Boat swap, literally, thoughts?

ChefJunk

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I have a 32 Montego. It's had a good long life and shows her scars but I enjoy her. Don't get me wrong, its a nice boat, but it well "over the hill" in terms of age. The issues I have with it are mainly cosmetics and electrical. I love that is is a cheap boat to own, I love the layout, love the power, love the size. I don't like the ride, exterior style (forward deck).

My next boat will be much newer and or less used, and will likely be in the 60-90k range. I am not quite at the point where I can swing that comfortably. It's still a couple years off.

My question is, I found another Montego that has a good shell but crappy mechanics, fabrics, toys, etc. This boat can be had for a 3-5k. It does not come with working motors and needs to be gutted of all of its softgoods. What would be left though is a sound hull, good electrical system, and virgin interior and exterior that I could transfer all of my boats upgrades to.

Does this make any sense or am I crazy? Would my 454's and transmissions be able to be transferred to a boat that was originally equipped with 350's? At what expense?

The major work would have to be done for me (motors and generator). The remaining items I could easily handle and include: interior cushions, mattresses, stereo equipment, hvac unit (only), entertainment center, curtains, commode, sink and shower fixtures, exterior upholstery, canvas, electronics, liquor dispenser, icemaker, led lighting, electronics, windlass, etc.

If I had the features of my boat in a shell that was not dinged, nicked, corroded as mine is, I think I would be happy with it for 4 years or more.

Someone shoot me or encourage me please!
 
HA, That's the kinda of boat I am looking for. Just a basic hull.:D

29-31', preferably a Blackfin for nostalgias sake. Too bad you live so far away. I wouldn't mind just working on one.
 
Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to simply have you current boat's dings and nicks fixed and re-gelcoated/painted?
 
quote:

Originally posted by jmeirhofer

Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to simply have you current boat's dings and nicks fixed and re-gelcoated/painted?






There are simply too many. There's the exterior. And then the interior headliner, teak, edgebanding, formica, etc. all need work as well. A complete refit on this boat would be doable by me, but not on a boat with electrical issues.

Jim
 
quote:

Originally posted by jmeirhofer

Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to simply have you current boat's dings and nicks fixed and re-gelcoated/painted?






I could have a shell ready for you in the spring! It would be a light load on a trailer!
 
I would stick to the evil you know instead of the evil you don't know.

Take the money you were going to put into the new boat and motor swap, and put that into the electric, corrosion issues and hull gelcoat. In a couple of years when you go to upgrade to a different boat this one will be worth a little more.

Good Luck.

Billy k.
 
It sounds like a lot of work for little value. You have a useable boat now that just aint pretty, so what? save your money and labor for the next boat. How many electrical issues can there be on a 32'?
 
"How many electrical issues can there be on a 32'?" - that was my thought when I bought it!
 
Its not crazy but as Bruce says it IS a lot of work. And you wont get the value back. But then again for us boaters the value is in what happens when we are out on the water and if that model boat is the kind you like, who am I to say its a lousy idea? I kinda did the same thing, twice. First time was when we took apart and completely rebuilt my 1975 2895 Mariner. Second time was when I sold the old boat and bought a 1980 2986 Mariner (the one I have now), which is an upgraded version of the old boat. Of course I put parts in from the old boat if I had them lying around. So its possible to do, and depends on your situation....
 
Whatever you estimate the cost will be, multiply it by three. If you decide to do it, once you start, you have two useless boats on your hand leaving you boatless until one is finished.
 
quote:

Originally posted by ChefJunk

"How many electrical issues can there be on a 32'?" - that was my thought when I bought it!





This is the main reason I won't buy a saltwater boat...no offense to the people that have them, I just don't want the headaches.
 
You need to factor i nwhat your time is worth.

Above and beyond the time you would spend to handle the maintenance & repair on your current boat.

The hours will be exponential, I know from my own refit experience.

but...

I wouldn't have it any other way !

LOVE MY TROJAN!

RWS
 
quote:

Originally posted by wzdr02

I'd paint the old boat with awlgrip and fix the electrical






Hmmm! Is that a DIY or a professional job? Any guesses as to the cost if I do the hardware removal and aid in prep? Rough idea of course.

Jim
 
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