Purchasing a 204c

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leatherworks

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I just saw a 204c for $2900. I am going to look at it now.

I am somewhat mechanically inclined and have watched my dad work on boats for years, water pumps, trailers, wiring etc.

This guy says the steering cable is almost frozen up at it will cost about $150. That raises red flags for me but still I wanted advice on what to look for and what to expect in being a first time boat buyer who lives in Galveston with a 204c.

I can afford a boat mechanic to help out on issues that are over my head but I just want to avoid getting a clunker.

Please advise.
 
Disconnect the cable from the engine to determine whether it's the cable or the engine that won't turn and check that transom thoroughly.

Not many Overnighters out there that are still solid and dry.

What year is it?
 
Thanks for the advice. It is a 79. I went to look at it today. I agree, I inspected the transom thoroughly. If I decide to buy, I will do exactly what you suggested.

I am very skeptical. The transom looked reworked with steel plates on the outside and looked solid for an old boat. From inside the boat, there were cracks looking down at the transom at the base where the water well type thing is.

Since I am not experienced, I asked and the response was sealer to cover the cracks. To me, it looked like there was a previous problem with the transom that was half way and/or solidly corrected.

However, the electrical panel will have to be replaced soon as well as guages and switches because they are all corroded. The gas tank will have to be flushed real good and is probably all corroded as well.

It is a '79 and he is asking $2400, automatic bilg pumps, started the motor, ran good, did not keep it started for long, engine looks very very clean underneath.
 
10K? Yes that is out of my budget unless it is worth it. What do you think?
 
Leather:
Lot of work and dollars are ahead of you to make this vessel seaworthy. Transom, deck panels, electrical, engine, mechanicals just for starters, i.e. all the expensive stuff. Pass this one up and move on. There are a lot of other boats out there for sale.
 
leather, sb is on the mark.

this is a project boat and nothing else.

For what it would take to get her right may or may not be cost effective.

You need to decide how much you love this boat.
 
Good move. Like the above posts it would have been a money pit as all boats are ,just how far do you want your pit to go. I decided when I was going to buy a gw I would not rush on good deals and not be over 10k even with repairs. I came pretty close to that mark. Take your time, you will find one in your budget.
Get a person who can do survers for you, it will be well invested money. It cost me 300$ to get the surveys on the 3 boats I looked at. They all had problems, but he told me the one I got was not going to cost me a pile of $$ right away and I would get a few years of safe use provided I repair ,maintain and replace the things he told me to. Also, This is a great forum to get advise, has already saved me valuable time and money.
Time and money I was able to use having fun insted of looking at a busted boat in my driveway. Good luck on your pursuit.
 
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