Thanks for the info,
I had pretty much made the same decision on my own. I just needed the
reinforcement. The better boat costs $7500 more but it has ac/heat and a
clean outdrive. All it needs is bottom paint. I was planning on a full
survey before I hand them the money. Now all I have to do is find a slip for
next season.

"Paul" wrote in message
. rogers.com...
I would think if the outdrive is really banged up then maybe it's been hit
more than once. Usually if a guy whacks his outdrive he'll get it banged
back into shape ... if he doesn't then I would tend to think he's not a
"maintainer" and this attitude will be all through the boat.

I agree with DaveH, don't buy a project boat first time out unless you
want
to spend your time working on it instead of boating. Even a well
maintained
used boat will give you plenty of stuff to do and spend your money on.

But as for cost, when you get your survey and mechanical inspection done
(you're getting that done, right?) just ask the yard that does the
mechanical to give you an estimate on the work you have outlined. This is
usually part of the deal making process.

If you want the estimate before doing the inspections just go to the yard
you intend to patronize and ask them for a ballpark ... good way to
introduce yourself and feel them out if you've never been there before.

"whenindoubt" wrote in message
. ..
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.