I'm looking at picking up a 24 Pantera, I like the older classic look so I have been looking for a late 70's early 80's boat. Have my eyes on 2 right now. Only thing is I am worried about the condition of the hulls. I know since these are older boats they will not be perfect and will need some TLC, but I don't want to get bit by purchasing a boat that is supposed to be dry and solid and finding out down the road it needs to be pulled apart.Both boats look fine but I see most older Pantera's on the forums are having the transom and or stringers needing replacement. What I want to know is this common on these boats to have wet stringers and transoms?

It's very common for ANY old boat to have wet stringers and transom.

Knock on the transom and listen for "hollow" sounding spots as a quick check first but, a complete marine survey is probably money well spent.

Happy hunting.

Buy one of these ,,,any reading at 20 percent plus then it's dripping wet http://www.jroverseas.com/grp-33-moisture-meter/

Yes I know any older boat can have wet stringers and transom. I was just asking just in case there was something to look for, like maybe a not so properly sealed transom assembly or something that may have been common on these hulls. I did notice the thru hull exhaust were pretty low on both the hulls I looked at and made me think water can get into the transom if they were not sealed properly.

Wife wants a cruiser... give me a call my 24 is gonna hit the market real soon 716-465-7583

Hey Mike,
I have a MINT all original 1980 24 SE that is time capsule kept....drop me an email at [email protected] I have tons of pics and can give you any info you like

Johnny