Need pointers on old used boat PLEASE!

[GWTW-000]

I'm looking at a friends airboat, 12' plus, fiberglass hull with poly bottom and 8 cyl. caddy (500 cu. ?), wood prop (new) direct drive, no oil leaks. The boat is enclosed or I think you call them decked over. The boat runs well on trailer but I will test run it Wednesday. What should I look for and most important should it run dry and how well. I ran boats when I was a 30 years younger ( 125 Franklin on an Airgater hull, didn't run the hill at all). Just looking for something to play with. He is only asking $ 2,000.00 with trailer. HELP PLEASE!

 

[Daddy Dave]

If it floats, it's hard to go wrong for 2K.

A brand new 14' hull costs about $2,500 with new poly another $500. Look for evidence of rust through on the engine stand and metalworks. Plan on $3300 for stainless or $2300 for EMT to replace. Watch engine oil pressure - should hold 50 at idle and 75 at 3K. Cadis bad to break timing gears. Simple and powerful powerplant, plenty run dry ground. Twice as much to rebuild as a SBC.

Not many deckover fiberglass boats. Sometimes, an aluminum cap on top of fiberglass. Look for stringer breaks or bottom soft spots or bulges. Usually, not economical to repair.

 

[c chardt]

I was told wider and deeper is always better

 

[Anonymous]

deeper hull= more weight 500 caddy direct drive= heavier
see more heavy old caddy fiberglass hulls stuck in the boonies
then any other boats. if you buy that barge plan on walking out atleast
1 time then you won't chance going dry again.
get smart go aircraft.

 

[c chardt]

run a car motor with a box they don"t tare up as easy if built right.