83 Fountain Executioner/What's it worth??

gunnarb · 04-08-2009, 02:27 PM

Hi Everyone - I'm very new to the boating world.

I'm in the process of possibly purchasing a 1983 Fountain Executioner 10Meter boat with twin 454's. The boat seems to be in very good condition for the year. The boat hasn't been started for approximatley 2 years. The engine compartment looks fairly clean. The owner is letting me have the engines checked and hopefully started at a local engine shop. He also mentioned that one of the hose blew off while down in Florida (Salt Water) and that's why the paint is all chipped off the engines.
The original exhaust manifolds have been replaced with stainless headers and they seem to be in good shape. The transom is solid as are most of the stringers. I noticed that the middle or largest stringer seems flexy away from the engines but rock solid where the motor mounts are. The drives are TRS with mirage stainless propellers. The hydrolic cylinders are locked up on the starboard side and possilby on the kplanes. My question is - what is this boat worth?

Thanks - GunnarB

Biggus · 04-08-2009, 07:37 PM

There are some killer deals out there right now on these older boats. Just keep in mind that a real clean old 10 Meter can be bought for around 20k right now.

From your description, in this market, I'd guess 12k to 15k or so.

Good luck, post pics!

ChristianGott · 04-10-2009, 08:30 PM

hey gunn...
if you absolutely love the boat (that's, by far, my favorite of the fountains) follow biggus' estimate....maybe lower, due to the work involved to fix it...if not, move on... there's a bunch of stuff beginning to flood the market...be patient and you'll be rewarded...
c

gunnarb · 04-13-2009, 03:49 PM

Well.. I had it checked out at the engine shop and the mechanics say both engines are seized. So, I guess I'm going to pass. I have another boat lined up. Its a 85 Liberator 261. Everything is new. Thanks for the replies you guys... I had no idea that you could get a fountain for a the 20 k range...

The new/used boat I'm looking at is 85 Liberator. Twin 350's, alpha 1's, and very clean. We're hoping to take a test ride on Friday.

I'm going to post a seperate thread askining people what to look fcr.

Thanks! I hope to have a boat soon. I'm trading my Road Bike
07 M109R 1800cc.

Don

acaruso · 04-14-2009, 07:52 PM

verry slow boat

ChristianGott · 04-15-2009, 08:56 PM

hey again d...
the 350/alpha package is a solid reliable setup (my 87's still going strong at 586 hrs)....and maintenance costs are reasonable...just be sure the speed fits your need...i shoot for a good cruise over top end...either way make sure it's a boat you feel good with and that can handle the waters you run in...
check the gear oil for too many shavings, and compression/leakdown test the motors...check for too much rust on the manifolds, hopefully they aren't too old (after 5, you're reaching..)..watch for the "touch up" paint masking wear...
good luck..
c

gunnarb · 04-15-2009, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acaruso

verry slow boat

Really... they're sloowww??? The owner said he had it going 65... What kind of real speeds can I expect for a 85 libby with twin 350's? I plan on spending most of my time on Lake St. Clair with the idea that I may take a jog over to Lake Huron from time to time. I would like to hear what you guys think as far cruising and top end speed would be? Thank you for all of the great info!~ YOu guys and gals supply some very valuable for someone that doesn't know beans about boats. Keep in mind that I some what limited to what I can do just because I'm trading my motorcycle for the boats that I've been talking about.

Thanks!!