Registration numbers for wood runabout cracked#

If this boat has had water sitting in the bilge for extended periods of time there could be real rot problems there вЂ“ soft/cracked ribs, soft keel batten, problems with the plywood bottom, and yes the transom (you know out of sight- out of mind under that carpet). The most important thing I could recommend to look at first on this boat is to pull up as much of the floorboards as possible and look in the bilge to see the condition of the ribs and keel batten.

This boat is plywood lapstrake construction (with steam bent white oak ribs) with basically a sheet plywood bottom. That isnвЂ™t really any indicator of rot in the transom (and that isnвЂ™t the biggest area of concern on a boat like this).

Registration numbers for wood runabout cracked#

As for this Cruisers runabout, I donвЂ™t see the cracked paint at the bottom of the transom as a specific concern (actually very normal where the plank ends are fastened to the transom). Now IвЂ™m not saying that wood boats are for everyone by a long stretch, and probably not good in this situation (only the OP can decide that). The wood boat in consideration here is 50 years old and all original, which lasts longer? Think glass boats are that much different? Look at the building and repair section with everyone rebuilding (new stringers, decks, transoms, etc.) ten and fifteen year old glass boats. The biggest difference is that glass boats will withstand lack of maintenance and neglect much longer than a wooden boat. The work involved in a wood boat takes more skiff and ability (yes it takes more skill and ability to properly sand and apply a good coat of paint to a wood boat than it does to properly clean, compound, and wax a glass boat, but there isnвЂ™t really that much difference in the time required if done properly). There IS a difference in the kind of work. More work? (than what.) Properly cared for and kept in top condition there really isn't much difference in the amount of work between a wood boat and a glass boat. OK, so I'm going to give you a bit different take on the 'wooden boat' thing. Most of the mechanics who were good with those older 80 hp are retired or buried. Now if you are a collector and an experienced marine mechanic I would say try it. Someone is going to try and sell it based on an emotional attachment/collector value/how well maintained it is and rare. It's pretty and unique but beyond that I would stay away. Way too many spooky things about the boat and motor. No one even lists the parts anymore for the 1962. It has an electric shift motor that MANY parts are NLA and if you find them.

It has cable/pulley steering which needs maintenance. Yes it is mostly all original but that is a huge problem too. It is obvious it has been painted allot and there is a limit on paint then it needs to be stripped re-caulked and sealed. The boat needs work and it is constant work every season. Unless you are an experienced boater with a great deal of disposable income I would avoid that boat/motor.