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I know this question has been asked about 100 times, but I have found a 1971 16'/17' (model unknown) within about 4 hours from my house. The guy is asking $2200, is is worth the drive to go look at? It has a 1971 Johnson, condition unknown and a small trolling motor. No consol or wood left in the boat, it has side rails? I was thinking of offering about $1000 for the hull, thoughts?
I have been looking for a few months and so far this is the only thing close to my house to go look, but don't want to over spend.

Thanks,

Brian

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If the hull is not in bad shape it would certainly be worth it.You could always stick a small motor on it and steer from the back until you figure out how you want to outfit the interior. You did not mention a trailer. Good luck. Tom B.

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Brian,
Your story almost is exactly to mine back in 2006. Except I drove 6 hours. My concern was that the deck was sound with no soft spots, and the transom was solid. I was not that intrested in the trailer or the motor. At the time most of what I was seeing was in the Carolinas, seems to be a lot of Whalers there but mine came up on E-bay in Longview Texas. Well the hull was sound and I purchased. On the drive home the Magic Tilt trailer pulled so well at interstate speeds that I was determined to get past the fact there was no title and keep it ( that was a ordeal with LA. DMV ). I spent 2 years building wood work from plans downloaded here and from the first site I found, Countinuswave. Almost every minute of my spare time for 2 years. And roughly about another 2 to 3 grand invested. Many times disgusted, and thanks to this site I would be inspired to continue.
When I was ready enough to float it I planned to try to get some use from the old 1975 Jhonson outboard. I brought it to a local independant outboard mechanic to check it out. He stopped me out front and said, due it's age before he would take it he wanted to test it, he attached something to the spark plug wires and then a compression check, he said it passed with flying colors and was proud to work on my Whaler. Upon picking it up later he thanked me again for chosing him to work on my Whaler. I believe that Whalers and the items attached command more respect and care than most other comparable vessels.
BTW If I had it all to do over again I believe I would purchase my wood work from Specialty Marine for I only had home owners hand tools and found my self surfing the web to learn every thing from how to calc. board feet to woodworking joining methods (IE: the pilot seat ) hence the slow methodical progress.
I am still not 100% (gel coat work) But am able to enjoy her. Bob

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Thanks for the answer's, I went to try and contact the person, but they have taken their listing down. It must have sold, well on to the next deal I can find.