GRP riverboat, unfinished: estimated price of completion?

Having bought a project boat recently, far more complete than the one in question, it has come as quite a surprise to find just how expensive it is to buy even the smallest and most insignificant items, such as hose, paint, upholstery material, timber, fastenings, hinges. At the very least I would guess that the same again would be needed for the most basic completion imaginable but more like £2-3000 for something reasonable.
 
Well, the seller says that the state of the engine is unknown - so it may need a new one. The advert says the interior has been gutted - which may include structural bulk-heads, so what condition is the hull in? At that price it isn't worth a survey, but remember that even if your friend did all the work to refit it, he might still be left with a lemon.

Basic materials for rebuilding the interior could add up to a thousand pounds, quite easily, without even looking at decorative trim (veneers, etc.), electrical equipment, cooking, and refurbishing the engine (if it is workable) Remember that you need to use reasonable quality material; WBP at least. Has your friend anywhere to work? From recent experience, I can say that handling sheets of plywood in a normal sized garage is do-able, but hardly ideal if you're doing a lot of cutting and shaping.

I agree with those who say the boat is over-priced; I'd want paying to take it over! I am sure that with a lot of work and expense, it could be made into a nice little river cruiser. But I think the cost of doing so will be at least 3 or four times the asking price; more if it needs a new engine.

For what it would cost to refurbish, you could probably buy something much better.
 
AntarcticPilot said:
For what it would cost to refurbish, you could probably buy something much better.
Click to expand...

+1

My first thought is that there's either a 1 or a 0 too many in the price :eek:

As for the cost of refubishing, carefully work out all the materials you think you'll need, add up the cost and double it. Now add a contingency of the same again. Do the same with estimates of the time needed.

If your mate still wants to buy it, lock him up in a darkened room until the desire passes. :)
 
My humble opinion:

It may be that he, (for reasons I can't see), is in love with that boat. In the same way I was attracted to Moxon. If that is the case your opinion and advice are irrelevant :-)

But you might want to point out that a new canopy will be £1K before he does anything else. But if I were him AP's comment about 'The advert says the interior has been gutted - which may include structural bulk-heads, so what condition is the hull in?' might bring me to my senses.
 
dancrane said:
My buddy got a tax refund, and told me he'd found a boat for sale...

http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/25ft-x-8ft-fibreglass-project-boat/1011707129

...setting aside the fact that I really wouldn't want that boat, how much more than the £1100 asking price might the fit-out, engine checks and installation cost my mate? I get the feeling it's no bargain.
Click to expand...

If you're a friend, walk him away from the situation very quickly!!

Even a boatbuilder, with the yard facilities would blanch at the idea, unless the wreck (and trailer) are going for about £400-500.
 
I sent my mate the link to this thread...

...so I reckon his tax-refund will stay securely in the bank!

Cheers.
 
In case he is undecided.


RUN. Get away! It is a floating hole in the water. Nothing more.

Buying a running, certified, licenced cruiser will give him much more fun and much less strife.
 
My mate is entirely persuaded, lest you sleep fitfully, thinking of his terrible folly. I can report that he's enjoying these responses though.
 
charles_reed said:
If you're a friend, walk him away from the situation very quickly!!
Click to expand...

And if he won't walk, knock him on the head and drag him away in a straight-jacket. He'll thank you for it later (and so will his wife).

(I think Ratty and Badger, in Wind in the Willows, had to do something like that with Mr Toad when he was set on wasting his money on some new craze :)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top