Looked at a 33 express, many issues.

[Fisherman1022]

I have been looking for a marlin or 33 express for about a year now, I've probably looked at 7 boats all with varying degrees of moisture issues. I am looking for something that needs work but isn't a complete basket case

I looked at a 2005 33 express the other day it had many issues and would like to get some thoughts.

1. It had been winterized and has been sitting on land uncovered for the past 3 years fuel is likely bad and will need to be removed. In addition the gel coat is chalky and needs wet sanding/compounding/polishing.
2. Electronics are original, so replacement would be in order.
3. Likely needs bottom paint stripped and redone.
4. Upholstery in the cockpit needs to be redone
5. Isinglass/canvas needs replacement
6. I checked the hull for moisture and everything was good until I got to the transom. It read high and the fiberglass had pulled away from the aluminum bang plate.

I was okay with all the issues except for transom moisture. I have had boats for many years, however, none of them have had a wood core. So high moisture/swelling makes me nervous I would guess a transom replacement on that boat is around 15k and that is if additional issues are not found.

I have been struggling to find one that does not have moisture problems with the transom, deck or hull sides. What do you think a fair price would be for this boat? I may be willing to consider it if it could be had for 60k.

Thanks

 

[PointedRose]

I agree 1-5 are somewhat minor. The moisture is the most concerning depending on the extent, but I think you just factor that replacement cost into your offer.
It can all be fixed, and once done, you will get many years out of it. What are you seeing aside from the moisture meter? Any signs of Gelcoat stress cracks, fiberglass delaminating? It sounds like there is swelling at the bang cap. Did you take any pictures?
also it sounds like you inspected yourself. Getting a survey from an independent party will help your negotiation and can probably recoup if the seller is working with you.

 

[mg1826]

The punch list you mention are all expected maintenance items for a 330 of that age. The concern of moisture is a real thing and typically comes from the side vents. The transom moisture issues could be from a corroded bang cap that is leaking, engine bolt holes, etc. How did you check for moisture? Did you use a moisture testing device and if so what were the readings in the areas of concern? Did you also tap the hull and transom for sound feedback? You can expect some acceptable levels of moisture in most used boats that you look at.
Depending on the year, condition, hours and horsepower of the engines I would consider having a professional survey done. The surveyor will also give you a value range of what the boat is worth in it's current condition.
You also want to consider the big ticket items like a generator and bow thruster.
I'm not sure where you are located but you could expect to pay around 70k for a full repower with controls for twin Yamaha 300's. A new generator installed could be done for 9-10k for a NexGen. If the boat doesn't already have a bow thruster, one can be installed by a company like New England Bow Thruster or Florida Bow Thrusters for about 10k.
You also want to inspect all the hoses under the deck for corrosion. If they haven't been replaced yet you can definitely expect to be replacing them.
And as I'm sure you already know, the skys the limit on the cost of new electronics.
I have a 2007 330 that I've done a lot of work on. Feel free to pm me with any questions.

 

[Fisherman1022]

The punch list you mention are all expected maintenance items for a 330 of that age. The concern of moisture is a real thing and typically comes from the side vents. The transom moisture issues could be from a corroded bang cap that is leaking, engine bolt holes, etc. How did you check for moisture? I used a moisture meter on drywall setting as it provides the most sensitivity, on that setting reads 15% on regular wood.Did you use a moisture testing device and if so what were the readings in the areas of concern? yes, checked around all thru hulls and the side vents readings were good ranging from 13-17% except for a small area around one of the thru hulls where the meter pegged. Did you also tap the hull and transom for sound feedback? Yes, broker had a hammer he tapped transom and confirmed some de-lamination. Said it is the first place the surveyor is going to check and ask if I want to continue. transom readings above the paint ranged from 30-45% to pegged. You can expect some acceptable levels of moisture in most used boats that you look at.
Depending on the year, condition, hours and horsepower of the engines I would consider having a professional survey done. The surveyor will also give you a value range of what the boat is worth in it's current condition.
You also want to consider the big ticket items like a generator and bow thruster. Has the Kohler Generator, but as with the rest of the boat hasn't been run in a while. Does have a bow thruster.
I'm not sure where you are located but you could expect to pay around 70k for a full repower with controls for twin Yamaha 300's. I am in CT, boat currently has 250s with 900 hrs. I like the 04s and up because they are legally rated for 300s A new generator installed could be done for 9-10k for a NexGen. If the boat doesn't already have a bow thruster, one can be installed by a company like New England Bow Thruster or Florida Bow Thrusters for about 10k.
You also want to inspect all the hoses under the deck for corrosion. If they haven't been replaced yet you can definitely expect to be replacing them.
And as I'm sure you already know, the skys the limit on the cost of new electronics.
I have a 2007 330 that I've done a lot of work on. Feel free to pm me with any questions.

 

[Fisherman1022]

I agree 1-5 are somewhat minor. The moisture is the most concerning depending on the extent, but I think you just factor that replacement cost into your offer.
It can all be fixed, and once done, you will get many years out of it. What are you seeing aside from the moisture meter? Any signs of Gelcoat stress cracks, fiberglass delaminating? It sounds like there is swelling at the bang cap. Did you take any pictures?
also it sounds like you inspected yourself. Getting a survey from an independent party will help your negotiation and can probably recoup if the seller is working with you.

no stress cracks on the boat, some de-lamination in the transom confirming the high moisture readings, I did not take pictures. I agree on the survey, will get one if I decide to move forward and can come to an agreement on price.

 

[seasick]

When a surveyor asks if you want him to continue, that really means " this boat is in very bad shape, walk away"

Using a moisture meter that is intended for lumber or sheetrock can give very misleading results on a fiberglass hull. The hammer test will tell you more.
A moisture reading of around 15% on a construction/lumber moisture meter can mean that a fiberglass assembly is soaked. Finally, the construction type meters do not penetrate very deeply into the hull material. Basically you may be reading the back side of the skin and not the internal core

 

[JJF]

Hi,

I am not being a jerk, in case it comes across that way.

Do you have financial means to take this project on? My guess is that you are looking at $75k+ not including motors. Therefore, if you bought the boat for $50k, you would be into it for $125k.

$75k....

1. It had been winterized and has been sitting on land uncovered for the past 3 years fuel is likely bad and will need to be removed. In addition the gel coat is chalky and needs wet sanding/compounding/polishing.
   1. $10k
2. Electronics are original, so replacement would be in order.
   1. $10k
3. Likely needs bottom paint stripped and redone.
   1. $5k
4. Upholstery in the cockpit needs to be redone
   1. $10k
5. Isinglass/canvas needs replacement
   1. $5k
6. I checked the hull for moisture and everything was good until I got to the transom. It read high and the fiberglass had pulled away from the aluminum bang plate.
   1. $20k
7. $15k for whatever else needs replacement/repair (engine maint., batteries, pumps, switches, etc.)

I may be over on my guestimates, but things add up quickly.

Your location is unspecified.

Have you looked at FACEBOOK Boston? (there are a few 330s that look decent ->> pretty good)

 

[Fisherman1022]

Hi,

I am not being a jerk, in case it comes across that way.

Do you have financial means to take this project on? My guess is that you are looking at $75k+ not including motors. Therefore, if you bought the boat for $50k, you would be into it for $125k.

$75k....

1. It had been winterized and has been sitting on land uncovered for the past 3 years fuel is likely bad and will need to be removed. In addition the gel coat is chalky and needs wet sanding/compounding/polishing.
   1. $10k
2. Electronics are original, so replacement would be in order.
   1. $10k
3. Likely needs bottom paint stripped and redone.
   1. $5k
4. Upholstery in the cockpit needs to be redone
   1. $10k
5. Isinglass/canvas needs replacement
   1. $5k
6. I checked the hull for moisture and everything was good until I got to the transom. It read high and the fiberglass had pulled away from the aluminum bang plate.
   1. $20k
7. $15k for whatever else needs replacement/repair (engine maint., batteries, pumps, switches, etc.)

I may be over on my guestimates, but things add up quickly.

Your location is unspecified.

Have you looked at FACEBOOK Boston? (there are a few 330s that look decent ->> pretty good)

I do agree with those numbers, that is what I was thinking, budget is around 120k. I am in CT.

 

[JJF]

Hi,

Just a crazy thought.... why not throw a low ball offer it? (~= $50k)

It's been sitting for three years, so it's going to be a hard sell for many folks. The seller needs a buyer willing to take on a project. He may take a low ball offer to get it off his hands. Worst case: he says no way.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

Just an fyi, the lowest priced 330 Express on Boat Trader right now is $90k and the average price for a 2005 or so vintage that the OP is looking at, is between $125k-$175k, depending on location, options, etc. I highly doubt that the current owner/seller of the boat is going to be taking anything even remotely close to $50k-$60k, of which to the OP... I'd simply move on and look for another boat. Also, you mentioned your approximate location and budget... are you looking for any specific options for the boat? Are you needing a trailer? Are you wanting newer power? Are you willing to travel or have the boat shipped to you potentially? Are you looking at the boats yourself or having a surveyor help inspect them for you? Being a numbers person that I am and looking at what's currently being sold, I don't think you're going to find what you're looking for in that $120k range. Or at least, I don't imagine you're going to find the boat in the condition that you want it to be in for that price range. Most boats that are now almost 20 years old are going to need some work, some of which is going to be more than just cosmetic work. A boat of that size, age, with twin motors, etc could need over $50k worth of work to it. I'd consider increasing your budget and/or maybe look for a smaller boat, one that's slightly newer, have a surveyor come out and help you inspect it, etc. There is a 2003 in Clinton, CT for $119k though I'm assuming you've already seen that one before?

https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2003-grady-white-express-330-9530572/

 

[JJF]

I don't necessarily disagree with the above. However, there is very big difference between a boat that is essentilly ready to go versus a boat that has been sitting for three years.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

I don't necessarily disagree with the above. However, there is very big difference between a boat that is essentilly ready to go versus a boat that has been sitting for three years.

For sure... and if the actual condition of the boat is similar to what the OP is saying, it doesn't sound like the boat is worth over $100k+, nor is it maybe worth their time/investment in the boat at this point. That being said, It's mid December, it's not peak season, there are a lot of 330 Express Grady White's out there. I think that the OP needs to increase his budget by quite a bit, be patient and find the right boat in the right condition... and not necessarily just buy a boat simply because it's convenient or that it's the "right price". It took me just over a year to find my boat as well, of which there were several that I had looked at first, one was surveyed and sea trialed, then the one that I purchased ended up falling right into my lap. Considering it's 33 degrees and snowing in Hartford right now, it sounds like the OP has a bit of time and likely wouldn't be using the boat right now anyway, though I could always be wrong about that one.

 

[Legend]

Also Consider once you dig in / oper her up you are likely to find more issue - fuel tanks, wiring etc. As someone said - everything is repairable - how much time and money make it worthwhile. Good Luck

 

[Fisherman1022]

Just an fyi, the lowest priced 330 Express on Boat Trader right now is $90k and the average price for a 2005 or so vintage that the OP is looking at, is between $125k-$175k, depending on location, options, etc. I highly doubt that the current owner/seller of the boat is going to be taking anything even remotely close to $50k-$60k, of which to the OP... I'd simply move on and look for another boat. Also, you mentioned your approximate location and budget... are you looking for any specific options for the boat? Are you needing a trailer? Are you wanting newer power? Are you willing to travel or have the boat shipped to you potentially? Are you looking at the boats yourself or having a surveyor help inspect them for you? Being a numbers person that I am and looking at what's currently being sold, I don't think you're going to find what you're looking for in that $120k range. Or at least, I don't imagine you're going to find the boat in the condition that you want it to be in for that price range. Most boats that are now almost 20 years old are going to need some work, some of which is going to be more than just cosmetic work. A boat of that size, age, with twin motors, etc could need over $50k worth of work to it. I'd consider increasing your budget and/or maybe look for a smaller boat, one that's slightly newer, have a surveyor come out and help you inspect it, etc. There is a 2003 in Clinton, CT for $119k though I'm assuming you've already seen that one before?

https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2003-grady-white-express-330-9530572/

I did look at the boat in Clinton before it went on Boat trader, cosmetically was nice but has a very large crack in the transom and another large crack in the port side top deck as well as few soft spots. It was listed under 100k, but again needed major fiberglass work. The boat that is the subject of this thread is listed under 90k and has been listed for a 1.5 years.

 

[PointedRose]

I think the prices of these 20 year old boats that have been sitting will be coming down to earth. Someone is paying storage fees and will get tired of that. I’ve seen some softening of prices in used boats and more inventory.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Quick look on Google for Context:

2024 330X $840K
2023 330x $500k
2020 330x $425K
2016 330x $270k

20yo 330x ~$150K...already repowered once, some new stuff, a little worn, I guarantee its "wet" because its a 20yo boat...

Point is that you're looking in the age/price range of boats with those "problems". Nothing that can't be fixed with money.

 

[family affair]

Quick look on Google for Context:

2024 330X $840K
2023 330x $500k
2020 330x $425K
2016 330x $270k

Holy depreciation Batman! Damn. I've got slightly more in our 270 than a new 330 buyer has paid in tax! And that's with new engines, electronics, trailer, canvas and more. It never gets old when someone who doesn't know Gradys asks "is that new?"

OP, if you are resourceful, motivated, and can do a lot of DIY, that booat could be a good buy at $50k if rot doesn't exist elsewhere. If your favorite tool in the toolbox is a credit card, move on!

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

Holy depreciation Batman! Damn.

Yep, thats the reason why buying a new boat is e economically dumb decision, same applies for other vehicles.
The best bang for the buck is usually a one year old vehicle as depreciation is highest with lowest use.

OP, if you are resourceful, motivated, and can do a lot of DIY, that booat could be a good buy at $50k if rot doesn't exist elsewhere. If your favorite tool in the toolbox is a credit card, move on!

Yep, restoring a cheap, older boat can be a good deal and give a higher bond between owner and boat, been ther and done that many times. When i bought the Venture 34 mid November 2016 i did two dives in the morning with the clients, grabbed a sandwich and spent 5 hours to prepare her for the season, but could drop her January 10th.
And work was much less than the expected work OP knows now and he has to consider other problems like fuel tanks, electric system, overhauling/replacing generator, A/C, fridges, plumbing, etc, etc.
Cabin boats have a much higher amount of things who can break than a CC or a DC without cabin and 3 years standing around is not the best situation.

All is doable but it requires that owner has high skills and a lot - and i mean really a lot - of free time to work on the boat and best is either a contributing wife/GF or no wife/GF. Or willing to fork out 50-100K to have the repairs done by a pro.
And then the final cost to have her redone is probably substantial more than boats value.

All depend on the final price he would pay to get the mentioned 330 Express.

Chris

 

[Mustang65fbk]

I did look at the boat in Clinton before it went on Boat trader, cosmetically was nice but has a very large crack in the transom and another large crack in the port side top deck as well as few soft spots. It was listed under 100k, but again needed major fiberglass work. The boat that is the subject of this thread is listed under 90k and has been listed for a 1.5 years.

I think you're going to be spending money either way... either up front with getting a newer boat that doesn't have the issues and is more than your budget, or with buying a cheaper boat that you or someone else is going to have to do considerable work on just to make the boat sound. I'm a firm proponent in that you get what you pay for, and if you buy "cheap", you're going to get "cheap". Which is why I mentioned above that, if I were you, I would either increase my budget and/or look for a newer boat, a smaller boat or a different model... as your current budget is kind of putting you in that 20 year old boat range that likely have some considerable issues at this point.

 

[Fishtales]

I think you're going to be spending money either way... either up front with getting a newer boat that doesn't have the issues and is more than your budget, or with buying a cheaper boat that you or someone else is going to have to do considerable work on just to make the boat sound. I'm a firm proponent in that you get what you pay for, and if you buy "cheap", you're going to get "cheap". Which is why I mentioned above that, if I were you, I would either increase my budget and/or look for a newer boat, a smaller boat or a different model... as your current budget is kind of putting you in that 20 year old boat range that likely have some considerable issues at this point.

I agree with this. If it sells for $60K there is a reason. Looks like the owner didn't do a great job maintaining or protecting the boat. If a dealer is selling it, shame on him for leaving it on his lot without ensuring it was protected as well. I'd be looking elsewhere.