1987 26 ft LS Scarab....$?
 

Newbie here, Any body have a feel for what I would expect to pay for this NON running 26 ft LS Scarab? Trailer is a mess, needs 4 tires, hitch and brake work, interior needs to be re-done, 420 Mercruiser appears to have dropped a valve on #8, been sitting in a storage lot for many years. Otherwise the boat is intact. Engine is complete, transmission and drive are complete. Fiberglass and bottom are perfect, not a stress crack to be found anywhere. I'm a DIY'er so I'm not afraid of a challenge and wont have to pay someone to do my work for me. i just dont want to start off too far in the hole compared to what it would be worth back in top condition.
Thanks! Mark
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...t/P1040735.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...t/P1040746.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...t/P1040712.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...t/P1040701.jpg

1000 Bucks I Will Take It

How long has it been sitting there open like that?
Months...years? I would assume years due to the amount of gunk and build-up. I would also go into it with the mind-set that EVERYTHING other than the hull needs replacing or re-furbished. Including all the likely dry-rotted boots, cables, etc...etc... That stuff adds up fast.

That is a great hull. I always wanted one.
There was a very clean 26 LS Scarab hull fully rigged but no engine for sale here on OSO earlier this year. I don't remember but I think it was listed for $13,000 and it looked in much better shape than this one. Mainly because it was running recently and hadn't sat in the elements for years. Basically (from the looks) it needed an engine and it would be ready for the water.

What is this worth? That's obviously the key question.
It all depends on what you are willing to pay for it and what you want your TOTAL investment to be in the boat. I think it is safe to assume that you'll need a few thousand $$ for the interior, another grand for stereo, assuming the out-drive is good (anyone's guess) you might get by with fluid change and re-lubing. Then there's the engine. Will you go with new power or rebuild this unknown engine? That could be a couple grand up to $10K...or more...depending on how radical you want to go.

Being VERY conservative (and assuming the drive is good) I bet you could be in the water having spent about $10-12K in renovations (after buying the hull) on this project. So if you got the hull for $5,000 it would seem like a good deal (to me) to have $15K-17K into a 26' LS Scarab. That doesn't include any gelcoat, fiberglass, or paint workl, stringers, or gas tank/tanks, etc...

But there are a LOT of "what ifs" in that scenerio. Most anyone here will tell you that whatever you have estimated to spend...double it. Then you'll have a more realistic estimate of what the project will cost you. Then again you might get lucky and all you need is a quick "freshen up" of the motor, some interior work, and hit the water. Obviously that is BEST case scenerio...which is rarely the case.

I looks like it will make a cool raceboat

WOW, well lets see, I think the guy be lucky if you just took it. Motor?? 3-8K depending on what it needs, interior 2K?? wires, cables and crap 1K you up to nearly 11K . I wouldn'rt offer anymore than 1-3K keep inmind you can buy a turn key boat for 12-20K right now much newer

It looks like your in NC so here is a comparison in NC, turn key ready to go.
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/boa/1462493815.html

It has been partially covered, not sitting out in the open. Its' been in this storage lot for 2 years, dont know where it was before then. The last registration is a '96. So it has been a while since it has been run. The hatch cover is not missing, I just removed it while looking at it. The wood framing on the engine cover hatch was so rotten that the hinges pulled out of the wood when I opened it. Interior vinyl is still soft and pliable, just moldy and a bit faded. Seat bases will definitely need re-work. Drivers seat and stainless prop are at his house. Floor is solid as jumping on concrete. All stringers and structure look perfect. Gel on sides and rear look great, will buff out nicely. Not so sure about the deck condition. Has too much dirt and grime on it to tell how bad it is faded. Engine has been protected from the weather. All cables and throttle seem to shift freely. Put hot battery in and lights, bilge pump and blowers worked. Solenoids clicked for each of the three trim motors but that was about it. Starter switch would not work, but starter button told me real quick that the engine was locked up. Pulled all the plugs and it all looked good untill #7 and #8. Something has hit both of them from the inside.
Here's how it has been covered for at least the last 2 years:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...t/P1040222.jpg

If your stuck on Scarab here is a newer one in NC

http://greensboro.craigslist.org/boa/1459005794.html

The dirt and grime on the bow might have protected the finish from the sun somewhat. Might buff out nicely too.

I'd agree it's a boat that is definitely worthy of saving and putting some money into it.

I just went through something like this myself..you will have some money in it but if the stringers and transom are as nice as you say they are it's worth doing. I paid 3,500 for mine and got a better trailer. But I would do it again in a minute, I love the boat, and it has been trouble free since I put it into the water over a year ago. The trick is go thru everything..assume everything is no good..then be suprised when it is good. Good luck if you pull the trigger.:

Thats a sweet find! where in MI is it? I have a great engine and drive guy on the west side.