Should I buy this boat? 1965 Feathercraft with Johnson 33 Seahorse

[redheaddiesel]

It's a nice boat for the age with electric start and a steering wheel/throttle counsel (as opposed to tiller). I could pick it up for $500 or less. Is this a good deal? I don't mind working on an engine, but can I find parts for an engine this old? Is it likely that the engine is near death? What would you all do?

Thanks in advance.

Matt. emoQuestion emoQuestion

 

[Guest]

That thing is older than dirt, finding parts will be rare if you ever need them and it probably couldn't be depended on to get you from point a to point b. Probably has cable and pulley steering which can't be repaired if it breaks. Keep looking for something else. My 2 cents worth

 

[NRG]

I second that opinion, pass on it unless you plan on buying a newer engine for it or have one already to replace the seahorse, almost impossible to find parts for engines below 1975, if you do buy it make sure you get oars, or a trolling motor to get back to shore with .. you will need it.
Ive owned many old boats over the years .. Im personally am sick of breaking down miles from the ramp because of old motors, my next boat motor will be less than 5yrs old if I can swing it.

You could buy the old boat use the motor if it works untill it dies on ya , then get a 25-40hp newer model put stick steering on it .. feather craft aluminum good ol boats prob worth the money even if the engine is junk

 

[Liveliner]

Buy it after you test drive it.  If it does the job for you go for it.  The boat and trailer may be worth that amount w/o the engine.  That thing has been around for this many years which proves that it can last.  It may still out-live many of the newer engines running the river.  Besides, if you use it several times you got your money's worth then resale it and get some of your money even if the engine dies.</p>

Make an offer at about $400.00

</p>

 

[Bubbakat]

Parts for those older engines can still be had. They aren't much higher then the newer type parts . Sierra has many aftermarket parts for them. Now the kicker to those older OMC engines was in fact that they loved gas and nothing I have been able to do to make the high usage go down any. I still keep 2 or 3 around for parts if anyone needs them.
As for the cable steering TSC has a variety of cables and pulleys that will interchange with those original pulleys but as for cable steering it is a dangerous situation to say the least.
As for the boats they were good boats and the trailers were in the mid range for durability and if I was going to buy it I would try to purchase it like it didn't have a motor, at least do a good compression check and water test.

 

[Buoy-Master]

I have a Montgomery Ward 25 horse at my dads. Its like new..No Joke! Runs good when the fuel is right and adjusted to the weather.

 I have it hanging on a 1964 Crestliner V-Hull. (with trailer) </p>

Its in great shape, just needs some paint and layout work. My brother and I need 700 for it but may keep it for putting out brush this winter. </p>

 

[xroadsbasser]

You can still find condensers, coils and points for those old engines online.

 

[fischnrod]

The older model evinrude/johnson engines were hard to beat,they were sorta like a timex,or the bunny.emoCool

 

[Reelman]

Google Feathercraft & you will find they are very collectible. Maybe if it's in really good shape you could resell it or trade up. Always fun to drive an old classic. . . .