line or your deck will be distorted.

 

You may find the plywood core of the transom is rotten as well. 

 

All these parts can be replaced, but it will take time, and more than a few dollars.

 

If you undertake the project, and the core of the transom does need replacing do not damage the outer layers of laminate.  You can remove the inside layer which will make removing the core easier.  Epoxy should be used to bond the new components of the core to the outer skin, and each other.

 

If you like doing this type of project and are familiar with basic woodworking tools it can be a fun project.

[Hi Salenity]

I'd pass and look for a project tin boat.

[200racing]

looks like a money pit to me. aside from the info in rhinos solid post. the trailer would likely to far gone. see how close the frame is the ground it either has no wheels on it so the hubs are in the dirt, tires out rotted and its has sunk in the ground likely hubs in the dirt or the leaf springs have collapsed. or any combo of those.

 

if the motor runs without major issue might remove it and all components and put and a good, big jonboat hull.

[777funk]

thanks for the helpful advice!

[EmersonFish]

Oh boy. That picture wasn't on my screen when I answered earlier. Now I'm on my phone and I see it. The way you described it, I imagined a boat up on a good trailer that's only apparent need was a floor. That looks rough. "Money pit" is a probable outcome, and what you end up getting after all of that work and money likely isn't as good as the boat you could have just bought outright for the same money. Unless you have a lot of free time you need to fill, this might be more than you bargained for.

[Slade House]

NO!! new floor is the biggest pain in the butt

[Slade House]

it will cost you doing it yourself , over $2,000 for sure , more like $3,000

[777funk]

I've not been there and done that. Sounds like you have! So I'm nobody to question experience... but $3000 for a floor?! If I'm going utility grade function over form, I could see lumber (plywood) costing about $100-$300 tops. I can epoxy coat it so it'll last longer. I've got a gallon of West Systems (marine grade) epoxy on hand for my regular wood working. Am I off my rocker thinking I could replace the floor for under $300 in materials?

 

it will cost you doing it yourself , over $2,000 for sure , more like $3,000

[Hi Salenity]

I've not been there and done that. Sounds like you have! So I'm nobody to question experience... but $3000 for a floor?! If I'm going utility grade function over form, I could see lumber (plywood) costing about $100-$300 tops. I can epoxy coat it so it'll last longer. I've got a gallon of West Systems (marine grade) epoxy on hand for my regular wood working. Am I off my rocker thinking I could replace the floor for under $300 in materials?

Tires $200

Batteries $300

Trolling motor $500

Floor $300

As of now your at $1300 and you don't even have seats or carpet and I'd almost guarantee you'll need some electrical parts and maybe carbs...

[tracker01]

It's one thing to get a project boat but I think this one has died. Good grief, it looks like the trailer has sunk into the yard. It's been setting for some time. Do you think the motor will even turn over? You could spend a lot of good $$$ just on the motor or a replacement. Good luck on your decision, keep us posted.

Just say'in.

[777funk]

I've learned to live like a 3rd world country to some degree. Not that bad... but I've learned how to make junk work pretty well vs not having at all or having a huge payment on something I can't afford (which is pretty much everything extra right now). I've got a Powerstroke Diesel that's worth about $500 (600k miles) and isn't a beauty but works great, reasonably reliable (well maintained by me), and is nice driving. That's good enough. So I could probably do without anything beyond it floats and fishes.

 

I totally get the it's beyond hope idea though and this one very well might be! I'll find out if/when I go check it out. Still waiting on the seller to setup a time.

[Hi Salenity]

Cool man, I think we all understand the whole cash thing... Do whatever you've got to do to get on the water... One last thing you may want to consider a smaller Kayak? I think the Powerstroke may pull that better! Lol. Kidding

[777funk]

Cool man, I think we all understand the whole cash thing... Do whatever you've got to do to get on the water... One last thing you may want to consider a smaller Kayak? I think the Powerstroke may pull that better! Lol. Kidding

 

Ha, You sound like a Dodge or Chevy guy. Had a Cummins for a couple months (2nd Gen 5.9 12 valve) so I can't argue that a Powerstroke is the better rig. But it works!