good deal or not? vector f/s

[dak]

There is a 79 vector for sale locally by me, the guy originally asked 2100 best offer, it has 175 hp omc (with a 200 gt hood) center steering with 2 seats, said solid floor and transom, decent carpet, paint and gel not so good, but no stress cracks, says the boat runs 78 mph, got him down to $1500, the trailer is purty worn and needs new rubber maybe lights. Now i havnt seen the boat in person cuz its almost an hour away, does this seem like a good deal, anything in particular i should look for? thanks

http://madison.craigslist.org/boa/757145869.html

Dave

[Riverman]

All Hydrostreams of that age will likely need a new core, floor and probably transom. If you are willing to do all that work, that could be one fun boat.

If the engine runs, I'd say it is worth $1500.

[WATERWINGS]

Are my eyes decieving me, or are there two different boats in the same add?

OH.........went back and actually read the add, there are two different boats for sale.

[dak]

All Hydrostreams of that age will likely need a new core, floor and probably transom. If you are willing to do all that work, that could be one fun boat.

If the engine runs, I'd say it is worth $1500.

Engine runs good owner says, and he said the floor and transom are great.

Theres a few vectors around here but for this price its hard to pass up...

[Raceman]

Engine runs good owner says, and he said the floor and transom are great.

Theres a few vectors around here but for this price its hard to pass up...

It's a pretty safe bet that the floor isn't great unless somebody's done it already. HydroStreams were notoriously poorly sealed in the floor, and when you see one that's been sitting out (faded) it's a safe bet that the floor is going to have soft spots. If you buy it counting on NOT having to re-core the floor the odds are about 90% that you're gonna' be disappointed. Get a rubber mallet and roll under the boat and tap on it. If the sound isn't VERY uniform then the coring is wet. That's not to say the boat isn't worth buying, but just that your expectations have to be reasonable.

[dak]

thanks for the advice, i think i'm going to wait out the winter and see whats available this spring.

[benski]

If you decide to get a boat, midwinter when everyone is short of cash because of overspending during the holidays is a good time. This leaves enough time to do a modest project and be out on the water for spring and summer. Good luck with whatever you buy, and take a flashlight, rubber mallet, and a sharp set of eyes to view your next potential pride and joy.