Looking at a 89 Stratos 20' with a 200hp mercury

[Paul G]

A friend offered his boat and trailer for $2000.  I have picked it up to take to a mechanic since boat has been sitting for 3 years.    What I see already all 3 batteries are missing  but they would of have had to be replaced.   Windshield is broken.  I need to look in gas tanks to see if it has gas they seem empty.   Upholstery and carpet look good.  It does need tires.   Talking to a mechanic he said minimum of $1,400 to $1,800.  That seems high but this would be my first boat of any size so not sure if its a good quote.  But was running before it was parked.  I really dont want to be so deep into it that I would never be able to sell and upgrade.  Is this worth buying I had planned on buying a used one for around $5000 towards end of year.   

[A-Jay]

Wait.

 Unless you have the skills, tools & experience to do the vast majority of the work needed yourself, you'll probably spend more than 5K getting that boat, motor & trailer in safe & operational condition.

A-Jay

 

[Paul G]

Trailer i can make safe.  I planned on changing bearings and buying new tires.   I will replace straps that hold boat on trailer.  Thinking cost about $250.   

I think this would be my cost 

2 tires $300

3 batteries $450

windshield $200

Straps and bearings $250

Mechanic worst case $1,800 

 

Am I missing something?   What is this boat worth $5000 to $6000 ?

[slonezp]

24 minutes ago, Paul G said:

Trailer i can make safe.  I planned on changing bearings and buying new tires.   I will replace straps that hold boat on trailer.  Thinking cost about $250.   

I think this would be my cost 

2 tires $300

3 batteries $450

windshield $200

Straps and bearings $250

Mechanic worst case $1,800 

 

Am I missing something?   What is this boat worth $5000 to $6000 ?

2 tires, $100 each

3 batteries. $100 for the starting battery and $100-$130ea for the trolling motor batteries

Windshield ???

Bearings and seals $60

Boat buckles $60

 

Fuel tank will need to be drained if it's not already empty. A pain in the...but you can do it yourself

What was the $1800 for? If the motor is not seized and passes a compression test, You should only need plugs, impeller, fuel filter, gear lube, and a few miscelaneous chemicals for cleaning carbs etc. for $500-$700 

[Way2slow]

What you have is something that might be a deal for someone like me that can do everything needed to fix it up themselves but even then it could be questionable.   For someone that has to pay for the repairs, you are looking at a whole bunch of possible/probable problems that could make that boat cost several times what it's worth.

I could give you a whole list of problems with this deal but it sounds like you are already convinced it's a great deal so I will just say "good luck".

[Paul G]

Not convinced just hoping.  No money has changed hands.   Nothing is final till I hear from mechanic.  

 

[riverbasser]

Are you looking for a project or to go fishing?  That's the question I would be asking. Nothing wrong either way just know that even most boats that go for around 5k will still need maintenance and tweaking to your style of fishing. I've owned several used boats and even the ones in great shape cost me money and time. Not all to be functional but so that I was happy with it.

[Tim Kelly]

Regardless of whether the boat is structurally sound and the motor is running well, I would question the idea of buying a boat with an old 200 2 stroke. You're obviously on a moderately tight budget, so the day to day costs of feeding a 200 are going to be significant. Unless you really need a big fast boat I would think a 17-18ft tin hull with a 90 would be a better choice until you are in a better financial position and can afford to own and run a big rig.

[Way2slow]

A couple things to be aware of if the boat was stored outside.  Back then Stratos used open cell foam.  If the boat was left uncovered, water can soak into the foam and is almost impossible to get out, adding as much as several hundred pounds to the weight and can rot the stringers.   Being in GA where we see a lot more rain than you probably see, this is a very common problem with older boats that used open cell foam.

[Paul G]

Took back to my friend.   This morning I realized it wouldnt make it to back yard with out getting on neighbors yard.  My home sets on a pie shaped lot. In AZ we avg above 100 from May into Oct at times getting above 110.  I talked to a friend that owns a boat he uses it 4x a year. I didnt want to invest $15,000 and not use it often.  Figured a small investment wouldn't hurt.  Another friend told me to look at bass tracker boats.   I have about 6'-6" to get it thru.   @Way2slow that boat felt heavy towing it.  It was under a cover and a roof but seemed heavy. Full size dodge 1500 with a hemi.   Thanks everyone for advice.  I am not done shopping tho I plan on having a boat before end of year.   

[S Hovanec]

With only 6'6", you can't even get your truck through without trespassing.  Just about any 17-20' boat you look at will be almost 8' wide fender to fender.

 

There are lots of reasons to walk away from that one.  I'd keep looking any buy one that's in working condition for $5000.  I think you'll be better off.