restoration or get a newer boat???
 

I'm 31.

I've had motor toys all my life. I restored a 1984 Chris Craft Stinger 260 I still have. When it was finish (restoration), I bought a 1985 F 35-7 wich I stripped completly this winter.

Since I have'nt tried to sell my Stinger, I still don't know if I'll be able to get back my money...Wich leads me to ask myself if it's better to have what I call a 'poor guy's speed boat', totally restored, with new colorfull paint job, NO DEBT, NO LOAN,

OR

Get a newer boat, get a loan on it for 5-10 -20 years, not really have a super paint job and customized interior, but have something that is worth a lot more money...

Then, selling the restored boat, or selling the newer one, wich one is going to sell the fastest, and more importantly, wich one is going to be the biggest spending between investment and resale price???

Personnaly, I prefer having a boat that cost maybe 5000$ to 15000$ above average value, no loan, instead of having big time paiement each 12 month of the year, and paying a lot of interest to the bank.

I'm I wrong???

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

nope :p I always liked not having loans on boats that way you can take out small ones to do up grades, if you need.I'M redoing some stuff right now for this season now and I had to take the last 2yrs off because of a injury at work, comps fighting me had to pay for two knee operations last year so I'm glade I don't have a boat payment :D so if you can do the work yourself fixem runem sellem :D and always try to make a little then you can pay cash for the new one :D

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

restore if you can afford it. just make sure who ever does it , is competent , and reliable.

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

Restore it!! I have had more people not understand why i have spent soo much money on a 22 yr old boat. They say you could have bought a new 42 fountain for what you have in that thing. The way I see it is that I will never pass another boat like mine. You see 42 fountains all day long. My boat is a piece of me and everything that has been done on it, except building the longblocks, has been done by me. I have choosen everything about it and it has come out great. Now when someone asks what it is or if its new i can smile and say, no its 22 yrs old. Look through my pictures for some inspiration. My $ .02

PS: I have always like the lines of the older Formulas, do something with it.

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

Jeff the 357 is a real head turner. I really love mine. I recently had the same question you did. I went and purchased a newer boat. After all the work I put into my 357 I am having a tough time with the thought of selling it. Its like selling my soul. I'm find myself second guessing my decision on going newer. Good luck what ever you decide!

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

I think it depends on how long you are going to keep it. If you plan on dumping a bunch of money into an older boat and turning it around to make a profit, you might as well quit while you're ahead. If you plan to keep it for several years and use it, go for it. I just went through this decision too. I have a 1985 28 Cigarette that is having both motors pulled right now so I can re-rig the whole thing with lots of new stuff. I got sick of fixing one little thing after another so I'm going to fix everything at once but I also plan on keeping the boat for many years. I thought about getting something newer but as I looked around nothing gave me the same feeling as looking at a classic. They are the boats I fell in love with many years ago and promised myself I'd have one. In the future, I think the older, updated, well built and cared for classics will always have a certain person that wants it, espically anything that came from Aronow.

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

Boats are $ Losers anyway you look at it. I personally don't like loans on toys. If you have a boat that you like, and it is paid for, take your time and redo it the way you want. Sure your going to put more money into it then you will ever get out of it, but if you plan on keeping it who cares. I plan on being barried in mine.

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

There you go...get to work:p

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

make out a time-line of what all you want to do and how long it will take, then multiply it by three and that will give you an idea of when it will be done. I am still trying to finish mine if the interior guy would just finish his part, I could rig it. At least you are starting with a working boat, I started with a hull, then bought a new deck and went from there.

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

what excalibur and magnum said combined

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

I forgot to mention that part. I hate to say it but mine has taken 4 years. Keep in mind that i worked backwards a lot a did most things twice because i wasnt happy with them. Think about what things should be done first and start ordering those parts. That is one of the biggest set backs...waiting on parts. Get all of your objectives set out and try to stick to at least 60% of them. I guarantee you will change your mind on 40% of the ideas you have. Its a lot of fun! and a lot of stress!

Magnum, i am also waiting for the interior guy but mine is rigged and ready to rag on.

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

Magnum, i am also waiting for the interior guy but mine is rigged and ready to rag on.[/QUOTE]

You Lucky, Lucky man!! :) :)

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

I love the look of the 357s too.

My old Stinger260 is an 87, so not much newer than yours.

What is surprising is that people will walk right past newer, faster boats to come check out mine. I guess classic lines are classic for a reason.

You have two very nice boats, in my opinion. :drink:

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

A new boat is jsut going to go down in value dramatically in a few years, and your probably best off buying something someeon else jsut restored and lsot all their money in, cuse then the boat looks like new, and you didnt have to pay the extra money to do it urself.

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

Stinger, you are right, BUT - It's not done the way you would have done (had it done) yourself. Maybe an awsome boat, in great shape, and at a great price.

For instance, someone may have put a really nice paint job on the boat, and matched the interior, dash bezels, Throttles/shifters, canvas, in RED.
Nothing against RED,or you guys with red boats, but I don't like RED.

To change all this, I might as well have started on my own project and done it the way I wanted.
My current Truck happens to be Maroon/Marron interior. I hate the color, but it was such a good deal and the truck runs perfect with less than 50K on a '96.

But, trucks are different than boats.

Toss my .02 in the coffer...

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

ya dont gotta buy somethin u dont like, but if you do find sometihng, out of the 1000s of boats for sale that u do like ur prob better off letting someone else have lost al the money on it. not tryin to stir up nothin, jsut my personal opinion

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

Not trying to stir anything up either. Just enetering the debate.
I just know that when it comes to my Truck, I don't care that much - It's in great shape, get's me back and forth to work, and hauls stuff around.

When It comes to a boat, I want it to be all about what "I" want, and I'll keep tinkering with it until it's the way I want it.
It's all a matter of personal opinion.

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

Restore it. Do a good job. Stay out of debt! Enjoy boating. When it breaks fix it. Enjoy boating. Admire the new boats from afar. Remember you have no payment! Enjoy boating. Throw thousands at it. The new boats depreciate tens of thousands! Enjoy boating.

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

Wow!

I'm surprised! First time I write in this forum, and you guys already answered 17 times in less than 24 hours!

I'm also surprised of an other thing: all 17 went for restoration instead of getting a newer boat! This probably means 2 things: every body who answered have older boats, either restored or not, OR, NOBODY having a new or newer boat replied...

Anybody who answerd has a new/newer boat?
While we're in it, is it worth it switching from TRS to Bravos?
If so, what would be in your opinion, the advantage with Bravos?
Reliability? Speed? Parts availability?

Thanks guys! I really appreciate reading your opinion!

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

I'm an old boat guy. From what I have seen TRS to Konrad is the bomb. Look up Biggus or Konrad. Link to Konrad news. http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=79783

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

The TRS to Bravo question will be answered by what power you plan on running. I switched from TRS to Stellings boxes and IMCO drives. Sometimes I wish I had known that the Konrads were comming out but I love the room i saved by getting rid of the trannys. So what power would you want?

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

TRS drives are stronger than bravos (not including xr's) they shift better and your boats center of gravity was set up around them. If your gonna switch to anything, switch to Konrads but don't waste your money on Bravos

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

I'll have between 400 to 500 hp each engine

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

I have had 3 new offshore boats, 1985 272 Formula, 1989 311 Formula, 96 28SS Sonic. I kept the 311 for 10 years and loved it. 4 sets of engines, updates every winter and paid off in 5 years. Bought a 97 43 Black Thunder used in 2000. Total re rig over the last 2 1/2 years. Purchase used and re rig your way is a good way to do IF you realize that you are NOT going boating in your project for a period of years. Joe Murray

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

I agree, a restoration is the way to go! I am currently doing a '78 F233I, it started as just "freshen" it up a bit. Now its just a bare hull/deck with about 10 gals. of West System added! It's not going to see water this season, but I'm still looking foreword to working on it every free hour I have available! When I'm done it will be the ultimate expression of me, and my tastes, no new boat can accomplish this. Few people have the desire or ambition to take on a restoration project, Almost anybody can go out and sell their soul to get a shiny new boat! Only a restoration/custom will provide a sense of pride and accomplishment!
Sorry! I'm just ranting because only one of my friends appreciates what I'm doing with mine, the rest think I lost my mind!

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

I could have bought newer ....but my boat is paid for and now with fuel prices the way they are .....if there is a big weekend coming up and my fuel bill will be 600.00 ...no big deal .....I don't have 1000-1500 a month going out for payments .... AND the looks and comments I get ...Priceless .....

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

I'm sure it is nice to buy a new boat, but I know how it feels to have people complement your taste and work on a restored boat! The hard work is the difference in liking your new boat or loving your old boat!!!

Brandon

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

a lot of great advice here based on personal preferrences and budgets. what really matters is what makes you happy and what you can afford to do.

my own bit of advice is to buy a boat with a solid name/reputation so that when the day comes when you do want to sell it, the name will help the value.

I've heard bad things about Stingers and Formulas are a well built boat with a solid reputation...so I'd opt for the 357 if I were you.

Personally, I only buy Cigarettes...I'm on my 2nd and do owe a small amount of money on it, but it's manageable and I'm still able to do the upgrades I want...and I'm getting ready to convert the boat to 496HO/Bravos from 420s and TRS drives. This particular project is a little more than I can afford to do right now, but I'm okay with that...and I'll NEVER get my money out of this upgrade, but I'm okay with that too, because I paln on keeping this one for a long time :)

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

:cool: i'm on my fourth boat in 10 years and i made money on the last three, all of them paid for, i can't stand payments. i'll be keepin this one a while and i'm sure i'll be dumpin $$$ into this one unlike the others, but it'll be a blast, and every time i do something to it it'll be more unlike any other.....fix it up and drive it like you stole it, then fix it up again....grimmy :drink: :drink: :drink:

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

Here's my two cents on this matter.
5 years ago I bought my Magnum thinking that I wouldn't really have to do anything to it, but enjoy it.
Here's what it looked like when I bought it.
http://www2.hotboat.com/image_center...nal_Magnum.jpg

Then, I caught the disease.
Unfortunately for me, I do not have the time, the place or some of the manual skills to perform the upgrades that went into my boat. Although, I do have the skills to plan out,design and find the necessary sources to complete the myriad of projects that took place.
I spent bags of cash for the restoration and don't owe a dime on the boat. The boat IMHO turned out beautifully.

http://www2.hotboat.com/image_center...10DSC00096.JPG

I still wonder if financially it was the correct thing to do vs buying a new boat. The capital that was spent on the boat could have been better allocated to investments that would have made me money. Payments on a new boat would have been tax deductible and a new boat (five years ago) would have been probably worth more than the Magnum is now.
I also would have had more seat time, due to the down time on the Magnum's restoration and I also wouldn't have had to buy other boats to be used while the Magnum was being worked on. :eek:
Did I learn anything?
Nope, Absolutely not. :D
Because here is another project that I am finishing up and I could have bought a brand new Donzi 18 for what I have into this now.
http://www2.hotboat.com/image_center...zi_Profile.JPG
http://www2.hotboat.com/image_center...nzi_Engine.jpg

http://www2.hotboat.com/image_center...i_Dash-med.jpg

http://www2.hotboat.com/image_center...10DSC00647.JPG

At this point, the Magnum is for sale for far less than what was put into it, and I am seriously thinking about purchasing a brand new boat.

Wardley, Wardley are you out there???!!!!!

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

I always wondered what that boat looked like before you restored it :)

now how about posting some pics? :D :D :D

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

Holy chit, that Donzi is really nice. I want a 22 Classic for my next project and it will be gutted and taken way too far.

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

It's a simple decision, go for a restore if the boat will meet your needs when complete.
I've got about $25k in my '72 Sutphen. She still skims wave's quite well for an old broad, and people come RUNNING to see her at the docks (no joke).
Good luck to you!

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

whoops!

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

Nice job. That's a great lookin boat.


I redid a 76 28 Cigarette. I did it because I loved the 28's and could not get Cigarette to build a new one. 99% of the time you will not get your money back out, but that's not why you do it. You do it because you like what it is, and what it could be.

I would redo the 357 and keep it. I always liked those. :cool:

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

I agree with twinstep.

You don't do it to save money.

You do it to save a particular boat.

But you learn so much about that boat that it gives you a confidence that you can handle any mechanical issue that may arise out on the water.

I know that it is a lot of work and money, but I LOVE knowing every inch of my boat. The kind of "knowing every inch" that comes from a strip down and re-fit.

And I believe that a Formula 357 would be worth the effort.
They are just that dam beautiful.

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

MAGNUMMAN love the stainless dash and the cross ram on your Donzi.What's that upper and lower unit on it?

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

Dave 911 sharp old Sutphen,got any more pictures? I gotta say restore it ,it's a labor of love but it's too cool to see a nicely restored classis let alone own one.And i love seeing the rare ones like the old sutphens and old novas 19's and stuff like that.Would be cool to see an old classic show someday.

Re: restoration or get a newer boat???
 

TommyMonza,

Bravo with Polished Imco Shorty.