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Looking at a 38
- Thread starter NWC
- Start date
old377guy
Charter Member
Ok Ned, just to recap. There were 2 links posted in this thread that represented other "cleaner" boats of this type and vintage. The two boats were representative of what's out there. 1.) a 38' scarab without trailer that went for 19k; add another 6-7k for a trailer and that boat's cost is 25-26k. The other is a 34' Scarab without motors that went for 11k; add another 5-6k for the blocks and that boat's cost is 16-17k. All three boats need a thorough going over (as should any new to you boat). The 38' that you were looking at clearly needs the most amount of time and elbow grease. Frankly any used boat is a crap shoot and the old 1980 beater may prove just as or more reliable than the other two vessels, and it may be had for thousand(s) less dollars. I'm on my 6th season with my 1983 38' Scarab and while it was rough to begin with it has served reliably for all this time with less than $1000 (yes, that's correct) invested in re-dos and repairs. What you've got to ask yourself is if you are up for a buttload of cleaning, degreasing, grinding, priming, painting, buffing,and just re-rigging. All the best. - Jeff
Thanks Jeff. Kinda what I was thanking. I know that this boat is running now and the owner appears to be up front with what he knows is needed. Ive always loved the early 80's Scarabs and Cigarettes and dont mind working on one to make it right. There are upgrades that I would like to do to the boat if I get her and I would do these knowing that it wont be a $60,000 boat when im done.
Again, thanks to everyone for your help and responces.
Ned
Again, thanks to everyone for your help and responces.
Ned
Ratickle
Founding Member / Super Moderator
If you are still considering the boat, the cost of a survey is cheap compared to what you may find. The survey must be complete with leakdown, compression, and most of all......Moisture throughout the boat wood. All stringers and transom.
If all of those check out okay, then it is as Ed says, hard work and (maybe) small money. But, if the transom or stringers are bad. Or compression/leakdown is off, you have $$$$$$ required.
If all of those check out okay, then it is as Ed says, hard work and (maybe) small money. But, if the transom or stringers are bad. Or compression/leakdown is off, you have $$$$$$ required.
Ratickle
Founding Member / Super Moderator
The other thing you want to watch.
That boat, in good shape, is probably worth 30 in todays market on a trailer. New power and drives, 40ish.....
Do not make a plan to spend more than that for your final number. They are out there for that.
Make a list of what you want to spend and what items required cost. Watch your number, get quotes ahead of time.
That boat, in good shape, is probably worth 30 in todays market on a trailer. New power and drives, 40ish.....
Do not make a plan to spend more than that for your final number. They are out there for that.
Make a list of what you want to spend and what items required cost. Watch your number, get quotes ahead of time.
Cigboat#1
New member
Jeff ,take a close look at the pictures ,they can be blown up so you can see better.The whole boat is a rotted mess in the cabin and I shutter to see what the transom and bilge looks like and that does not count how bad the the pumps ,electronics and gauges are. The boat is too big of a mess without a complete strip down You are looking at a three or four year project if you want to spend the time and money.Boating is about being out there having a good time with someone---- not trying to salvage a junker!Like I said iin my earlier post---Walk away Ned ...
Jim
Jim
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old377guy
Charter Member
I know what you mean Jim and see what you see. Of course the boat needs to be entirely stripped of all equipment and ancillary systems. You are correct that it could very well take 3-4 years to get everything into just "good" condition. Nowhere is it written that everything must be done in the first season. Whether that is acceptable is dependent on Ned's situation. When I was in my 20's with no kids and plenty of time and energy, it was very do-able as we always had 4 or 5 boats in the stable. Today is a very different scenario. Ned has to decide in light of the information. - Jeff
Cigboat#1
New member
Jeff ,I also understand what you are saying about not doing everything in the first year..
"BUT" a large boat is not like an old car you can pull off the highway and walk if you have to. The very least that could happen is that you get stuck out there floating around for a while .Then again you could get killed if the boat sinks or the fuel tanks start to leak and have a fire ----- or worse an explosion.
I know those chances are slim but I am not in my twenties and even if I were I would have think real hard if I was having my family or buddies on the boat.I guess you are right, Ned needs to make some choices..
Jim
"BUT" a large boat is not like an old car you can pull off the highway and walk if you have to. The very least that could happen is that you get stuck out there floating around for a while .Then again you could get killed if the boat sinks or the fuel tanks start to leak and have a fire ----- or worse an explosion.
I know those chances are slim but I am not in my twenties and even if I were I would have think real hard if I was having my family or buddies on the boat.I guess you are right, Ned needs to make some choices..
Jim
I appreciate yours and Jims input and opinions about this boat. I'm making an offer to the owner pending a survey that clears the bulkheads, transom and stringers. Everything else, I believe I can handle and have a nice boat. All i've got is time and the ball is in his court. Having a sound boat, mechanicly and structuraly is my main concern with cabin apperance second.
Thanks again for everyones input. Ya'll have been a great help!
Ned
Thanks again for everyones input. Ya'll have been a great help!
Ned
JETJOCK
New member
Go check Craigslist again for 38 KV Scarab for sale......"32,500 asking"
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/boa/2022269419.html
Make him an offer and go turn key!
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/boa/2022269419.html
Make him an offer and go turn key!
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