I'll disagree with previous posters. I don't think we have enough
information to give specific advice on which boat is better for you. It
depends on what your willing to do youself in a project boat. I also think
that the boat without bottom paint may be a good thing. It might be
easier to inspect for gel coat crack which *MAY* be the sign of a stressed
hull.

Someone commented that if the outdrive is banged out of shape then that
might indicate the overall care that was given to the vessel, that seems
to be sound advice to take into consideration. Talk to the owner about it
and giage their resonse. See if fall toward "we hit something late in the
season, and havent had it repaired" to "It don't seem to hurt none". You
get the idea.

For a new (if they still make them) Alpha I outdrive, expect to pay $3000
to $4000 dollars for the unit itself. YMMV on installation charges. Have
all the bell housing seals replaced and the engine coupling aligned as
well for about 200-300 dollars more.

I don't know what bottom painting cost as I've always done the work myself.

Good luck in your purchase and let us know how it works out!

Bob Dimond


In article , "whenindoubt"
wrote:

Can anyone give me some ballpark prices I'd expect to pay for the following
items?

I'm looking at 2 similar boats at vastly different prices. The cheaper one
lacks bottom paint and factory air/heat. The outdrive is real banged up too.
I think the repairs might cost more than the price difference between the
two boats, but I don't know. I'm a newbie and have not owned a 24ft boat
before.

How much for:
A yard applied bottom paint job? 24ft boat.

A new outdrive unit and prop for a 1996 mercruiser. I think the original is
an alpha one.

An airconditioning/heat system that is like a factory installed job. Not a
portable.

Thanks for the help.