Considering a 1989 Sundancer 268 project, any tips?

Cuda14 said:
Where do I start? Sadly, don't think I'm up to the task of this boat. She needs more than just some banging and elbow grease. Just to reiterate, guy who is selling it, is actually reselling for the folks who bought from him. In the year they bought it, came and did small work, they also allowed for a ton of wear/tear/ and damage.

I'll attach a few pics here but will dump the rest in an Imgur album here.

View attachment 101017 View attachment 101018 View attachment 101019 View attachment 101020 View attachment 101021 View attachment 101022 View attachment 101023 View attachment 101024 View attachment 101025 View attachment 101026

  • Front bilge was full of water and guy said he wasn't sure if the pump worked. We couldn't test as no batteries.
  • Cabin doors were left open to the elements. The carpet immediately in the opening and closest to aft cabin is completely soaked - 44% moisture according to MR40.
  • Mildew/mold/stains almost everywhere in the interior
    (while I wasn't expecting perfect by any means, it was way dirtier than when original pictures were taken for ad)
    Guy said the current owners came and lived on it while they worked on it... left AC running a lot but nothing to dehumidify the cabin.
  • Hull damage (tower mount, rub rail, a few other spots) wasn't as bad as I thought and do think I could patch fiberglass if needed.
  • Deck itself was in pretty rough shape. You'll see in pictures where mold and moss had started to take hold on all the carpet. To be honest, it may be as simple as ripping out and replacing but once I saw that... started to lose motivation fast.
  • Stern/Outdrive - Rough.. but salvageable. Looks somewhat better in person but I do believe the outdrive would need to be completely disassembled and cleaned thoroughly, probably sand/shell blasted. Stern itself seemed hard... I banged, couldn't notice any sagging, soggyness, softness, etc.
  • Hull - this wasn't nearly as I though originally. I think there are 2 or 3 layers of bottom paint that would need to be sanded down, then repaint.
  • Foredeck - got up on top, walked around (6'2", 235lbs) and couldn't notice any signs of damaged fiberglass. No sag, soggy, softness that I could tell. It flexed ever so slightly when I would push up from knees.
  • Engine - no oil leak that I could see! Must've been just really dirty down there and a bad picture. Lots of wet grimy leaves though.
All in all (and I knew this going into it) probably going to be too much work that... at least right now - I care to do for the cost. I'd rather pay upfront, turn key and enjoy without worrying about potentially major repairs. No, no, no.. I didn't say defer maintenance forever. ;)

I have concerns that water has probably been soaking through the floor for awhile, who knows what the stringers may look like, carpet definitely would need to be replaced. A lot of the cushions in aft cabin were also damp/wet. Not a fan that water has been sitting in the front bilge for so long, who knows why or what condition the pump is in (albeit easy replacement). Lastly, I don't want to deal with a grimy interior, no matter the good deal or not.

I was hoping for that unicorn situation where I paint the bottom, TLC outdrive, clean up mechanical components, and hopefully she doesn't take on water. Enjoy cheap boat for as long as possible.

That said - I learned a lot by talking with all of you and by going to look at this in person. I now know more what I want in a boat (esp a used boat) and also, what to look out for in a used boat (thank you!).

The boat bug bit hard though and I think the serious planning for a nice used one begins now. It's gotten me off my rump and the SO excited. This won't be the end... :)
Click to expand...
 
Cuda14 said:
Where do I start? Sadly, don't think I'm up to the task of this boat. She needs more than just some banging and elbow grease. Just to reiterate, guy who is selling it, is actually reselling for the folks who bought from him. In the year they bought it, came and did small work, they also allowed for a ton of wear/tear/ and damage.

I'll attach a few pics here but will dump the rest in an Imgur album here.

View attachment 101017 View attachment 101018 View attachment 101019 View attachment 101020 View attachment 101021 View attachment 101022 View attachment 101023 View attachment 101024 View attachment 101025 View attachment 101026

  • Front bilge was full of water and guy said he wasn't sure if the pump worked. We couldn't test as no batteries.
  • Cabin doors were left open to the elements. The carpet immediately in the opening and closest to aft cabin is completely soaked - 44% moisture according to MR40.
  • Mildew/mold/stains almost everywhere in the interior
    (while I wasn't expecting perfect by any means, it was way dirtier than when original pictures were taken for ad)
    Guy said the current owners came and lived on it while they worked on it... left AC running a lot but nothing to dehumidify the cabin.
  • Hull damage (tower mount, rub rail, a few other spots) wasn't as bad as I thought and do think I could patch fiberglass if needed.
  • Deck itself was in pretty rough shape. You'll see in pictures where mold and moss had started to take hold on all the carpet. To be honest, it may be as simple as ripping out and replacing but once I saw that... started to lose motivation fast.
  • Stern/Outdrive - Rough.. but salvageable. Looks somewhat better in person but I do believe the outdrive would need to be completely disassembled and cleaned thoroughly, probably sand/shell blasted. Stern itself seemed hard... I banged, couldn't notice any sagging, soggyness, softness, etc.
  • Hull - this wasn't nearly as I though originally. I think there are 2 or 3 layers of bottom paint that would need to be sanded down, then repaint.
  • Foredeck - got up on top, walked around (6'2", 235lbs) and couldn't notice any signs of damaged fiberglass. No sag, soggy, softness that I could tell. It flexed ever so slightly when I would push up from knees.
  • Engine - no oil leak that I could see! Must've been just really dirty down there and a bad picture. Lots of wet grimy leaves though.
All in all (and I knew this going into it) probably going to be too much work that... at least right now - I care to do for the cost. I'd rather pay upfront, turn key and enjoy without worrying about potentially major repairs. No, no, no.. I didn't say defer maintenance forever. ;)

I have concerns that water has probably been soaking through the floor for awhile, who knows what the stringers may look like, carpet definitely would need to be replaced. A lot of the cushions in aft cabin were also damp/wet. Not a fan that water has been sitting in the front bilge for so long, who knows why or what condition the pump is in (albeit easy replacement). Lastly, I don't want to deal with a grimy interior, no matter the good deal or not.

I was hoping for that unicorn situation where I paint the bottom, TLC outdrive, clean up mechanical components, and hopefully she doesn't take on water. Enjoy cheap boat for as long as possible.

That said - I learned a lot by talking with all of you and by going to look at this in person. I now know more what I want in a boat (esp a used boat) and also, what to look out for in a used boat (thank you!).

The boat bug bit hard though and I think the serious planning for a nice used one begins now. It's gotten me off my rump and the SO excited. This won't be the end... :)
Click to expand...
The transom seat is gonna cost a fortune and I can’t even tell what is that moldy pic above it.
 
So I took afternoon off cause really nice out to bottom paint, but not into that so drinking beer with the old guys at corner bar and thinking. If you pass on 268, you should do some soul searching what style of boating you want. Dayboats, overnight, weekend, a week away, James River, the Bay. Most people have visions of spending a lot of time on boat then reality of daily schedule sets in. Got a dog? What you gonna do with it while on boat? Leave home or take it? Got an SO? How much time she really want to send on a boat(I almost got divorced over this in 92)? Work it out first.
 
That boat is toast. Water in the bilge on dry land is no good. Neglect kills many a boat. Good luck in your search.
 
Read an article about how the mid-cabin cruisers that we love have fallen out of favor, boaters these days prefer the bow rider day boats, sleep in their house, style. Not into sleeping in cramped boat with kids, cooking on alcohol stove, kids fussing. Days are gone and SR and others are building to the market.
 
For first boat I suggest an early 2000s 215 express cruiser, lots around, not too expensive, Good day boat for James River. Enough amenities for 1 night out.
 
Pirate Lady said:
For first boat I suggest an early 2000s 215 express cruiser, lots around, not too expensive, Good day boat for James River. Enough amenities for 1 night out.
Click to expand...
Or a pontoon boat. Hey, no joke, these things are all over our river, just read than Bennington, a pontoon boat manufacturer moved into a bigger factory cause they can’t keep up with demand.
 
Pirate Lady said:
So I took afternoon off cause really nice out to bottom paint, but not into that so drinking beer with the old guys at corner bar and thinking. If you pass on 268, you should do some soul searching what style of boating you want. Dayboats, overnight, weekend, a week away, James River, the Bay. Most people have visions of spending a lot of time on boat then reality of daily schedule sets in. Got a dog? What you gonna do with it while on boat? Leave home or take it? Got an SO? How much time she really want to send on a boat(I almost got divorced over this in 92)? Work it out first.
Click to expand...

Going to be doing some exploring during our first few lake/river trips this year. Riding bike out to the marinas and trying not to look suspicious as I look like a child in the candy store ;)

SO is who started me on the idea of a boat. She grew up with them on the Potomac. I grew up around cars and am into bikes these days. Rather than invest too much of my money and time on the asphalt (which she isn't the biggest fan of), I'd rather compromise and do something we both would enjoy a lot and can do together. We already love camping and the general outdoors. We're lucky enough to be close to a lot of different water bodies. With a boat - I still get to scratch the automotive itch to a degree while experiencing a whole new adventure in boating. Hopefully, day reality isn't too bad - we're both young & no kids, two dogs & a lot of free time. Dogs aren't too much an issue for us, good support structure nearby.

We live about 20 minutes from marina and like the idea of going there after work to hang out when the weather is nice, honestly the slip rates aren't that bad. That's what makes these cabin cruisers so appealing to me. I really play with the idea of being able to hang out on deck, enjoy the weather, grill dinner, small cruise, then head home or cruise/camp if it's the weekend. I saw your other post about folks wanting bow riders, feel like I'm almost the exact opposite.

Again, this particular boat kinda just fell on me when I was wasting time on the internet. If it was a 'runner' and could get cheap, do it. That's about a 1 in 50 scenario probably.

Pirate Lady said:
For first boat I suggest an early 2000s 215 express cruiser, lots around, not too expensive, Good day boat for James River. Enough amenities for 1 night out.
Click to expand...

I think I'm going to continue looking at cruiser, probably post-2000 21'-26'. I'll just admit it now, I fear I already suffer from 2foot-itis and I don't even own a boat. It's a tough soul search paired with grappling reality, like you said.

Cheers
 
You may have already mentioned it, but what is your budget?
Nice boats in the size you are selling can be pricey into the 50’s.
 
Heavy pass. On hold for now. In the year between the pictures from the ad and now... it was in rough shape.

Front bilge full of old water, carpet soaked, mold all over the walls, carpet on aft deck soaked. The transom and outdrive may have been salvageable but add on all the other stuff, no thanks.

SO and I are hoping in a year or two we'll have saved enough to start seriously shopping. I think our budget will be between 20-30K. Maybe look for something post-2000 but I'll always consider the 80s if they're in nice enough shape. Check out this beaut for instance.
 
Cuda14 said:
Heavy pass. On hold for now. In the year between the pictures from the ad and now... it was in rough shape.

Front bilge full of old water, carpet soaked, mold all over the walls, carpet on aft deck soaked. The transom and outdrive may have been salvageable but add on all the other stuff, no thanks.

SO and I are hoping in a year or two we'll have saved enough to start seriously shopping. I think our budget will be between 20-30K. Maybe look for something post-2000 but I'll always consider the 80s if they're in nice enough shape. Check out this beaut for instance.
Click to expand...
Those big wide straight drive express boats (34 and 39 express) are some of the nicest one's SR ever made.
 
Cuda14 said:
Heavy pass. On hold for now. In the year between the pictures from the ad and now... it was in rough shape.

Front bilge full of old water, carpet soaked, mold all over the walls, carpet on aft deck soaked. The transom and outdrive may have been salvageable but add on all the other stuff, no thanks.

SO and I are hoping in a year or two we'll have saved enough to start seriously shopping. I think our budget will be between 20-30K. Maybe look for something post-2000 but I'll always consider the 80s if they're in nice enough shape. Check out this beaut for instance.
Click to expand...
That is sweet! Not crazy about bright blue dash, but otherwise it’s great.
 
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