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I've posted this also in the boats forum, sorry for the double post but I need some assistance from the experts and wanted to get more chances for a reply. I've recevied one reply from a member recommending I purchase based on the photos. I am just hoping for a few more replies

Here is the text from my previous post. Read if you wish if not just check the pics and let me know. If needed I will post more pics later.

I have gone to look at a 1984 13 whaler with a modified center console. I really like the center console but there was a few flaws with the boat that made me think I should post pics here before I bought. The boat is a 1984 13 sport with custom center console and 1985 Evinrude 30hp on it. Seller is proving boat, trailer, motor, many accessories: trolling motor, hand-held gps, tools to work on boat with, two batteries, marine tex and other materials needed for repair work, Bimini top all safety equipment, life jackets, oar, flares, navigation lights for boat, spot lights, fire extinguisher and possible tackle and fishing rods/reels. He is also willing to deliver boat to my home so I do not pay until it is safe in my possession. I have gone to his home and looked at the boat and met him and he seems very nice and put a lot of time into the boat. I can see a lot of places that have been repaired but the boat seems solid we took it out for a spin and drove it around a lake for about a 1/2 hour and all was well with the motor and it seemed very quick even with two people. The boat handled very well and is just about everything I have been looking for. He is asking $3,600 for everything and this includes delivery. I may have taken him up on the offer but there was some damage that I wanted to let you guys look at first. links to Pics below:

http://s287.photobucket.com/albums/ll.../dflynn12/

I mainly would like to know if the cracks around the edge are anything to worry about. They appear to be just spider cracks though some could be deeper than others. I am willing to spend some time repairing the boat but I do not want to speed $3600.00 and then spend a month or two making repairs to everything before I start using it to fish. I'm certain the damage on the bottom needs to be fixed asap as I can see the blue/green laminate in some spots but I'm not sure about the cracks. They are mostly along the edge where the floor curves up to the walls. Pretty much all around the boat. Is this just cosmetic or could it be the start of a big headache?

The boat seemed very light so I don't believe it has absorbed much if any water and it was very fast on the water even with about 400lbs of people and cargo.

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I think the cracks are not a big deal.

The gouges should be a day 1 repair but are straight forward to fix yourself. Get one Spectrum Desert Tan repair kit and apply for the gouges. It appears the drain tube O rings are starting to fail (weeping marks on outside of the transom. I don't see the expected O ring and drain tube in the stern. Did the owner do a repair to the inside part. These should be a day +1 fix.

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Those interior "cracks" are very common. My 13 has them - The are more cosmetic than anything. Its damage from the sun.

As for the gouges. As CBO said - quite an easy fix with Spectrum repair kit.

Price seems ok considering all thats included. I bought my 1985 13 with a 1998 30hp Johnson for $3300.00 Had the standard interior which needed refinishing but none of the "extras" you are refferring to. I guess it depends on what those are worth to you. Being a 4 (well 5 if you count the one I have for sale) boat owner I have a bunch of stuff around so its value to me is less.

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Nothing there that would scare me away. The only item I would keep in mind id the age of the engine, and your local abitlity to get repairs. as you said, it runs fine, so that doesn't seem like an issue now. I would say, if you like it go for it. Price seems reasonble for what you're getting.

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Did you happen to notice the water line when it was in the water?

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Hull looks pretty good from pics, how many hours on the 23 yr. old engine ? how much time is left on it ? I'm figuring about $3,600 to repower with the same h.p., so it's going to cost about (give or take) $7,200 for what you want, (with a new engine), I'd say it fall's under a "Fair deal" for the whaler, the rest of the stuff is just cleaning out his garage.
mw

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My father is a mechanic who owns a machine shop which rebuilds marine engines. He said the engine was of no soncern to him and he would have no problem rebuilding it. I think I should be covered on the engine.

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If everyone agrees the hull is in decent shape and can be repaired easily then I'm pretty stoked because he is on his way here to deliver the boat. I could not find one person online that told me the hull was trashed and not to buy it based on my pics so I will be the owner of an 84 whaler soon. I'll be on here alot now. I'm going to need help cause I am new at all this so please excuse my ignorance in advance.

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Dflynn,

Glad to see you posting here as well. I have no idea why but jimh removed my lengthy reply to you post on CW last night. Looked like you where having trouble so I though I would help

Any way most here have echoed my similar thoughts. Congrats on the boat you will get a lot of enjoyment out of it.

My only question was there was a picture of the stern of the boat and it looked like there was a spot where a washer used to be and it looked like the hull had been repaint or re gelcoated at one time. Has it been?

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Welcome to "Whaler Central", congrat's on the boat, don't worry, you're in good hands, we all started where you are.
mw

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Aw Hell...
That ain't nothin'.....
Jam as much Marine tex in those holes, as you can mash in with a stick, and smooth off before setting....
After it sets, delicately sand smooth and use the Spectrum to beautify the patches...
The other dings look like they've barely penetrated the gel coat, the Spectrum will cover those nicely...
You should be able to enjoy that boat for many years....the initial "sticker shock" will be soon forgotten as you realize the real quality of the boat!;)
Welcome to WC!

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The spider cracks are just cosmetic, and are only in the gelcoat. You will have to live with them until the day comes that you want to refinish the boat with either paint or new gelcoat.
Rich