Went out for lunch and bought a boat

[DanG]

So after an interesting lunch I thought it would be a wise idea to join a boating forum. We went for lunch in Port Solent and was looking online for a kayak to fish from (we've recently moved to the south coast and my father in law has been getting me into fishing) and I come across this (yes she's not very pretty at the moment);



Liking to get hands dirty I thought this could be a nice project to keep me busy. So, I bought it, got it home and then thought "Dan, other than getting on a ferry to the IOW you've never been on a boat. How are you going to fix anything that's broken, how are you going to drive it, do you need a licence......". So I thought it would be a good idea to join this forum.

I've been having a look through various threads and there certainly seems to be a lot of knowledge and experience on here so looks like I'll be in safe hands. I've been having a look around and starting to get some ideas for what I want to do with it and hoping nobody here tells me I can't do what I want to do (I won't be offended if you tell me I can't do what I want to). I'm going to be using it to fish from and will be keeping it on my driveway at home. I'm thinking about putting a 25hp outboard on and creating a small console inside the cabin once I've closed it off if there is enough space in there (it's quite cramped) otherwise wheel and throttle outside with some toys on the inside.

First question that I'm sure someone will be able to answer, what is the white thing on top of the cabin?

I'm guessing some kind of aerial but I could be wrong. Any answers greatly appreciated.

Dan

[BruceK]

Hi and welcome to the forum. What you have there looks like a Dejon 14. A river boat not suitable for sea unless flat as a pancake and even then not a good idea. She's certainly restorable but the costs will excede her worth. I really hate to be the bearer of bad tidings but even if you restored her to former glory and then put the 25 on her, her saleable value would be less than the 25 on its own and to restore her even if you could source original 2nd hand parts will be thrice her value of about 1200 with engine. Such is the market. However if this is a labour of love, then best of luck. Just check the transome and stringers haven't rotted through.
If you really just want to get on the water I'd look at your budget, realistic cost of repairs, and look for a going concern after researching it. I hope you have a chainsaw.

You are going to hate me now. Sorry.

Read here and do some more research before committing yourself financially http:// http://www.worldseafishing.com/forums/t ... 14.147367/

The cap on the roof is most likely to replace an old air vent. Anti condensation when cover on.
PS the boat will struggle on 25. Better to strengthen the transome and go with a 40. A 25 will be unlikely to get her on the plane 2 up and then you may as well have a 10 on.

[Bigplumbs]

I am afraid Bruce is correct but don't be disheartened. Look at this you would get it for around £1400 and a decent motor for the one you have bought would cost more than this. Something like this would be far better and you could still do some work on her if you wanted. Also look on Ebay and Gumtree

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/14ft-2-Berth- ... SwdIFXzUPm

Welcome to the forum and good luck

Dennis

[BruceK]

Last night I posted from a mobile phone. Looking at this on the pc I note the transom is missing, presumed rotted through. So is the deck. It's a dead cert the stringers are gone too. Without these you can bet your bottom dollar there will be stress and fatigue cracks in the layup. Unless you are an experienced boat builder this boat is unfortunately so far gone that any attempt at repair would be an exercise of madness. As a fishing platform these boats are unstable and have low freeboard anyway. As you profess to have no knowledge of boats I'd add suicidal to madness.

Have a look on boatsandoutboards.co.uk for something suitable or if you have a look down the threads you will see BP's SIB inflatable. As you were looking at kayaking a small SIB is a good platform and for that matter a jetski makes for an interesting platform too as alternatives to consider.

Personally within a sub 3k budget I would be looking for a Seahog Hunter or Shortie. Cracking little boats and very sea kindly.

If you like restoration but want to make money from it. Here is your magic beans.... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252515254669?rmvSB=true
Build new. Those moulds are gold dust. One of the best entry level fast fishers there is. More of them than you can shake a stick at.