Question about buying 1999 Challenger 1800

[DrummerJ]

Good day all. I am looking at buying a 1999 challenger 1800. Boat is in pretty good shape. No tears in the seats. Gauges work. Engines started with no issues. Compression is 130 on all cylinders. The only things that makes me go hmmm are two issues. The cap for the impeller is gone and the verticle piece of metal that covers it on the back is snapped off. Owner contacted a local dealer and is replacing the cap but not the steel. Will this cause an issue? Also there is a repair in the hull. Owner says they bought it like that from the shop and have had the boat for 5 yrs with no issues about it. I believe them. They were very nice and forthcoming about the boat. I am a new boat owner so no idea if it will be a big problem down the road. Pic attached.

 

[hopp]

Do you plan to run the boat for an afternoon and put it back on a trailer or will it live in the water?

That patch would really make me nervous. There aren't enough layers it and just barely enough resin to mostly penetrate the cloth.

I would not feel comfortable running that repair if it's anywhere near or below the waterline. I would have that area repaired by someone competent if it's near or under water.

 

[DrummerJ]

Do you plan to run the boat for an afternoon and put it back on a trailer or will it live in the water?

That patch would really make me nervous. There aren't enough layers it and just barely enough resin to mostly penetrate the cloth.

I would not feel comfortable running that repair if it's anywhere near or below the waterline. I would have that area repaired by someone competent if it's near or under water.

Thanks for the reply.

It will live on the trailer. Is this something that can be fixed properly so I would not have to worry? It is well below the water line.

 

[hopp]

It's beyond my skill level to say for certain if it could be repaired completely. I would bet so and I've patched topside fiberglassthat turned out fine. Why not take that picture to a local marina or body shop and get an idea/estimate?

Maybe visit the local dealer he's ordering the parts from?

I'd do that before buying it. Last thing I would want to buy is a major repair project.

 

[DrummerJ]

It's beyond my skill level to say for certain if it could be repaired completely. I would bet so and I've patched topside fiberglassthat turned out fine. Why not take that picture to a local marina or body shop and get an idea/estimate?

Maybe visit the local dealer he's ordering the parts from?

I'd do that before buying it. Last thing I would want to buy is a major repair project.

Thanks. I got the number of a body guy and will let him have a look.