Alum. Boat repair

G-unit · Post by **G-unit** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 7:18 pm

Hey guys,
I got my dads 18 foot Gregor when i was 18. I am 26 now and so is the boat. I was wondering if anyone had some insight for me. I need to TIG weld (i think) a small crease in the hull. And, re-power on a 26 year-old transom.
The boat needs a full rebuild which is no big deal because me dad and i built it in the first place from just a hull.
Am I better off starting over on a new boat? I figure $6K to re-power min. Was wondering if anyone has any thoughts they want to share (good or bad) or can share a similar story.

Thanks for the Look,
Matt

swordfish · Post by **swordfish** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 7:37 pm

I suggest add up the engine and rebuild costs to the hull, and see whats on the market for the same money there are some very good deals out there. And maybe you can still keep the Gregor in the family keeping costs down with a basic clean up . That transom will be an easy fix no worries there. Only spend your money on a low hours super clean boat if looking elsewhere.

DeltaBassBuster · Post by **DeltaBassBuster** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 12:16 am

I've had my 12 ft Custom Valco "BASSBUSTER1" for over 10 years now. The hull originally is an '84 model, it took some work, but it's been looking good. I'm not going to do any more upgrades any more, it has a new motor, trolling motor and fishfinder. It's going to be difficult to give it up some day when I'm ready to buy a full size bass boat. I hope this inspires a possible rebuild. I had alot of fun building my first boat. I was around the same age back then lol.

G-unit · Post by **G-unit** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 5:35 pm

That thing is sweet. Trust me a rebuild is my goal. Just putting the feelers out to catch possible nightmares before i start!

DeltaBassBuster · Post by **DeltaBassBuster** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 10:35 pm

My garage is 21 feet, I'm curiuos what lenghth of full size bass boat I would be able to buy/store in my garage when ready. See the size of my trailer? I've also thought at one time of buying another aluminum hull 14 or 16 footer and having fun rebuilding again, but I've always dreamed of having a full size fiber glass bass boat some day.

norcalbones · Post by **norcalbones** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 1:54 pm

Ranger

DeltaBassBuster wrote:My garage is 21 feet, I'm curiuos what lenghth of full size bass boat I would be able to buy/store in my garage when ready. See the size of my trailer? I've also thought at one time of buying another aluminum hull 14 or 16 footer and having fun rebuilding again, but I've always dreamed of having a full size fiber glass bass boat some day.

I recently did the same thing, after years of fishing from a Valco much like yours, I finally was in a position to buy my first "real" bass boat, the size of my garage was a major issue when looking for a boat. After months of looking I finally found a great deal on an 89 Ranger 330V, the boat was in immaculate condition for it's age & it fits in the garage wit 2" to spare on either end (When kitty cornered). The official hull length is 16'10" but with the trailer tongue & motor it is all the boat my garage can handle. So I would stick to the 17' boats or less, or find one with a trailer that has a breakaway tongue. that will give you an extra couple feet to play with. Hope this helps.