Would like to see what you all think about a potential project boat?

[dguest]

Would like to see what you all think about a potential project boat?
I have come across a 1979 Ranger 198V on the original Ranger Trail trailer. This boat has a 1978 Merc 150 Black MAX. The motor starts and runs but compression test shows 1 cylinder with 0 compression. The transom also has some rot so it will need repaired. My question here does any one think it would be worth getting this package for a project boat and redoing it or just let it go? I can get the entire package for 500 dollars. I want peoples honest thoughts here.Ivansage

[Scrapper]

I for one LOVE the old rangers...I did an 83 330V last year...but didn't have transom/stringer damage...and I missed and matched engines. Seems a bit steep to have an engine needed rebuilt or replaced...with 0 compression its something more major than a ring or piston job..probably resleeve/bore....big $$. Transom...go with seacast....around $500 without time...well thats $1000 in the boat minus the motor...if you look around you could probably get a powerhead...or maybe an old 150 for 750-1250. Your now right at 2000. If all else is ok you would probably be in good shape...if you have to do any other fiberglass work...carpet...electronics and such...thats alot more money. Before you know it you'd have alot of money in her. Now if you could find an outboard for a little of nothing....or you have one laying around....go for it. The whole motor thing is what would scare me off....outboards aren't cheap as I'm sure you are full aware. I have found a few motors that need electronics work and got them dirt cheap...if you cold find a donor powerhead that dones't run and has good compression sometimes they can be picked up pretty cheap. Check ebay..with the economy you might find one pretty cheap if your patient. Is it a v-6 or the inline?? I really like the sound of the inlines and they can be found cheaper than the Vee's. You have any pictures?? How is the floor?? Just depends on what you want. If you could find a motor cheap enough you could get your money back out..but if not...I think it would be hard to turn it around. If you want to keep it....GO FOR IT! nothing like an old Ranger that you bring back to life!! Just my .02 cents..lol.

[lakefolk]

if worse comes to worse the trailer in decent shape is worth 500. If the motor is too far gone it can be parted out for some decent $. The hull it self has some part potential also. At 500 you're definately not going to lose money. You could get it and give it a good going over then decide just how much you're willing to invest in it. If you decide it's not worth it, part it out.

[Rmart30]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by lakefolk &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">if worse comes to worse the trailer in decent shape is worth 500. If the motor is too far gone it can be parted out for some decent $. The hull it self has some part potential also. At 500 you're definately not going to lose money. You could get it and give it a good going over then decide just how much you're willing to invest in it. If you decide it's not worth it, part it out. </TD></TR></TABLE>

+ 1

[CHARLEG]

Someone found the same boat I have. I bought mine about 5 or more years age. When I got mine it had a johnson 115 which was not big enough, traded it for a 84 200 merc from Rmart30. Still going. I think it depends on how much $ and time you want to invest.

[Tom in Stl]

Do It!!!
And post pictures of your progress