Definitely check out the trailer bearings. A rebuild will cost you about $60.00 if you do it yourself. It is not rocket science.

Would you be launching at Obstruction Pass, or on the west side?

Be prepared to go through all of the wiring, and all connections. 12 colt wiring is also not rocket science, as long as you only have one battery in use at a time. Buy a large kit of connectors and Lots of wire to have on hand. Also pick up one of those tool kits that has EVERYTHING in it. Mine is a Duralast kit. Used it on three occasions and I had everything I needed.

First, as someone else had alluded to, check out all of the safety gear first. If something else fails, this stuff may save your life. You don't want something like that to fail.

Any parts that you replace, take the time and spend the extra money to go stainless steel, except for the prop, which on that boat won't make a huge difference.

Be prepared to be messing with it for the next year or so, but when you get done, hopefully you will be happy.

If the motor is sound, and all else is relatively okay, it may be an okay choice.

I bought a fixer-upper from a guy who neglected his boat for years, my dad. I have put about another $2,000.00 into a boat that I bought for $4500.00. I now have the boat just right, and it runs better than when my dad had it, (regular tune-up), and it is my fishing machine.

Someone else also mentioned this, but I will repeat. Don't buy a boat unless you are prepared to pay for REGULAR UPKEEP. Think of $1,000.00 per year for maintenance, gas, oil, and other repairs that will come up throughout the year. You put your life in your hands if you neglect your boat.

Finally, get the downriggers so you can chase after those President's channel blackmouth.

Best of luck. The tourists will be gone soon, and so will the Californians.

Andy, ex-Orcas dweller.

[ 08-26-2001: Message edited by: Dogfish ]