Where to get a restorable boat?

So there is no way in Hades I can afford even a nicer used boat with a 3 year old in Daycare and our budget pretty tight. But I might can save up and buy a restorable boat and put the time towards restoring it. I like working on cars in my spare time and have a strong enough work ethic that I wouldn't stop until it was done.

I've cruised Craigslist and the local classifieds and just cant find a cheap restorable boat. Where's the best place to look? How much should I be prepared to spend? I like the older Rangers, is there anything I should stay away from?

Thanks!

ebay

Craigslist and just the Internet in general, the one I have know is a 87 Basscat Pantera that was listed for 5,900.00 and I was able to talk him down to 1,500.00 so you never know.

Craigslist. Put a wanted ad on there. I have had great luck finding Rangers on there. Just picked up an 87 360 with 175 Black Max for $1,200. One bad cylinder which I will have fixed for about $1,000. Boat will clean up real well when I'm done with it. They are out there.
I lam currently restoring a real nice 1990 Ranger 333 for myself. It is absolutely original down to the original electronics and OMC 24 volt TM. I am putting in new everything and will only have about $3,200 in it. Just got my new carpet from Basscat earlier this week. It will look new when done. I'm gonna put my 320 up for sale next week. It's a real nice original boat. Love those 300 series Rangers. I have 2 more to do when these are done.
Good luck. BTW, the bargains don't last very long on Craigslist. Only a few hours...John

Take a drive threw the country and down the back roads look close and if the barn door or garage is open look. If they have somthing ask if its for sale. Thats how i found my 89 stratos 285 pro. I paid 150 for it.

I know where a 80something ragin cajun on a holsclaw trailer is sitting for free in Illinois. dual console no motor

Craigslist - Don't just look in your immediate area. Some areas have better selections than others. As for things to look for, have them crank the engine over for you. Make sure the engine pees. If you buy the boat, you might as well change out the water pump just to be on the safe side. Make sure it goes into gear. Walk in the boat looking for soft spots. Check the transome to make sure its not rotting. Flip on and off the switches to see if they work. Look under the boat for damage to the hull. Take note of how chewed up the prop is as well as the skeg. Check to see if the trolling motor and depth sounders work.

Rangers are like gold. Hard to find one cheap. Hydrosports is the same way. Don't know how far you are willing to travel or how much you are looking to spend. Just because they ask for $1000 more than its worth does not mean you can't offer them a $1000 less.

http://nashville.craigslist.or....html
http://nashville.craigslist.or....html

This guy is wanting about $1000 to much. Doesn't hurt to ask him to come down at leats another $500.
http://nashville.craigslist.or....html
http://nashville.craigslist.or....html
http://nashville.craigslist.or....html
http://nashville.craigslist.or....html

Some in your area
http://bham.craigslist.org/boa/1697554828.html
http://bham.craigslist.org/boa/1695885453.html


Modified by JimFromTN at 12:45 PM 4/20/2010