Jewel Or Fool; GB42 1983 purchase/value

[CaptainScotty]

Hello Mariners, I am looking at a GB42, 1983, hull #834. Twin 3208 cats, 2200 hours. I value all opinions on whether to make an offer or not and how much$ to offer…. all exterior teak needs to be redone but Is solid. Windows need work frames Solid. Teak deck is in poor shape And Appears to be laid over fiberglass… Teak plugs are poping out of deck. She has been in freshwater since approximately 09. Salt before that. Appears she is missing her sail and mast. Engines have not been started in the past six years. Interior teak is near perfect. I have pictures!
Thank you!!!

 

[rmorris]

Here is what I believe, and have been boating for 60 years safely following it. Old boats are affordable, if you negotiate a fair price. For someone like me, a school teacher, it is the only way we can get on the water. That said, old trawlers are a lot of work. It sounds to me like the windows are leaking into the cabin, causing rot and woodwork inside. The teak deck is probably allowing water into the subdeck, causing rot and mysterious leaks in the cabin that seem to come from nowhere.
If the engines start, they still need a lot of attention, dry rot in the hoses, scrub the fuel, pray no water was sitting in the cylinders from just non use.
Grand Banks are great boats, so the bones are strong. I would say 25,000-45,000 depending on the engines. my 2 cents, based on buying 10 old boats along the way and losing money on 6 of them in resale.

 

[CaptainScotty]

Thank you! The interior teak is near perfect. She is under a covered dock in fresh water since 09. I'm concerned about the teak deck. I see no signs of water leaking inside anywhere.

 

[CaptainScotty]

Here is what I believe, and have been boating for 60 years safely following it. Old boats are affordable, if you negotiate a fair price. For someone like me, a school teacher, it is the only way we can get on the water. That said, old trawlers are a lot of work. It sounds to me like the windows are leaking into the cabin, causing rot and woodwork inside. The teak deck is probably allowing water into the subdeck, causing rot and mysterious leaks in the cabin that seem to come from nowhere.
If the engines start, they still need a lot of attention, dry rot in the hoses, scrub the fuel, pray no water was sitting in the cylinders from just non use.
Grand Banks are great boats, so the bones are strong. I would say 25,000-45,000 depending on the engines. my 2 cents, based on buying 10 old boats along the way and losing money on 6 of them in resale.

I was thinking if I did some of the labor myself $20,000 in repairs and $20,000 for purchase. I would have a survey done and a diesel mechanic inspect the engines.

 

[rmorris]

yeah, here's the thing. If I am reading this right, the boat hasn't moved from a covered slip in 6 years. My bet is that as soon as you are out in a strong rain, it will rain inside as well. No damage just means no rain, but I could be wrong.

 

[rmorris]

20,000 would probably be a good deal, with the inspections.

 

[CaptainScotty]

yeah, here's the thing. If I am reading this right, the boat hasn't moved from a covered slip in 6 years. My bet is that as soon as you are out in a strong rain, it will rain inside as well. No damage just means no rain, but I could be wrong.

Yes I'm sure she leaks but I'm not sure she has much damage yet. From what I understand if the teak plugs are poped water can get inside. My plan was to restore deck where she sits then possibly move her to the ocean for a live aboard and light usage.

 

[CaptainScotty]

Yes I'm sure she leaks but I'm not sure she has much damage yet. From what I understand if the teak plugs are poped water can get inside. My plan was to restore deck where she sits then possibly move her to the ocean for a live aboard and light usage.

As a bonus I would prefer not to lose money on this so I appreciate your expertise. Sounds like you've done a lot of restoration! that's too bad you didn't make money on most of the vessels I understand that could be a money hole . I own a 81 Trojan F 36 tri cabin.

 

[refugio]

If the boat were under cover the decks would not have degraded so much - that happened prior. Huge potential issue is rust damage to tanks - impossible to operate, insure, and probably even moor a vessel with failing tanks.


Keith

 

[CaptainScotty]

If the boat were under cover the decks would not have degraded so much - that happened prior. Huge potential issue is rust damage to tanks - impossible to operate, insure, and probably even moor a vessel with failing tanks.


Keith

Thx Keith, I did see that tanks could be a problem. Would the surveyor find this or should I figure new tank replacement into the equation

 

[Larry M]

Thx Keith, I did see that tanks could be a problem. Would the surveyor find this or should I figure new tank replacement into the equation

It may be a deal killer or you roll the dice. The tanks are 30 plus years old. I received a quote today just for the fabrication of 2 tanks, $13,566. You may want to double that for the job.

 

[jwnall]

It may be a deal killer or you roll the dice. The tanks are 30 plus years old. I received a quote today just for the fabrication of 2 tanks, $13,566. You may want to double that for the job.

And you can do a lot of checking on the tanks yourself, without needing to pay a surveyor. (I am NOT saying do not get a surveyor! Merely that you can do some preliminary work yourself.). Get a good flashlight (a headband LED flashlight is good) and check for rust. Feel as much of the tanks as you can, especially underneath, and see if you feel any moisture. And trust your smell, or the smell of your significant other. Diesel fuel which has leaked out slowly over a long period of time has a very distinctive smell. How do I know? Because I have been there and done that.

 

[Bob Cofer]

Roughly 20k for tank replacement.

Take a hose down to the boat and let it run on the the decks, house sides, window frames and roof. There will most likely be some leakage.

I would recommend a haul out to get a close look at the hull especially around the exhaust outlets.

Take a close look at the wiring under the upper and lower helm stations.

Check every hose in the boat including the head and fresh water plumbing.

Pull up the floor plates in the v-berth and get a look at the bilge and shower sump, do the same aft.

Get an engine survey before the oil is changed.

Have fun and enjoy!

Bob

 

[refugio]

Not sure what options for a "trawler" are available in Missouri, but have you considered something smaller? Like a GB36? We are talking about the "big" items, but there undoubtedly many "small" items. And we haven't talked about electronics. Or dinghy. Anyway, when you have all of those fixed you're still going to have a boat that is going to cost...$1K per month? Everything about this boat is going to be more expensive than a more modest vessel. More bottom paint. More fuel. More and longer wires. More and larger windows. More penetrations to seal. It goes on, and on, and on. And if you're really only panting after this boat because of the low price...I think you're going to pour a ton of effort into something that is going to end up selling for...what you're buying it for.

 

[Islanddreamer]

I recently purchased a trawler that needed/needs TLC. Deals are out there and you may be able to get something that doesn't require as much work as this boat sounds like it may need. Like RMORRIS, getting in inexpensively was important, but the basics needed to be there. I guess it depends on what you want to do this summer. One boat I looked seriously at was a MT that would have put enjoyment off for 2 years, so I passed on it after digging into it's needs.

We've done a lot since March, but can enjoy it in the mean time.

 

[ksanders]

Interesting...

A Trawler on Lake Of The Ozarks.

I grew up ther, several decades ago...

Good luck.

 

[Xsbank]

I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole. By the time you have fixed all the crap and spent all the money you could have been boating on a nice one.

Even starting with a "nice one" you will be staggered by the amount of work a nice one needs. If the deck bungs are out it means the decks are very thin and can't be fixed, they must be replaced.

It took me two weeks of daily work to redo the finish on the outside teak and I only put on 4 coats. My boat was already in good to excellent condition and it was 10' shorter than this one.

Walk away.

 

[Peter B]

Yes I'm sure she leaks but I'm not sure she has much damage yet. From what I understand if the teak plugs are poped water can get inside. My plan was to restore deck where she sits then possibly move her to the ocean for a live aboard and light usage.

If the interior shows no sign of moisture intrusion, then things may not be that bad. The deck might be an issue, but the water gets in through the screw holes under the plugs and into the fibreglass layer under that, and if it has been covered a long time, even if there are deck perforations, it might not matter as the core will be dry anyway, it has been under cover so long. Unless the teak decking is otherwise really good, I'd suggest having it all stripped off, then a new layer of marine ply laid down, and then non-skid fibreglass decks laid over that. Professionally done preferably. Yes, it'd cost a bit, but it would be a really good thing to do, as there would be no future water intrusion through the deck, so add to the resale appeal immensely. This is how the new models like that are usually done now anyway. My boat had that done about 18 years ago, and its fine, with no interior leaks, and it is 41 yrs old.

Then, if the tanks are ok, because they have not had decks leaking down onto them, (quite possible, if covered so long), they may be fine with a clean-out. Same with the engine. New hoses, full jacket flush, new filters...probably batteries, etc, and Bob's yeruncle...boat good to go...
Been there, done that, also...

 

[CaptainScotty]

Pictures

Everyone is so helpful I very much appreciate it. If you're ever in Lake of the Ozarks Missouri I will take you out boating. I'm in love with this vessel but I don't need Tough Love! ;>)

***Peter B or anyone- I have detailed pictures if anyone wants to help further I can email you pictures of the deck interior or anything else…
Grateful Dreamer Scotty

 

[CaptainScotty]

Roughly 20k for tank replacement.

Take a hose down to the boat and let it run on the the decks, house sides, window frames and roof. There will most likely be some leakage.

I would recommend a haul out to get a close look at the hull especially around the exhaust outlets.

Take a close look at the wiring under the upper and lower helm stations.

Check every hose in the boat including the head and fresh water plumbing.

Pull up the floor plates in the v-berth and get a look at the bilge and shower sump, do the same aft.

Get an engine survey before the oil is changed.

Have fun and enjoy!

Bob

Thx Bob. By the amount of parts and wire connectors and tools aboard I can expect some electrical issues… Fortunately my background is an electronic engineer. Just don't want to be surprise with big money issues… I will inspect the tanks have a diesel mechanic come out to the oil testing before I even think about doing an inspection and purchasing it… Love is blind and I need counseling LOL

 

[CaptainScotty]

I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole. By the time you have fixed all the crap and spent all the money you could have been boating on a nice one.

Even starting with a "nice one" you will be staggered by the amount of work a nice one needs. If the deck bungs are out it means the decks are very thin and can't be fixed, they must be replaced.

It took me two weeks of daily work to redo the finish on the outside teak and I only put on 4 coats. My boat was already in good to excellent condition and it was 10' shorter than this one.

Walk away.

I appreciate the straightforward recommendations… I've been more three boats down from her for six years… She's been flirting with me. So if I pay 15-20K for her. Figured 20K-30K in repairs. How much is she worth?? Of course this is with functional inspected fuel tanks that are not rusted and deck repairs.

 

[Larry M]

...Of course this is with functional inspected fuel tanks that are not rusted and deck repairs.

See if you can gain access to the inside of one tank. Is there an inspection port? Tanks can leak from the inside out also. If there's any water, gunk and sludge on the inside bottom, they can leak from pit corrosion.

 

[Capt.Bill11]

yeah, here's the thing. If I am reading this right, the boat hasn't moved from a covered slip in 6 years. My bet is that as soon as you are out in a strong rain, it will rain inside as well. No damage just means no rain, but I could be wrong.

You most likely are wrong. This is a GB we are talking about. Not your average "leaky teaky".

 

[Peter B]

Everyone is so helpful I very much appreciate it. If you're ever in Lake of the Ozarks Missouri I will take you out boating. I'm in love with this vessel but I don't need Tough Love! ;>)

***Peter B or anyone- I have detailed pictures if anyone wants to help further I can email you pictures of the deck interior or anything else…
Grateful Dreamer Scotty

Scotty, if the pics are on the computer, then just post them on here, so we can all give our cent's worth of advice. Just go advanced, down to manage attachments, and basically follow the prompts re choosing the pics you want - (Choose takes you to your browser), then select, you can do several at a time, but make sure you go down to the bottom of the window where the file names of the pics are listed to select upload or whatever it says, and be patient and wait for the whole pic upload to complete (on Mac I watch the blue line going across at top of window - in Windows it might be the hourglass or spinning circle), before you close the pic select window, and select the submit reply button.

 

[sunchaser]

Before you jump into this obvious quagmire, take a few weekends and look at vessels around St Charles. There are many nice marinas there with all sorts of vessels that have been fresh water kept, well maintained and under cover for their entire lives.

The vessel you have described sounds really scary, unless you have a big barn, wood shop, mechanical skills, upholstery experience and deep pockets. And not to mention, lots of free time.

 

[Greatlaker221]

It may be a deal killer or you roll the dice. The tanks are 30 plus years old. I received a quote today just for the fabrication of 2 tanks, $13,566. You may want to double that for the job.

Get a quote from ww.speedytanks.com

They are in NJ. Custom tanks for my Hershine were 4K I did the install. Very fast and good to deal with.

 

[dhays]

I appreciate the straightforward recommendations… I've been more three boats down from her for six years… She's been flirting with me. So if I pay 15-20K for her. Figured 20K-30K in repairs. How much is she worth?? Of course this is with functional inspected fuel tanks that are not rusted and deck repairs.

Sounds like you are smitten with this boat. Nothing wrong with that. Kind of like falling in love with a drug addicted prostitute with 5 kids. Lots of work, but could be wonderful in the end.

If I recall, this boat has been sitting for a long time? I would low-ball an offer on the boat. Figure out what moorage and insurance is costing the owner every month and then remind them of that. If the boat is never used, then they likely are at the point where they just want to get rid of it before it becomes an even bigger liability.

Do your best to get an idea of what all the necessary restoration work is. New tanks, new decks, replaced windows, revamped electrical etc.... Then figure out what it would cost to pay someone to do all that work. Then price out another GB that doesn't need that work done (ie has already had it done). The difference between the two is what you should pay (or the owner should pay you to take it off their hands).

I know that you are planning on doing much of the work yourself, but your time has value as well.

 

[refugio]

Sounds like you are smitten with this boat. Nothing wrong with that. Kind of like falling in love with a drug addicted prostitute with 5 kids. Lots of work, but could be wonderful in the end.

Except one might earn you some money and the authorities will generally leave her alone. The other is a boat.



Keith

 

[Xsbank]

I love the analogy of the drug-addicted prostitute - so very apt!

Except this prostitute also has one leg and two of the kids have fetal alcohol...

 

[cardude01]

"Sounds like you are smitten with this boat. Nothing wrong with that. Kind of like falling in love with a drug addicted prostitute with 5 kids. Lots of work, but could be wonderful in the end"

Now that's funny !!