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Restoration price?

Wildman78

Wildman78

Active member
I have been doing some research on on restoring my boat. I found a place close to me who will split the hull and top, put in new floor and stringer and also put in a new transom. So basically a new boat. Quote for about $3,500 all said and done.

I was considering doing it myself but I don't really have a place to do so. Plus I would like to hopefully get said boat in the water for this next year. What do you think?
 
A couple of years ago I was thinking about replacing the floor and stringer in my !975 Predictor. I estimated the cost for the materials to be somewhere around $700, but that was without touching the transom. I'm sure someone else has some actual experience with the costs and time involved plus links to similar restorations that have been done. I would say that you could save a bunch of money if you have the space and time to do it. I think I'd do it myself. Nothing like the satisfaction of restoring something sentimental. Keep in mind this is from a guy that didn't do it, but rather parked his in the field and bought a another newer Checkmate. As for the $3500.00 quote it's probably in line as I'm sure there's a lot of work involved. Which ever way you go, I wish you the best of luck and hopefully you'll keep us posted. Jim:thumb:
 
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I've restored two mates a 17' pulse that needed a floor and stringers and 24' Enforcer that needed a floor, partial stringers and a new transom. The pulse had about $500.00 in materials and the Enforcer around $800. For $3500 you'll have a nice boat doing it yourself.:thumb:
 
If you have the room you could built yourself an enclosure, do it yourself, save money and have a place to store it when it's done. Taking the deck off is no big deal. The real issue is making sure you don't have to replace core material and you (or a repair shop) won't know that until you remove the floor. Just a thought.
 
I would love to be able to do it myself but I just don't have the room at my house to do it. My development would flip if I tore it apart in my drive and let it sit. I don't have a covered place to leave it and work on it. Plus it will be cold and snow soon. Do you think it can be done cheaper than 3k??
 
redstrat said:
If you have the room you could built yourself an enclosure, do it yourself, save money and have a place to store it when it's done. Taking the deck off is no big deal. The real issue is making sure you don't have to replace core material and you (or a repair shop) won't know that until you remove the floor. Just a thought.
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I actually had the floor out of it about 7 years ago. Pulled all the foam out also. Started putting a new stringer and floor in it then got discouraged and also did it wrong. It was solid under the floor
 
Look up JT Patroni on here, he's a member and probably not far from you. Maybe he can help or reach to forum members that are local to you for help/suggestions.
 
Rob B said:
Look up JT Patroni on here, he's a member and probably not far from you. Maybe he can help or reach to forum members that are local to you for help/suggestions.
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Does he have a business and where about is he located? I'm up near lake George.
 
You will end up being upside down in the boat money wise. You did not mention whether it has the need for gelcoat or interior work. At that age it probably does. Estimate the cost of all repairs, whether you are doing them or paying someone else and weigh that price against what your boat is worth then decide. We are heading in to fall and a lot of boats get sold for moderate prices this time of year.
 
Old Navy said:
You will end up being upside down in the boat money wise. You did not mention whether it has the need for gelcoat or interior work. At that age it probably does. Estimate the cost of all repairs, whether you are doing them or paying someone else and weigh that price against what your boat is worth then decide. We are heading in to fall and a lot of boats get sold for moderate prices this time of year.
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Dont try to think of this sort of thing as any sort of investment. Consider whatever gets spent on it as discretionary spending. Its gone once its spent. There is no such thing as recouping an investment on an old ( or new ) boat. Either its a labor of love or its not worth spending money or time on.

It think I spent $1400 doing all the work splitting the hull, transom, floors, carpet, interior etc. Took 2 months and it was like a religion every day after work until it got cold and dark outside.
 
Old Navy said:
You will end up being upside down in the boat money wise. You did not mention whether it has the need for gelcoat or interior work. At that age it probably does. Estimate the cost of all repairs, whether you are doing them or paying someone else and weigh that price against what your boat is worth then decide. We are heading in to fall and a lot of boats get sold for moderate prices this time of year.
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Yes your are right. It also needs a full interior and gelcoat or paint.

I was just thinking about that this morning. It looked like for 3-4k I could buy another nice checkmate. I may see if I can use my buddys barn and do what I can to this one myself to help keep the cost down and just buy another boat for now. Might be the best way to go. If not I could end up having 10k or more into a boat worth 3k.
 
DropTop5.0 said:
I'll give ya $3,500 for it Wired. :poke:
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After I finally break this boat in half I'm going to drag this motor around for the rest of my life so I don't have to listen to my wife complaining about how much she thinks it cost me to build.
 
Yep, I've got about 8k in my boat doing all the work myself and iboat just told me they will only in insure it to 3k. I guess that's why there are not too many in the boat restoration business.
 
Looks like a project. Make sure you check the core before putting in a new floor. It has those nice seventies lines. Do you have a windshield?
 
redstrat said:
Looks like a project. Make sure you check the core before putting in a new floor. It has those nice seventies lines. Do you have a windshield?
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No windshield. From what I understand this model did not come with one or it was optional.

As for checking the core I do not know what I am looking for. These pics are actually from a few years back when I started the project. I do not have any current ones but since it has not been touched in years I doubt anything has changed.
 
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