Gilera

I'm looking at 70's-90's but have decided I want to make sure I get something that has already had the hard work done. Problem is that lots of people says that the boat has had floor/stringers/transom done professionally but then have no photo evidence or receipts etc.

Can anyone recommend a boat inspector for a pre-purchase inspection on an old fibreglass trailer boat in Brisbane/Gold Coast area? Who did you use and was it worthwhile? Don't mind spending some cash to get some confidence that I'm not buying a stuffed boat but want to make sure they are trustworthy. Don't know if it's true or not but I recently heard of a case where someone found a great deal on a boat and then felt that an inspector had shafted them by ringing one of his mates who then went and bought the boat prior to the inspection he'd booked.

Thanks everyone for the advice. It seems it is probably not the boat for me. Helped me alot in knowing some things to look out for next time.

I went and had another look. It is not too easy for me to get an expert to look at it as the owner is away currently. I could in a couple of weeks if it came down to it but these boats are at a price point where there is a limit of what the owner will be prepared to do for a sale. I realise it is always a gamble. I noticed a few things I didn't notice last time (it was raining then and a bit hectic). There is some cracking in the surface of the gel coat in a few places. Kind of oval shaped around the two rear angled rollers on the trailer and also along the base of some of the chines - see photos below. I noticed that the boat is not sitting on the skid on one side and the roller may have been taking a lot of weight. I also have some photos of the new floor. I noticed when standing on the recessed part between the bunks that floor there was flexing and creaking but everywhere else felt solid to walk on. I took a cheap endoscope camera that plugs into my phone and stuck it up the bung hole. A small amount of dark stained water came out. Hard to get a focused image of the stringers but did get a couple of something wooden. I assume it wasn't the underside of the floor as that should be glassed over. For what it is worth I will post those too. I saw movement of some bugs crawling around in there. Any advice appreciated as I am not up for a project where floor has to be ripped out again or major structural repairs need to be made. I am in a position where I can leave the boat in the water for a few weeks at a time in summer and wouldn't want to have to worry about it taking on water.

No photos of underneath. I'm going around to have another look so I'll take some photos of the new floor and post them.

I'm looking at a late 70s Haines which has had the floor replaced. Transom seems solid. When I asked about stringers, the guy said they weren't done because they were ok. I'm a bit concerned that it could be a quick fix for sale. Is it common for floor to be gone but not stringers on these old boats?

No reason why it wouldn't suit fishing though for 1-2 persons though right? As long as the are a capable hull for good days outside. Moderate V hull and helm fairly far back should make for a fairly dry boat I would have thought.

I am looking for a family boat for the river that is also capable of the occasional trip outside. Emphasis is on the family boat part as I have 3 young kids and have a ramp a few hundred metres away. The Whittley half cab boats from 80s and 90s in 5-6m range seem to tick a lot of boxes. I realise they have less deck space and more cabin space than some other boats of this size but also seemed to have more extras from a time when boats were pretty basic. Wondering about build quality and performance as there is not a lot of info available online compared to other manufacturers. Does anyone have any experience? I assume that they are equally subject to rotten transom/floor/stringers as other similar boats from that era.

They look pretty good. Do you make them? On a fibreglass boat how would you attach to the boat?

I'm looking at keeping a runabout style fibreglass boat 16ft at my pontoon for periods of time when using it frequently during summer. I don't want seagulls crapping on the deck and unecessary sun damage to upholstery when not using it for a few days as it cops the western sun. What is the best option for a cover? Half-cabs often have storm covers that extend back from the cabin or folding canopy but I don't see that this would be as easy to fit on a runabout. The boat covers that are sold for storage/towing have straps that wrap around the bottom of the hull which wouldn't really work when it's in the water.

Thanks!!

Thanks guys. Yes I think there are other good boats around that don't command the premium of having the Haines or Seafarer name. I have noticed several old Caribbeans for sale where there is specific mention of "solid transom and floor" in the ad. Not sure if there is anything to that in terms of build quality over other boats from the same era as rot is the biggest issue in boats this size - it isn't terribly cost effective to get them redone unless you're willing to do it yourself. I saw a Safari with a 135hp on it. Perhaps not legal with that size motor.

Anyone know anything about this model? Surprisingly little info available online for a large boat manufacturer. They are 16ft from and what i can see they were made in the 80s. I guess that era would mean that they don't have a Pride equivalent. From a first glance they sort of appear like more of a ski style runabout with back to back seating but seem to have a deep V. Also seem to be able to handle big motors. I am wondering whether it might be suitable for reef fishing on good days and also a family runabout in the rivers. Not expecting miracles from a 16 ft boat but for example whether it would perform similarly to a Haines V16 or Seafarer V sea etc. Anyone owned one or know detailed specs - max hp, seating cap etc ??

As above - has anyone every heard of these hulls? I never have. I'm looking at a hull advertised which is called a "165" - 16 foot half cab. Wanted to find some info on build quality and performance but could find nothing. Guessing its from the 80s.