Is it worth it?

[reconmarine8654]

2 weeks ago I purchased my first boat. A 1997 Grady White 20' Overnighter. Thought it was a great deal for the year until I was ready next year to purchase a new boat. 5 hours running on the lake and I threw a rod in the 1992 Mercury 200 HP Offshore. Motor is done. I'm looking at 8k used or 25k new for a motor.
It is a 1987 and would need alot of upgrades to make it worth spending 25k on a new motor. By the time I have it restored with 2023 electronics and new motor, I may have been able to but a new boat with warranty.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

 

[kirk a]

Only you can make that call. Is it the right boat for your needs, and do you see it being that way for a while - or do you have major life changes ahead (get married, have kids etc.)



I've rebuilt an older boat once, but was able to do almost everything myself, so it was not expensive from a time perspective. Labor? Sure. Can you do the work yourself? My guess is a new 20' Grady has passed the 100k mark, so it is likely that you will do much better - if you can do the work yourself. As for the appeal of a warrantee, what does it cover? A new motor will have one, so that checks out. Your new electronics will as well. If you DIY all the wiring and systems, you will know it was done right. What else does a warrantee get you?

If your toolbox consists of a phone and checkbook, all bets are off.

 

[glacierbaze]

If it's the '97 in the first line, I would think about it. If it's the '87(non SV2 hull) in the second paragraph, I would not, especially if buying a new boat next year.