Best guess on repair costs

[trifan]

First of all, the title is a bit wrong. I ran across an advert for a 37' Searunner trimaran which appears to be somewhat serviceable but for some of the work involved I have no idea of the costs. Not even broad, ballpark estimates. If those on CF in the know would look at the link and give me some idea I would appreciate it.
https://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/boa/5975362594.html

Thanks...

[skipmac]

Not certain but from the photos looks like a plywood skin over wood frames. It so, be very, very, very careful. Could be a nightmare.

If the damage is no more than the ad says (sure, right) and you DIY, maybe.

Pay a boat yard, no way. Cost double or triple what the boat is worth.

[skipmac]

More.

Electronics are old and basically add zero to the value.

Ad says
-rigging is in good shape, needs some upgrades. Translation. It's all original and needs to be replaced, all of it.
-engine is clean, many new upgrades done this winter. Translation. It's also the original 1984 engine and the owner did new filters, an oil change and whatever basic maintenance was required to keep the engine running.
-Walker Bay 8' dinghy included. How old, what condition?
Probably old and worn out.
-GPS, VHF, Depth, new 4 house batteries, new cranking battery, battery charger, solar panel, refrigerator What kind of fridge? AC powered dorm fridge for $150 or a real 12V marine built in unit?, stove, new 26 gallon water tank">fresh water tank 26 gallons isn't much for cruising and liveaboard, sinks work If he has to say the sinks work I have to wonder about other stuff, head...

[Boatguy30]

8-10k DIY

25-30K modest priced professional

[Boatguy30]

That's for a functional, sound boat not for a world cruiser

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

That's for a functional, sound boat not for a world cruiser

Agree. And I think your cost estimates should be in the ballpark, assuming the OP doesn't get into the project and run into any serious unpleasant surprises. Then those numbers could double.

Also, don't forget the rule of boat projects. Everything always costs twice as much and takes twice as long as your best estimate. And if you try to fool the boat repair gods by making estimates and then doubling that to allow for the rule of boat projects then it will still take twice as long as your doubled estimate.

[trifan]

Yeah, I know about those boat gods and their cousins.
From what I remember, Jim Brown boats were plywood over frame then epoxied.
I was trying to see if my estimates were in line with others and, so far, they are.
The question is if I really want to get involved with a project and am leaning toward the "No".

Thanks, all.

[gts1544]

Figure $75 to $125 per hour boatyard labor rate, depending on skill needed and location.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by trifan

Yeah, I know about those boat gods and their cousins.
From what I remember, Jim Brown boats were plywood over frame then epoxied.
I was trying to see if my estimates were in line with others and, so far, they are.
The question is if I really want to get involved with a project and am leaning toward the "No".

Thanks, all.

A wise choice. Even finding haul out and storage would be a problem. The leaking chain plates would be of a concern as far as dry rot along with scarfing in plywood on the ama.

[Stumble]

The problem with wood boats is you just don't know how bad the damage is until you start tearing away the wood. Plywood particularly rots from the inside out, so it may be a 6" bad spot visible but much larger once you start exposing the edges.

That being said, and assuming the rot is localized...

A new rudder is easy, Phils Foils willl make you a new NACA profile one for about $3,000.

If the chainplate problem is well known and resolved then it has been fixed before. Find out what it has cost for previous work and double that. Realistically I would guess another $3,000 unless the problem is huge.

A six foot hole.... not a single blessed idea. Get a few yards to give you a quote on a not to exceed basis if you can, if not whatever the quote double it.


The rest of the stuff frankly is just old boat issues, nothing specific to this one.



Fwiw the seller seems pretty upfront about the issues theboat faces, so I would actually expect there aren't any major known defects he isn't disclosing. But there may be unknown ones, and you won't find those until you get a surveyor onboard.

[baycruiser]

Great boat if it has been well biult originally and is cheap enuf and you can find a good cheap storage there is nothing to worry about it is always easy to get a good almost tradie to do most work which is not beyond average handyman ..IT is amazing how easy most of these boats are to repair and everdure or similar product is an absolute must buy plenty of it and use it liberally asap any where there is suspect timber and will seal and repair most areas until you get around to it most repars infact all above water line can be done on water budget is not much of a problem to me just committment