Restoration price?

[redstrat]

Those dark spots on the woven roven might signify that the balsa core is saturated. If the spots are just dirt, no problem. If not you will need to carefully cut a plug out of the top layer without going through the hull and check to see that the balsa is not saturated. If it's wet it needs to be replaced.

 

[Wildman78]

Those dark spots on the woven roven might signify that the balsa core is saturated. If the spots are just dirt, no problem. If not you will need to carefully cut a plug out of the top layer without going through the hull and check to see that the balsa is not saturated. If it's wet it needs to be replaced.

That's not really what I was looking to hear. Kinda makes me wonder about this project and the ability of myself alone to do it. I'm sure boat can be fixed but not thinking I can do it myself anymore. I guess I better start looking for a cheaper place to do the work. If not it might be scrap :-(

 

[Rob B]

To add what redstart is saying here's how to repair the core:http://checkmate-boats.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27838

The pictures below are when I had to replace a section of core:




Here's a list of supplies when I replaced the floor, stringers and core:


From Merton's
5-Gallons of Polyester Resin $26.00x5=$130.00
14 yds x50" of 1 1/2oz mat $4.00yd x14yds=$56.00
4yds x12" of 6 oz mat @2.65x4=$10.60
1-gallon of Hull & Deck putty $45.00
1"x6" Alum roller $11.60
1"x3" alum roller $8.50
1-sheet of 3/8"x24"x48" core $19.00
for a total of $280.70+ $57.48 shipping= $338.18

From Lowes
2-1/2" top grade exterior plyboard $22.88 x2=$45.76
1-3/4" top grade exterior plyboard $32.44
12- PL premium construction adhesive 12 x $4.58=$54.96
1- 2x10x8' $7.97

From West Marine
1-gallon polyester resin $37.99 needed one more gallon
1-fiberglass tape 6"x10yds $31.99

From the Carpet Store
6'x16' 20oz marine carpet @119.99

A grand total of $669.28 plus my labor priceless!!!

Finally the thread this came from: http://checkmate-boats.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13110&highlight=pulse

 

[MR.DETERMINATION]

It is a good Idea to do the math first. You do not want to spend more money than the boat is worth try and think of everything the boat needs How is the paint and interior? that could be more money. Definate speak to JTPATRONI he definately knows his stuff and has done extensive fiberglass work a great man to speak with. Sometimes it is easier and cheaper to sell your boat and look for a boat were the previous owner has done all of this work. I can relate to you not having the room to work on the boat Were I live in Queens New York if you fart to loud you will wake up the Neighbors. Good Luck all the best.

Kevin

 

[Wildman78]

The boat needs way more than it's worth. It needs the floor, stringer and probably transom done. It need the entire interior done and the gel coat is in poor condition. Basically it needs a total restoration.

My plan was to have the structure done and drive it for this year. Save some more money then get the interior and paint done. I do have all new gauges for it that I bought a few years back and the engine ran well also a few years ago.

I know I'll be in way more than it's worth but I really like the boat and it's something I plan on keeping forever.

Also since I can't really work on it at my place it makes it hard for me to do the floor stuff myself. I can handle the mechanical stuff etc. I gotta be able to find someplace to do it for less than 3700. I would be willing to pay someone within a few hours of me who wants a winter project and some spending money.

 

[Mark]

Unless you can do the work yourself it will cost you way more than it will ever, ever be worth. Even with a new floor and transom, you still need an new interior, carpet and gelcoat work. A buddy of mine had his 18' Searay fully redone last winter and it cost him 10k. The boat is still worth only 5k tops.

Take the money and buy one that is ready to go. 3-5000 grand will be you any older 17' Mate out there. For example here is a mint Predictor for 3600 http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/boa/4605704789.html

 

[Wildman78]

Unless you can do the work yourself it will cost you way more than it will ever, ever be worth. Even with a new floor and transom, you still need an new interior, carpet and gelcoat work. A buddy of mine had his 18' Searay fully redone last winter and it cost him 10k. The boat is still worth only 5k tops.

Take the money and buy one that is ready to go. 3-5000 grand will be you any older 17' Mate out there. For example here is a mint Predictor for 3600 http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/boa/4605704789.html

Yea your probably right. I just really like my boat. I may just take the 200hp off it though. IDK. I would love to have it brought back.

 

[kas83]

One thing to consider is the price of a new one vs what you have. Total restoration yields a new boat, with classic lines and features. New one yields you a large payment, new features and technology. Buying a different used boat yields you a cleaner, less work needed boat, but with unknown hidden problems.

I got my Diplomat for free, and after some hard thinking and research, I'm gonna follow thru with a full on restoration. The hull is one the best ever made for this type of boat, it has those classic lines, and is proven. Its not an investment by any means, its a hobby.

 

[Wildman78]

One thing to consider is the price of a new one vs what you have. Total restoration yields a new boat, with classic lines and features. New one yields you a large payment, new features and technology. Buying a different used boat yields you a cleaner, less work needed boat, but with unknown hidden problems.

I got my Diplomat for free, and after some hard thinking and research, I'm gonna follow thru with a full on restoration. The hull is one the best ever made for this type of boat, it has those classic lines, and is proven. Its not an investment by any means, its a hobby.

I was thinking about that also just today. Say I spend 3-5k on a nice condition late 70's-80's mate to replace this one. If this owner never did the floor/transom but it seems solid now and I buy said boat. Now fast forward 2-3 years and the floor gets soft etc. Well I'm now in the same spot I was in restoring this one.

I think my best bet is to have this one checked out and go from there. Hopefully I can find someone to do it less then my 1st quote is what I am aiming for right now. Get the structure done and atleast it becomes useable as I finish it over some time.

 

[haftoo55]

Boat Transoms, Floors & Stringers

Too bad I'm not a little closer. I've probably put in 2,000 or 3,000 transoms stringers and floors. I have done all of CHKs restore work also for last 26 years. Also done most of the wood or plastics for interiors. So I know I could do it. I could I could I could

 

[Wildman78]

Too bad I'm not a little closer. I've probably put in 2,000 or 3,000 transoms stringers and floors. I have done all of CHKs restore work also for last 26 years. Also done most of the wood or plastics for interiors. So I know I could do it. I could I could I could

Your still not to far away. Make a nice weekend trip. I also have family in the warren area.

 

[mishawakajim]

I was thinking about that also just today. Say I spend 3-5k on a nice condition late 70's-80's mate to replace this one. If this owner never did the floor/transom but it seems solid now and I buy said boat. Now fast forward 2-3 years and the floor gets soft etc. Well I'm now in the same spot I was in restoring this one.

I think my best bet is to have this one checked out and go from there. Hopefully I can find someone to do it less then my 1st quote is what I am aiming for right now. Get the structure done and at least it becomes useable as I finish it over some time.

It sounds like a great plan. You can't really put a price on sentimental value. If you go this route you'll definitely know what you have when you're done. It's hard to beat the looks and lines of the 70's-80's Checkmates, they're just plain "sexy". Best of luck, Jim

 

[kas83]

A solid structure is definitely the best start, the rest can come as money/time/space allow.

I'm doubting mine will be ready next year like originally planned, but I'm OK with it. I want it done right, and only once. I have the space, abilities and such to do everything myself, just time is tight. I'm budgeting ~7500 for mine, including a rebuild of the 140 Johnson. It won't be worth that when I'm done, but I'll get years of use out of it, for about 1/4 the cost of new. Best part of that is it'll be exactly what I want, customized to my preference. Can't beat that.

 

[Wildman78]

Little update

My local fiberglass repair shot finally got back to me. I sent him the pics I posted here and he said just floor and stringer wanted about $4,000 to do it. I thought for sure since he specialized in this stuff, was local and located no where near the water he would be able to do something for me for a decent price. Well looks like I'll be towing the boat to Connecticut

 

[JSmitty]

My local fiberglass repair shot finally got back to me. I sent him the pics I posted here and he said just floor and stringer wanted about $4,000 to do it. I thought for sure since he specialized in this stuff, was local and located no where near the water he would be able to do something for me for a decent price. Well looks like I'll be towing the boat to Connecticut

I haven't been around for a while, but in case you haven't done this yet, and since you're talking about cost, I think I can chime in here. If you're like most, it will cost you far more than you think. I paid $3,000 for my boat and put approximately another $7,000 into it sans motor ... and that's without replacing the transom and stringers, and doing 90% of the work myself. It was also a lot harder and more tedious work than I was expecting and ate up a lot of good golf days. Boats are like cars. Let someone else pay for the restoration.

To give you an idea of what you might need to think about spending money on, here's the list of new items on my boat.

Seastar dual cable steering
BRP controls
BRP ignition switch
Livorsi gauges, BRP idiot light gauge, GPS antenna
Motor
Rigging hose
Switch panel
Fuse block
Compass
Grab handle
Trim switch face plate
Cockpit side panels
Floor, floor supports, foam
Carpet
Paint
Nautolex on hull sides, bulkheads and cabin flooring
Bow light, stern light and base, stern light wiring
Stereo and speakers
Front seats and pedestals
Wind flaps
Momo Spargi steering wheel
Gas tank hose
Bilge pump
Transom plate
Trim tab pump and cylinders
Side cleats
YYK Snad snaps
Back seat hinges
Cooler latches
Vinyl U-channel trim
Drink holders
Oil tank
Batteries, battery switch
Rub rail end caps
Cockpit cover
Entrance rug


Oh, and don't forget the cost of tools and supplies (sandpaper, blades, gloves, etc.), which easily cost me another $1,000.

 

[wired]

My local fiberglass repair shot finally got back to me. I sent him the pics I posted here and he said just floor and stringer wanted about $4,000 to do it. I thought for sure since he specialized in this stuff, was local and located no where near the water he would be able to do something for me for a decent price. Well looks like I'll be towing the boat to Connecticut

$4000 ? Thats too much for floor and stringers. Thats the easy part. Dont even have to split the boat to do that. The transom is the part that isnt quite as fun. Look elsewhere or become one with the fiberglass. Figure 200 or so man hours. How long it takes you will be a test of your determination and fortitude.

 

[23outlaw]

I think this boat has some very cool lines too. You almost NEVER see a skimate II V . My 78 Convincer was in a condition pretty close to this, it IS expensive and you will never be able to sell it for what you have invested, but, you will almost never see another one like it on the lake. Whatever you do, don't cover up the metalflake with a solid paint, IMO it ruins the classic look of the boat. Also for what it is worth, State Farm will insure your boat for whatever you determine is the replacement cost. I have one of these policies and it costs me something like 40.00 a month. Good luck, if you ever get discouraged with the project let me know, I think the boat is awesome looking.

 

[wired]

Also for what it is worth, State Farm will insure your boat for whatever you determine is the replacement cost. I have one of these policies and it costs me something like 40.00 a month.

You can do a LOT better than that. My 90+ MPH 225 Promax Allison XB2003 with agreed value of $23,000 has full coverage at $308 per year through Foremost Insurance.

 

[Wildman78]

Well I honestly think this project is on hold for at least another couple years if it even happens then. I bought my exciter this fall and dont have a place to work on the skimate myself. If I didn't pay someone to do it before buying the exciter it wasn't gonna get done. The sad thig is I love the boat and know its rare and wanna get it going again but it will probably never happen. It's been sitting outside for the last 9ish years practically uncovered, taken apart and left for dead. Motor ran good before parked but was never winterized, left with fuel in it and no lower unit on it. Lower was taken off to replace the water pump and never got put back together before becoming discouraged the 1st time. It's a sad state of affairs for sure.

Infact I got into quads when the boat got parked and traded it to a family friend for a snowmobile trailer to tow my quads around on. That's where to boat has been sitting for the last 9ish years. He was gonna fix it up and never did a single thing with it. I was gonan grab it this fall to restore but the prices to have it done were outrageous and the exciter i bought was mint for the same price as only having a floor done in the skimate. I know he wants it out of his yard so if anyone is interested let me know. The title for boat and trailer is still in my name. I would rather see it get put back together then rot and me never get around to it. The price is $800 firm. I would assume the engine should still be worth at least that. 200hp black max with stainless prop. Clean the carbs and put lower back on and should run.

I have a place to store it here but no place to work on it. I don't need to do all the finishing details to it immediately but if I had help to do the fiberglass stuff I could put basic seats in it and clean up the flake to make look 1/2 way decent and have something water ready at least that looks decent.

 

[wired]

If I didnt have a deep family connection to mine I wouldnt have spent any money on it making it seaworthy. It has to be a labor of love or its going to be a money pit. Youll spend $5K on it before you know it. Thats $5K better spent on something else if you don't have $5K to spend or its $5k spent on running boat if you dont have a place to work on it. Don't sweat it.