As the cost of new motors and boats continue to rise to where many of us are priced out of the new market we find more and more customers opting to repair or completely renovate their older rigs
Does it make sense? How much? Can I get my money back? Good questions with difficult answers. First remember that unless there is "colectability or antique" value a 1975 Ford is worth say $ 500.00. Put on new tires, new battery and paint it and it is still worth $500.00. My point is that if you intend to re-hab an older boat and resell it at a profit it probably will not happen. However Look at it this way.
You have A 18' boat and motor you like but is showing its age and starting to have problems with wiring, oxidation accessories etc. You want to trade up. New boat and motor packages are starting at $15,000 to $17,000 and then you need to equip it with accessories, the dealer does not offer much it trade. You elect to re-hab your boat . All new wiring, controls, paint job. Some modifications you have always wanted like bait well or seating. re-do motor, and trailer. When you are done the cost is 1/3 to 1/2 ! of that new rig and you can use it for another ten years and then sell it. You have saved 8 to 10 thousand dollars plus the interest on that new loan .
WE can take a 10 to 15 yr. old V-6 and :
Another example : a new 6 cyl. out board motor, 200hp. regardless of brand will cost $12,000 to $15,000 for the motor in the box. Rigging equipment like instruments, controls, harnesses, prop and labor to rig it another $2,000.00.
All new pistons, rings, bearings, seals, carbs rebuilt, ignition parts as nessassary. New gears and seals in lower unit, water pump. New trim motor and relays, complete paint job and decals. $5,000 to 6,000 you save a bunch, and it will last another 10 to 15 yrs with proper care. Do the new motors get better fuel economy? Yes. But how much gas can you buy for $8,000?
Does it make sense for you? You should talk to us or your service center about your particular rig and what it would cost to do the things you want and the decide. I can tell you this at present costs we are all keeping things longer, keep it well maintained and forced into that new boat or no boat decision.
Click to Re-Hab Photos to see more and we will add more as time permits
Please call or e-mail any and all questions and we will do our best to answer them.
As the cost of new motors and boats continue to rise to where many of us are priced out of the new market we find more and more customers opting to repair or completely renovate their older rigs
You have A 18' boat and motor you like but is showing its age and starting to have problems with wiring, oxidation accessories etc. You want to trade up. New boat and motor packages are starting at $15,000 to $17,000 and then you need to equip it with accessories, the dealer does not offer much it trade. You elect to re-hab your boat . All new wiring, controls, paint job. Some modifications you have always wanted like bait well or seating. re-do motor, and trailer. When you are done the cost is 1/3 to 1/2 ! of that new rig and you can use it for another ten years and then sell it. You have saved 8 to 10 thousand dollars plus the interest on that new loan .