General insight and advice

[crsavage1]

Lurked for a long while and followed many of the restore threads. I am pretty handy but have not owned a boat before. Would love a CC in the 20ft range that needed work and a repower but concerned about getting in over my head. I know it’s wise to have boats surveyed but is that advice sound for every situation? I love the idea of putting in the work, I enjoy projects. I am particular and like doing things the right way and taking my time. Also need to be mobile as we visit a few different lakes that are some distance away hence the thought of looking at the 20 ft range. Big enough for my family of 3 but not horrible to tow. Is that sound thinking? Any insight as to best way to find what I am looking for without getting into a boat that exceeds my ability? I like fiberglassing but not a ton of experience. I have a ton of tools so hopefully have most of what I need but it seems like a fine line between a boat that can be upgraded over time vs a complete rebuild is that accurate? Thanks for any help and advice as I look to get started.

[wattaway2]

You have come to a great place for restoration advice if your handy with tools you can do it but be warned it is not cheap.most of the advice given here will save you TIME and money in the long run and there’s always seams to be more than one way to do almost anything!
A 20’ boat is one of the most used sized boats good load capacity and easy to trailer. A 20 seacraft is one of if not the most capable boats ever made

[crsavage1]

Thanks wattaway2. I am torn between the two scenarios of getting something turn key or having a project. Being in Ohio, most 20' CC's are far away which make it tough to find the right project. Always keeping my eye out as ideally would really like to find a 20' SF or MA that needs the work but maybe not on life support. Always open to advice as to what to look for, what to stay away from and how to find the right boat for me. My cautious nature usually gets the better of me. Not afraid of investing the time and money into doing it right but scale is always interesting with most saying it took 3 X longer and 4 X the money than originally thought. Is there a rough scale for these types of restores? Thanks for any additional insight.

[manitunc]

Maybe look at my 19' seacraft. It was completely rebuilt with bracket a few years ago. no wood. 2004 Evinrude D150. Nice combination, but I can't justify having two boats, so one has to go. Or maybe both. Pics are in my album here. Trailer was rebuilt 3 years ago with new torsion axles and wheels.

[crsavage1]

Originally Posted by manitunc

Maybe look at my 19' seacraft. It was completely rebuilt with bracket a few years ago. no wood. 2004 Evinrude D150. Nice combination, but I can't justify having two boats, so one has to go. Or maybe both. Pics are in my album here. Trailer was rebuilt 3 years ago with new torsion axles and wheels.

That boat is awesome! Are you actively selling and if so what are you asking for it? That is truly turn key and an extremely cool ride.