dented sled? new pics

kidkodger · 11-22-2007, 07:22 PM

This is a little premature as I havn't actually seen the boat yet, but, I have an oportunity to purchase a used open boat. It's a 1998 19' thor-built. The price is appropriate and the owner is up-front saying he used the boat for what was built for and there are multiple dents in the hull. The pics of the rest of the boat looks good. It's hard to see much in the pics of the hull but there are no gashes just big "dimples" and plenty of them. They are in the front two thirds of the hull and "don't affect the performance or leak." This will be a first sled for me and I'm thinking a good trainer.

What are your thoughts on dents? What about repair? I haven't found much on the net about that specificaly (any links?) Is any body running a "beater" like this?

I will update after I see it tomarrow.
Thanks for your thoughts

Okie · 11-22-2007, 09:34 PM

My impression is the metal in the bottom of the boat is not heavy enough to with stand a hit on rocks or other objects. I have a 20ft boat that is over 20 years old and seen much rough use and there isn't any dents in the bottom of the boat. I contribute this the thicknes of the aluminum plate used in the construction. It will take a tremendus hit to dent a bullet proof aluminum bottom. The thickness of the marine alloy used for the construction of the boat could be the cause of the dents. It's not heavy enough to take much rough use.

Good Luck;

stevo · 11-23-2007, 10:15 AM

My 1993 Alumaweld has two big dents in the bottom, it originally was a jet, now a prop. One of them is over a foot long and progresses, bow to stern, to almost an inch deep! OUCH! Glad I wasn't there the day that was made.
Anyhoo, it looks bad, but does not seem to affect the performance of the boat at all, and does not leak. That said, this is my first aluminum boat as well, so don't have a good frame of reference. I run my boat pretty hard, though, cracked the hull where the step deck joins the side, woops! I just love running hard in a rough water and watching the faces of the folks sitting up front. Yes, I am a bit psycho. pls no lectures.

willierower · 11-23-2007, 11:37 AM

If they dont hurt the performance, dont worry about it! Just consider it pre-dented!

Thinner guage aluminum is easier to repair than the heavy guage stuff, Thats why most boat builders use it. Plus it stretches more before it rips, Little added safety just in case you hit something too hard.

Captain Kirk · 11-23-2007, 02:35 PM

There called "Smart Bumps" Cuzzz every time you get one you get a little smarter. And after awhile you don't get them any more.

Slayer · 11-23-2007, 02:49 PM

If its truely a sled, and it aint dented, then you havent been where you need to be.

troybuz · 11-23-2007, 03:47 PM

True, dents, as long as they do not effect performance, are not really a big deal.
On that note, know what it will cost to repair them, as most bottom repairs exceed $2500.00. Also, make sure its water tight, and remember, once aluminum stretches, it fails much easier than when in its original state.
Also, pull the floors and make sure no structural welds are broken. It's amazing how tough these sleds can be, but on the flip side, it's sometimes amazing some of the damage you can find. Structural damage would need to be fixed ASAP, as if not, the entire hull will move and flex where it's not suppose to.
Contact Motion Marine of you have any really specific questions, as they are one of the premier repair facilities in the metro area.
Good luck,
Troy

adobe wall · 11-23-2007, 04:23 PM

I put a shoe sized dent in the bottom of my super-v earlier this year. It was a very hard impact (thought I was going to ride that particular tree right up onto the bank- sideways).

While I can get to that one, I didn't get it fixed because I don't think I've gotten smart enough to avoid denting it again. The other dents are in portions of the boat that are foamed in, and would be a real bear to fix.

It should be priced accordingly, and other than that shouldn't be an issue. Don't feel rushed to buy it though- there will be non-dented ones that show up in the next few months.

regards, aw

Duckwheat · 11-23-2007, 04:38 PM

I can remeber when I got into river boats. A local here told me there are two types of guys. Those who have hit rocks, and those who are going to hit rocks. He was right. I can still my first rock. The second one required a repair. Get over it, go play.

If it doesn't make it cavitate, don't sweat it.

Here in Idaho a boat that does not have some bottom remodel is a boat that has not been out of the garage.

Duckwheat

Chrome Bumper · 11-23-2007, 04:52 PM

If it drives ok and doesn't leak no repair is required. Cold working alumunum makes it prone to cracking, but cracked skin can be cut and inserted when necessary. Our 34' launch got a little itty bitty dent in a thinner 1/4" thick plate area, and it has since turned into a leaking crack. She has twin 400 hp cats for power so the bottom does get some pretty good wave slapping.

Buy a beat at beater prices and enjoy.

Seefood Man · 11-25-2007, 10:22 AM

All good advice here, but I think this was the best,

"Don't feel rushed to buy it though- there will be non-dented ones that show up in the next few months."

rv10pilot · 11-25-2007, 03:53 PM

Those are nothing! I have seen a lot worse and they did not effect the handling of the boat. I also wouldn't worry about fixing them until it gets really bad, then they would normally cut the bottom out and lay down new aluminum.

kidkodger · 11-27-2007, 08:09 PM

I had a talk with the owner of Thor-built (great guy!) and decided this boat is a good deal. It's a 19'6" 6 degree with a 6' bottom and aluminum trailer. I got the boat, trailer, and blown 200hp merc. for $3500. I'll have the merc looked at but I have another motor to put on it. Thanks for your input and look for me on the rivers soon, I'll be the that &%^#N' guy in the big red boat, atleast untill I learn better.

WaterDog · 11-27-2007, 08:45 PM

$3500?

Are you kidding?

That is a steal. The metal is worth more than that. I would have bought it in heart beat on the spot. Great find.

Bobberman · 11-28-2007, 05:00 AM

$3500 ? you got robbed, I will come over right now and give you $4000

Starfish · 11-28-2007, 05:03 AM

Holy smokes! What a great deal-- a fixer-upper but a smokin' price.

boone · 11-28-2007, 06:52 AM

Man you stole that boat... those are the deals we all dream of.

rv10pilot · 11-28-2007, 07:05 AM

You don't want that boat. it is dented!!! I'll come pick it up.

Really, you couldn't have made a better deal!

weekender · 11-28-2007, 08:11 AM

Thats what we call a free boat because when you sell it in 5-7 years you'll get more than you paid for it.

fishkisser · 11-28-2007, 01:49 PM

Great buy,

you could trash it for what you paid for it and it would still be worth your buying price ...

KingFisher85 · 11-28-2007, 02:14 PM

I don't think you know what kind of deal you got!

lundprov · 11-28-2007, 02:17 PM

heck i will buy it from you right now

adobe wall · 11-28-2007, 04:41 PM

Yeah sometimes "the rest of the story" makes quite a difference. Heckuva deal.

Thanks for the follow up post, enjoy the boat.

regards, aw

alanmikkelsen · 11-29-2007, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slayer

If its truely a sled, and it aint dented, then you havent been where you need to be.

If you ain't hittin bottom, ya ain't jet boatin'

SS Piledriver · 12-05-2007, 03:20 PM

well done

Duckwheat · 12-05-2007, 08:36 PM

That boat will be dangerous with all the damage to the bottom. It could cavitate and go out of control pitching the wife in to the river.

I will drive over half way and bring it back to Idaho. We are not as smart as you guys to the west of us.

Civically minded Duckwheat

tillerdemon · 12-08-2007, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kidkodger

I had a talk with the owner of Thor-built (great guy!) and decided this boat is a good deal. It's a 19'6" 6 degree with a 6' bottom and aluminum trailer. I got the boat, trailer, and blown 200hp merc. for $3500. I'll have the merc looked at but I have another motor to put on it. Thanks for your input and look for me on the rivers soon, I'll be the that &%^#N' guy in the big red boat, atleast untill I learn better.

Right on!
Want to know some history on that boat? Well here it is, it was my boat no big deal i'm nobody but that boat was also owned by Tom Nelson of Skagit River outfitters and Nick Kester from All Star Charters. All dents were in it when I bought it........ This boat is a fish catching machine..... While i owned i replaced all wiring redid the carpet in the Rod trays put new diamond plate cover on the bow painted it Ferrari Red to bad the ol merc blew not sure why it did run like a top. Good for you, you got a steal for $3500.00 i certainley didn't sell it that cheap.

Big_Daddy · 12-09-2007, 03:16 PM

Hey Kidkodger...

What did you do with the Merc??

kidkodger · 12-09-2007, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Daddy

Hey Kidkodger...

What did you do with the Merc??

I took it to my mech. to see about a rebuild. He said it's not a good candidate for a rebuild. It was rebuilt atleast once and the oil mixer has been disabled and it looks like it was run without premix. I think I'm going to sell the tiller and pump and scrap the rest. I made another post about the value of the two.....any thoughts?

BTW, my local jet boat headquarters quoted me 6-8 hours of labor @ $100 an hour to pull off this motor, then remove the motor from my dads sled and put it on the thorbuilt. I think that if I had a means to lift the motors I could do it myself in half that time. Am I missing something?

Tillerdemon, Thanks for the info, I love to know the history of the boats I've owned. I talked with Mike at Thorbuilt he didn't build it but knew the boat and some of the guys that have owned it. I know those guys by reputation and seminars and stuff it would be fun to run into them out fishing.

smalldog · 12-09-2007, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kidkodger

I took it to my mech. to see about a rebuild. He said it's not a good candidate for a rebuild. It was rebuilt atleast once and the oil mixer has been disabled and it looks like it was run without premix. I think I'm going to sell the tiller and pump and scrap the rest. I made another post about the value of the two.....any thoughts?

BTW, my local jet boat headquarters quoted me 6-8 hours of labor @ $100 an hour to pull off this motor, then remove the motor from my dads sled and put it on the thorbuilt. I think that if I had a means to lift the motors I could do it myself in half that time. Am I missing something?

Tillerdemon, Thanks for the info, I love to know the history of the boats I've owned. I talked with Mike at Thorbuilt he didn't build it but knew the boat and some of the guys that have owned it. I know those guys by reputation and seminars and stuff it would be fun to run into them out fishing.

Get a couple of friends to help you. Three guys can pick up that motor.
Pop the old one off and drop the new one one. Once its on, you can slide it side to side by yourself. Just center it. Spend that money on any mods you have to make...

Fineato · 12-16-2007, 09:13 AM

Im pretty sure i looked at the very same boat in sultan a month or 2 back. He was trying to sell it for 5500 or something.... 3500 is a good deal. had i known he was letting it go for that much i would of sprang as i have a perfect 150hp black maxx sitting in my shop.

Pull the floor out get a board and mallet and pound that B#$#( out!! run it until you are compfortable, then sell it for the max and buy a real boat from Glen Wooldridge.

umpkin:

Good deal man sounds like you will put it to good use! Have fun!