View Full Version : Need advice for newb wannabe
what do you guys think of this boat,
Nice?
POS and run away screaming?
Decent but over priced?
Fair deal on decent boat?
The guy want's to trade for my bike so I might take a look and would like to know more about Libertys.
Thanks all............ :)
Looky here
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/boa/201352023.html
YeLLowBoaT
09-02-2006, 07:07 AM
I would pass. Small blocks don't make the power where you need it for a jet boat. Not saying they can't/don't work. I would rather have a big block.
MikeF
09-02-2006, 07:21 AM
Haven't seen one w/a small block. :boxed:
I could tell you quite alot about them, but I don't know everything. :crossx:
Here would be your reading assignment for today......Liberty boat search (http://www.***boat.com/forums/search.php?searchid=1179728) :)
They are one of the greatest jetboats to be made in the 70's and 80's. The attention to detail, along w/ the best parts available and built by the best in the buisness pretty much made it that way.
If the hull is in good shape and all the mechanicals are good too......then it would be a good buy! :D
I would pass. Small blocks don't make the power where you need it for a jet boat. Not saying they can't/don't work. I would rather have a big block.
That's kinda what I was thinking myself,how about the boat it'self?
Liberty a decent hull?
Haven't seen one w/a small block. :boxed:
I could tell you quite alot about them, but I don't know everything. :crossx:
Here would be your reading assignment for today......Liberty boat search (http://www.***boat.com/forums/search.php?searchid=1179728) :)
They are one of the greatest jetboats to be made in the 70's and 80's. The attention to detail, along w/ the best parts available and built by the best in the buisness pretty much made it that way.
If the hull is in good shape and all the mechanicals are good too......then it would be a good buy! :D
Thanks mike! :rollside:
MikeF
09-02-2006, 07:27 AM
It does look like a "base model", as I do not see a ride plate setup on it.
It was built the same year as mine. Have you spoken to the owner? Can you get the H.I.N. # (hull identification number)?
YeLLowBoaT
09-02-2006, 07:27 AM
its a splash of something( that I will remember right after I turn off the computer) looks to be in good shape from the pics, but you never know til you go look. Its your basic "family" jet boat. Good up 'til about 70 or so, then after that it takes so much more power to go faster that its a waste.
One thing I see that bugs me is it still has the outlest for the thru transom exhuast. I see that as away for the water to come in. While we are on the subject of exhaust. some INS won't insure a boat that has Over the trasom headers. Too many burn claims. Its one of those things you do once.
It does look like a "base model", as I do not see a ride plate setup on it.
It was built the same year as mine. Have you spoken to the owner? Can you get the H.I.N. # (hull identification number)?
He called me yesterday and want's to hook up and look at my bike and me look at his boat this weekend sometime.
I'll call him today and set something up,get the #s and take some better pics with my Pentax digi cam and post them here.
Not making any deal today,just look'n. :cool:
Its your basic "family" jet boat. Good up 'til about 70 or so
That's really all I need at this point,what does it take to swap in a BB later?
No biggie if you want to is it?
YeLLowBoaT
09-02-2006, 07:37 AM
Take a skrew driver with you ( or some other slimar object) and go around and test for rot. If you ever seen some 1 do a "pest inspection" on a house you will get the idea. Check the stringers, floor, transom and any other places that water might pull. If its soft, spongy or sounds anything other then solid. Pass on it.
YeLLowBoaT
09-02-2006, 07:40 AM
That's really all I need at this point,what does it take to swap in a BB later?
No biggie if you want to is it?
basicly money, you will also lose some cockpit space. Say about 2k + the motor. Many times its cheaper to buy a "project boat" with the motor you want. Take the more and all of its "stuff" out and sell the hull ether bare or with the other motor.( normally you swap out a olds for a bbc/f.)
MikeF
09-02-2006, 07:45 AM
Link to the brochure (http://www2.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/153Liberty_borchure2.gif) :cool:
jrork
09-02-2006, 07:45 AM
Heres another down in your neck of the woods. Don't know anything about it other than it's a Brendella (which I'm partial to)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Brendella-Ski-Jet-Boat-only-160-hours-18-Ft-460-FordNR_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ31270QQihZ007QQi temZ170023654450QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
MikeF
09-02-2006, 08:00 AM
In this picture...
http://c.im.craigslist.org/38/Jc/oRsY7EF2VXwDfoGBo9ALdnCo6QKX.jpg
It shows signs of a blower belt cover being present in the past! :) Can't imagine what else would fit in that space. :boxed:
Heres another down in your neck of the woods. Don't know anything about it other than it's a Brendella (which I'm partial to)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Brendella-Ski-Jet-Boat-only-160-hours-18-Ft-460-FordNR_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ31270QQihZ007QQi temZ170023654450QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
Yep,I've been look'n at that boat...looks sweet!
I've email'd the seller about taking a cash deposit till my bike sells if the boat doesn't sell on the bay and he was open to that.
Sure is a clean looking boat for it's age.
MikeF
09-02-2006, 08:41 AM
Take a skrew driver with you ( or some other slimar object) and go around and test for rot. If you ever seen some 1 do a "pest inspection" on a house you will get the idea. Check the stringers, floor, transom and any other places that water might pull. If its soft, spongy or sounds anything other then solid. Pass on it.
As far as I know....Mahogany does not rot. I would check the balsa on the bottom though as if it is delaminated, it can be costly to fix.
basicly money, you will also lose some cockpit space. Say about 2k + the motor. Many times its cheaper to buy a "project boat" with the motor you want. Take the more and all of its "stuff" out and sell the hull ether bare or with the other motor.( normally you swap out a olds for a bbc/f.)
It would be better to start w/ a proven hull and then put the engine in that you would want.......and yes that does cost alot of money. :boxed: One of the kids that used to work with me used to say this.......Can't polish a turd. :crossx:
The Liberty 19' has more room than many other 18'/19' jetboats. If the boat does not show signs of being abused, it would be a good buy.
Looking forward to more pictures!:D
YeLLowBoaT
09-02-2006, 09:00 AM
Mahogany does rot. It just takes awhile, 30 years is plenty of time.
Here's another local boat,wadda ya'll think of this one?
Redneck can't spell but boat looks ok :D
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/boa/200996613.html
360? Mopar maybe or a 350 Chevy typo.
Here's another, a ways from home but not too far to go look,waiting for pics of this from owner.
Sounds awfull cheap since he claims nice paint and new interior as well as a BB Ford but who knows.
I could come up with cash for this one. :cool:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/boa/201606159.html
MikeF
09-02-2006, 09:13 AM
Mahogany does rot. It just takes awhile, 30 years is plenty of time.
You're right.(just did a little studying) :boxed: I guess they just used it cause it's more rot resistant. :)
jrork
09-02-2006, 09:15 AM
Here's another, a ways from home but not too far to go look,waiting for pics of this from owner.
Sounds awfull cheap since he claims nice paint and new interior as well as a BB Ford but who knows.
I could come up with cash for this one. :cool:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/boa/201606159.html
There's a bunch from the NW gang that lives pretty close to this one. Maybe one of them could look at it and save you a trip for nuthin. Unfortunately, we're all headed to Alder lake for the weekend and most are already there. If you want, I can talk to them tomorrow when we'll be there and see if somebody has some time to look at it.
There's a bunch from the NW gang that lives pretty close to this one. Maybe one of them could look at it and save you a trip for nuthin. Unfortunately, we're all headed to Alder lake for the weekend and most are already there. If you want, I can talk to them tomorrow when we'll be there and see if somebody has some time to look at it.
Hey that would be great!...just called the guy and he's out of town till monday afternoon anyway.
Here's one more up there that looks real nice,doesn't say what it is but it's BB Ford..... http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/boa/199573041.html
This one's a fair clip from home but could be done in a weekend.
Looks pretty sharp too.
http://spokane.craigslist.org/boa/199391801.html
Clockstart
09-02-2006, 10:58 AM
How sad that a Brendella/Jacuzzi or a Tahiti/Panther would get equal mention in a thread with a Liberty/Berk (with Calgo steering no less). Only a close inspection will determine the current condition of the Liberty, but in the era these boats were built the Liberty was a Porsche and the others were Volkswagens.
Here's another local boat,wadda ya'll think of this one?
Redneck can't spell but boat looks ok :D
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/boa/200996613.html
360? Mopar maybe or a 350 Chevy typo.
it could be an AMC 360 with a Panther pump.
As far as the Liberty with the SBC, I'd also go for it. There's a few people here running small blocks and I've run around with a couple here in NorCal. I ran side by side with them with my BBC and the rpms were darn near identical and at the same speeds. You can also build that small block for a lot less money to perform very well and use quite a bit less fuel.
The key is to match the pump set-up to the power plant. For me, I'd be looking at the hull for hook, rocker, stress cracks, delamination, rot, etc.
Also, depending on what you want to ultimately do with the boat, the swap from an SBC to a BBC isn't as expensive as you may think. The one big thing is the small block won't sound like a biggie but it can be pretty close.
Hell, throw a blower on that mouse and raise the tq and hp by a lot.
jrork
09-02-2006, 11:06 AM
Gotcha. I'll talk to them tomorrow. There's another website that we all hang out on too, so if you want to post there you'll be in the fold.
skagenboats.com
There's also a gang out of the Vancouver/Portland area on there as well that throw a big bash on the Columbia. Get a boat and get out on the water.
centerhill condor
09-02-2006, 03:26 PM
these guys are right about the small block thing..not enough torque down low where you want it but it should be better on gas!
i'd take the liberty hands down over anything else you've linked. you can always change engines later if ya want.
ultra tweaker
09-02-2006, 05:10 PM
River rat 611 had a 327 in his '68 wright hull and it was fast and fun. it went bad so he put a 383 in and it runs great 65 plus. it's a lot of fun. buy the liberty especially when the guy will trade with you. just do what these guys have said and check the hull out well. just my .02
it could be an AMC 360 with a Panther pump.
Didn't think of that ,might be.
Well the Liberty was a bit rough for what he's asking.
Paint looked pretty bad and I could see some fiberglass matting repairs on the side of the hull,seats were cracking apart,cheapo looking headers and the boat hasn't been started or on the water in over a year so I'm going to pass on it.
Thanks for all the opinions guys!...........Y2K
MikeF
09-02-2006, 06:14 PM
Too bad.
If you took any pictures....I'd really like to have them to add to my collection!
Did you happen to get the HIN#?
Too bad.
If you took any pictures....I'd really like to have them to add to my collection!
Did you happen to get the HIN#?
Sorry I rode down on the Sporty and didn't take my camera as I wasn't really planning on making it down there today.
Forgot about the #'s,just wnated to back out gracefully and head the 80 miles home.
So what do ya'll think about this Brendella on ebay? I thought about bidding on it but haven't seen it in person yet so I'm a bit aprehensive about it.
If it doesn't go the owner said he will take a deposit from me to hold it till my bike sells and I like that idea, no loan and don't have to give the bike away to move it quick.
Sure looks nice in the pics....whatta ya'll say about this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=007&item=170023654450&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
Gotcha. I'll talk to them tomorrow. There's another website that we all hang out on too, so if you want to post there you'll be in the fold.
skagenboats.com
There's also a gang out of the Vancouver/Portland area on there as well that throw a big bash on the Columbia. Get a boat and get out on the water.
Thanks a bunch, that's really cool and I appreciate it very much.
I'll be checking out the other site too,thanks for the link.
:rollside:
jrork
09-02-2006, 07:30 PM
My pleasure. Post the link to the Ebay boat on Skagens site as well. Maybe somebody from the Columbia gang knows the boat and can give you the straight scoop on it.
Good luck
MikeF
09-02-2006, 07:55 PM
That's the problem....You really need to look at the boat to see if it is as good as a deal as the owner makes it out to be. Alot of times....it's not.
Take your time to find a decent boat. Also remember that it will always want more $$$$. That is the nature of the beast. If you can do your own work on the boat that will definatley make the journey easier and a little less costly.
Hope your search pays off. :cool:
That's the problem....You really need to look at the boat to see if it is as good as a deal as the owner makes it out to be. Alot of times....it's not.
Take your time to find a decent boat. Also remember that it will always want more $$$$. That is the nature of the beast. If you can do your own work on the boat that will definatley make the journey easier and a little less costly.
Hope your search pays off. :cool:
I can wrench no problem,used to own a 427 4 speed '69 Camaro that I built from a basket case and have had lots of 4X4 trucks and wrenched on my own Harleys for years.
I really like the looks of that Brendella,if it's as nice as claimed is $5990 a fair price on it?
I'm hopeing it doesn't go on ebay and I can run out and have a look.
It's only a couple hours from home.
I might just run out there tomorrow before the acution ends if I can set it up.
My pleasure. Post the link to the Ebay boat on Skagens site as well. Maybe somebody from the Columbia gang knows the boat and can give you the straight scoop on it.
Good luck
Site keeps freezing up,I'll try it later I guess.
best advice so far. buy the liberty then add big block transplant:D:D
Sadly it was in poor shape and high priced I'd say at $5000.
It was a really nice boat at one time but it's been rode hard and put away wet. :cool:
So how bout it guys,is this a $6K boat if it's as nice as advertised?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=007&item=170023654450&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3APIC&rd=1
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d173/y2keglide/b-1.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d173/y2keglide/d6_3.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d173/y2keglide/e.jpg
MikeF
09-02-2006, 09:03 PM
I might just run out there tomorrow before the acution ends if I can set it up.
BEST advice I can give you is ask alot of quetions here.....and WAIT for the right boat to become available.
Whatever you do, do not buy with the "I gotta have it now" thoughts. Patience and due diligence pays in the end! :crossx:
BEST advice I can give you is ask alot of quetions here.....and WAIT for the right boat to become available.
Whatever you do, do not buy with the "I gotta have it now" thoughts. Patience and due diligence pays in the end! :crossx:
I understand all that but then again I'd hate to miss out if this is the right boat.
It's in my budget and sure looks clean in the pics.
It's also close enough to go take a look at it tomorrow.
Add says the seats are new sunbrella ''never fade", 460 engine was checked out with good compression and has a new carb and claims only 160 hrs.
Aluminum Squirt
09-02-2006, 11:56 PM
Y2K, you live in the promise land of aluminum jet boats. Buy aluminum, then you can spank your fiberglass boating buddies on the flat water in the summer and play in the white water in the off season. They are generally a little more $ than you are looking at right now but if you shop around there are some deals to be had. Plus you don't have to worry about a rotting hull or some half assed fiberglass repairs some idiot did. Don't get me wrong, I like fiberglass hulls, even have one, but aluminum is great, especially if you live in the NW or near any good shallow rivers-Aluminum Squirt
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