Thinking about this 82 S&S

[dug]

I'm a newbie to inboards and am looking to replace our dying '87 i/o with a true ski boat. Mastercraft is calling my name There's an '82 Stars and Stripes for sale near me, asking $5200, and I'm wondering what y'all think of it. Photos are posted here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/1137849...7631074451168/

I'm not afraid of restoration work, but am curious if you think the exterior can be brought back - the metalflake sections are down to the metal flake. I'm also wondering what price range I should budget for reupholstery.

Any info much appreciated!

Cheers,
Du

[mzimme]

I think $5200 is a little steep for a boat that needs new interior and is down to the metal flake. I bought my '83 for $4k, and I paid $1,000 for my interior excluding carpet. Looks like that one is the same color as mine

Trailer looks great though, and some TLC on the gel will more than likely bring it back nicely. The metal flake will need some sort of clearcoat over it since it's down to the flake, but that's not a huge deal if you're up for the project. Also, that drivers seat has probably ripped out of the wood floor that it sits on, which is the reason for that extra wood plank under the seat. If the floor is rotted, it will need to be replaced. You might find that the stringers need work as well. If that's the case, I'd pass... or pay about half of what hes asking.

[03geetee]

I would look into an 83 and up if you are looking for your first inboard. No wood to worry about so you can focus your time and money on the interior and exterior instead. Just my .02.

Also I think 5200 is steep in this market unless its coming with lots of ski extras. I paid 4200 for mine 2 years ago with cover, bimini, trailer, and all the Factory Mastercraft books and manuals. That stuff is not necessary but was nice to have.

JTR

[barefoot]

Originally Posted by 03geetee

I would look into an 83 and up if you are looking for your first inboard.

JTR

that's some good advice there. In mid '83 is when MC switched to fiberglass stringers....before that, they were all wood. You know, time, water, and wood are prone to rotting effects. Replace stringers is a big project to get into....one that I'd prefer not to do.

You're looking for a boat in a good time of year. You should be able to find a great deal on a boat that someone doesn't want to winterize and store. If you're willing to do that, you should be able to get 20% off the price versus the peak time of year.

[madcityskier]

Based on the wood on the floor and amount of old oil on top of the engine I agree. Take a pass and keep an eye out for a better deal. If you want a project to call your own this would have potential for $3k or less. My opinion, yours may differ.

[ahhudgins]

Looks like a good project boat. The guys asking price is in the ball park for a boat that has been well maintained, not neglected. Can't blame him for trying. The cheap fix under the driver's seat and the tape all over the pylon are warning signs for me. If you want some thing to work on I'd only offer him about half.