As some of you guys know I have a friend that is buying a boat. Well he went from getting a new boat to wanting to take a small loan for a small boat to only wanting to spend $2500-$3000 on a used boat. So basically he doesnt want to empty his bank account. Which is fine. So he is going to get this boat today..

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/boa/777771709.html

it isnt a pretty boat but it seems to be in good condition and recently totally overhauled and the guy has receipts. SO we are planning on installing a stereo system in it as well as tinting the windows and painting the brown stripe black. What do I need to know about painting the brown stripe? It doesnt have to be a professional paint job but we want to to look decent.

 

Your stealing my boat thunder, lol.

 

Is that an old Invader tri-hull? Late 70's, early 80's?

 

Not sure if its an invader but its an early 80's model. Its in pretty decent shape though and almost everything has been replaced on it this year. It might be the best looking boat but I think it has some potential after some paint.

 

sorry buddy

 

I wouldn't paint that stripe black. You'll be painting over the gel coat, which means that WHEN (not if, but when) the boat gets scratched the brown will show again.

 

I can't tell for sure the brand of boat either but if it's an Invader, they were decent boats. About the power, I can't see any tilt/trim on the engine. It may be there but if it doesn't have it, he'll learn to hate it. It also appears to have a 19" Raker II SS prop on it. If so, that's about a $350.00 prop new and about half that repaired. For this boat and that prop, he's probably telling you straight about the speed. This particular engine will be the old cross flow engine and are pretty bullet proof with the exception that these engines are not easy on the water impeller(water pump). Make sure that the impeller, which is made of rubber, is changed every other year. If this engine gets hot, it's toast and a rebuild is the cure. I'm not a fan of cable steering and when you guys first take it out, be careful as sometimes these systems have lots of play in the steering. As far as the boat, I'd play first and paint later if at all. You'll learn to hate black on the water as it water spots bad. I'd suggest a similar color or something lighter. To paint, you'll need to sand the entire brown color with 320 grit paper and make sure there is zero shine anywhere you are going to paint. A good marine primer and a good top coat applied by a good brush will produce near spray results. Use auto shop tape, not Home Depot tape, to mask off the white. Here's a marine paint that I've used before and the Sea Ray I used it on came out like brand new. I'll be doing my squirt boat when I'm thru with the running gear using this paint.
http://www.pettitpaint.com/catalog_browse.asp?ictNbr=45


But for now, get the boat, get the beer, get to the water and have fun! Jeez, I think I pity the girls around the lakes of Dallas!

 

well my buddy showed up at the guys place after driving an hour to get there and no one was home. So they went down to the lake down the street just to check it out and they saw the guy there with another buyer. The boat had been sold 20 minutes before he got there. Thats craigslist for you.

DAMNIT!!!!

 

Did your buddy not make any attempt to tell the guy he was coming to look at the boat?

 

All I know is that they had talked earlier today and agreed to meet up at around 6pm. Not sure if he called on the way out there.