1988 Gulfstream232 project?

[Timothy]

I have an opportunity to get a 1988 232 ($8,000) that has been neglected for a long time. My hesitation is not being able to locate some of the parts needed to get the boat boat back to a pristine condition.
Please share your opinion on this project i.e, is it worth doing or is the gamble too much.
It looks like almost all of the windows need replacement (either caulked as a repair of the plexiglass has crazed, badly).
The bottom paint needs to be stripped and redone (spent 20 years in the harbor at Newport, CA)
Hard top has cracks at 3 out of 4 supports (can they be welded?)
Some of the gelcoat has spider cracks, several locations.
The 150hp motors are mismatched. 1 original 1988 and 1 replaced with a 1991 model.
Tops to bait tank and fish box are damaged and should be replaced.
Opinions on taking on this project and where to locate some of these parts would be appreciated.
Located in sunny Southern California.
Thanks,
Tim

 

[magicalbill]

There are experts on this forum that can talk intelligently on the hurdles and expenditures you'll encounter if you take it on.

My comment is aimed toward your state of mind..
Meaning..
1.) If you have lots of inner drive, are ambitious and enjoy a challenge it might be worth it.
2.) You are not in a hurry to get it done and in the water and you don't mind the setbacks and frustrations that you'll certainly encounter while working on it.

I will say that I would not get near buying a boat that spent 20 years in the water.

Either case, good luck sent your way!

 

[gw204]

$8,000 is WAY too much. You should be able to find a running 232 that's been maintained for that price.

 

[Timothy]

Thanks for the input. I have the state of mind Magicalbill has described (not in a hurry and expect setbacks).
I did a similar project with a 1992 20' Trophy. Made a killer deal on the boat and with alot of elbow grease and a nominal amount of money have a boat that is a lot of fun and very dependable. (my current vessel)
I want to repeat my effort into a bigger/better boat that I will probably keep for a very long time.
I think a Grady White fits the bill but with it being an East coast product I'm concerned with parts availability and the current condition of the boat itself. (20 years in the water is a long time).
I'm trying to stay grounded and not let my excitement override a proper descision.

 

[gradywhiteman]

I bought a 22' Tournament a few years ago with a trailer, a 225 Johnson, bimini top, full aft and side curtains paid 6500.00. Paid to much,I didn't check the boat out good enough had to do the transom and rebuild the powerhead luckily I was able to do the work myself and was able to afford the boat that way. I don't think I would pay more than 4000.00 for the boat if it runs. Check everything before you buy.

 

[Grog]

$8K is way too much for the way it sounds, maybe $3K.
size the glass and get it anywhere
bottom paint or bottom gelcoat?
Aluminum can be welded but 3/4 is scary
motor are worth little so mismatching is not a biggie, you'll probably repower anyway
all the lids will have to be rebuilt by you or $$$ to have them fabricated (by the end it'll be easy for you)

now for the extras:
transom is probably shot
stringers may be OK but probably shot
is the deck soft anywhere? (not the covers they're easy to fix)

 

[Timothy]

Thanks you guys. I think I'm going to pass on this project. The 20 yrs. in the water is making me nervous. I'm comfortable doing a lot of the work myself but Transoms & stringers are over my head.
I am still convinced that a Grady White will be my next boat (that I will keep forever). I've had a good run on my 20' Trophy but the quality difference is obvious.

 

[billyttpd]

Glad to hear you passed. 8000 sounded like WAY WAY WAY to much for that boat..If you want to spend 8000 on a project boat you can probably find something that you can enjoy as you fix it. The way you described it sounded like a "what you could see" evaluation. I'd bet a paycheck (yours not mine lol) that boat had all kinds of hidden problems.