Need advice on a Pachanga
 

Hi, I'm new here and new to boating. I've been reading lot's of old posts to learn more about performance boating, this place is great!
I'm looking at a project boat and would like some advice. It's an 87 32' Pachanga with twin 454's and Alpha drives. The boat has very little history, but this is whats known. It was left uncovered on a lake during a storm, a pump failed and it sank(fresh water) with the bow stickiing up. The v-berth area is fine while the upholstery from there back is bad. The engines were pickled (what does that mean?) but are said to need rebuilding. The hull seems undamaged and it comes with a very nice trailer. Asking price is $10k
I looked around, and these boats seem to be going for 25-30k, this boat needs maybe 7-10k to repair? Does that seem about right? Is 10k too much to pay? What seems more realistic for this boat?
What type of things can I expect to repair or replace if I purchase this boat?
Thanks for any help.

Re: Need advice on a Pachanga
 

I am no expert,,, but pickling means that when the boat was hauled out the motors were drained and filled with kerosene or some other anti-corrosion fluid to help preserve the bearing and engine internals.

Secondly,, since the boat sank,,, all the engine accessories will most likely be locked up, I.E. alt. starter, and the control cables most likely frozen and need replacing.. Its a hell of an undertaking and have to decide if its worth your time and money. sounds 10 k plus another 10-15 k mininum for engines, controls and misc. plus your time. If you were really interested in a Pachanga, I would look at the used ones for 25 that don't need much if anything..

If they gave you the boat for 5 k and it took another 10-15k to repair I still would rather spend an extra 10 k and have one that didn't have any issues..

P.S. Alpha drives are not a good choice for big blocks either..

Re: Need advice on a Pachanga
 

That's a real question in my mind, I wouldn't even consider the boat even if it was in mint condition. Friend of mine has that exact boat and setup, it's just a timebomb waiting to go off. You can find some really nice boats for that same budget range. Keep looking and be patient, October through March is the best time.

Re: Need advice on a Pachanga
 

NO.Too much risk.There are so many problems that could pop up down the road I would look for another boat.

Re: Need advice on a Pachanga
 

I like Pachangas though.

Re: Need advice on a Pachanga
 

Since you are new to boating, trust me, this isn't one you want to break in on.

Re: Need advice on a Pachanga
 

good advise. get a turn key for your first undertaking. youll have enough problems with one that starts up every day....

Re: Need advice on a Pachanga
 

Thanks everyone. I figured this might be too much trouble. I will keep searching for something needing less work.

Re: Need advice on a Pachanga
 

No kidding, one of the most accurate statments I've ever read on OSO!!!

Re: Need advice on a Pachanga
 

First thing Stecz ever said that I agree with! :)