Charlie Brown wrote:

I'm not trying to make the boat more valuable per say, but am trying
to operate within a budget to have a lake-worthy boat. I have between
$4000 and $5000 dollars total budget. I would like to just buy a boat
priced in that range but if I do, it sounds like I could easily have
to spend a few thousand in repairs anyway.

My ultimate goal is to have a nice boat. Just trying to gauge how
long a bit of sweat equity will go in making this boat nice?



It looks like someone applied new fiberglass over the floor behind the
windshield. That's a good sign that something was very wrong. You have
to wonder what the condition of the transom is.

The motor (in good shape) and the trailer are likely worth $1600, but
the boat needs some serious work. New carpet (forget gelcoating the
interior - too much money), new seats, steering, etc, etc, etc...

Once you spend a lot of money getting it back into shape you still have
a trihull with a motor that can puke out at any time. Sweat equity will
have little value in a case like this.

I would keep on looking. Spend your budgeted money on something newer
and in far less need of major repairs/remodeling. If you want to get on
the water with fewer headaches, consider a boat show special - Bayliner
or other in the $10K range. The warranties on the boat and motor alone
are worth the interest you will pay for the excess money.

If that isn't an option, http://boattraderonline.com is a good place to
watch. It's a buyers market right now due to the season and the gas prices.

Good luck!
Dan