Hello,

I am going to be buying my first offshore boat in the next few weeks. I am looking at boats from the 1980's because that is what is in my price range. I am currently looking at a 1987 Scarab Panther, 1984 Scarab 38 Kaama, and a 1984 Cigarette Mistress. What are the main problem areas I should be concerned about when buying a powerboat from the 1980's? I have fiberglass/mechanical skills and the tools but I want to make sure I buy a solid boat. Normal maintenance and light restoration I can handle. I don't want to buy a boat with hidden problems.
Thanks
Jay

Survey Survey Survey!!!!

I did not do that and it bit my azz big time. I have learned a lot on my project but a lot of what I have learned I would rather not know.

x1 on the survey, I used a guy from over your way was real happy with, if you want his # PM me.

I agree with you guys on the survey 100% I have access to a moisture meter etc, but I want someone that knows offshore boats very well to do a survey. I will send you a PM for the #.
Thanks
Jay

what is ur price range?

Go smaller and newer.

I can spend up to 30k but I am looking in the 20-25k range. Allot of great boats are selling for cheap in the Detroit/Lake Saint Claire area due to the bad economy.

Survey as everyone has suggested and I personally would stay single not twins....(obviously this will probably limit your size to 28 or smaller)...this sport can get expensive real quick and the less to maintain the happier you will be and the more fun you will have.

AGREE, old boat will be very unreliable and cost will be triple what you think it will be.

I have heard that the older 1980's boat are built strong and if they have been kept in good condition and maintained they are great to buy (especially fresh water boats). I want a strong hull and later I will replace the engines, drives, electrical.