1977 20' proline rebuild.

[drboombender]

Hello all,
First off a big Thankyou for posting these great rebuild projects.
I purchased this boat not knowing what I really had and found it to have an inoperable motor, and needing a complete bow to stern rehab.
So now im torn between building anew or scuttling the boat.
My mind says 30+yo boat vs
Buying a more modern hull.
So I gotta ask.
Knowing what you know now would you do it all over again?
Thanks in advance,
Texas third coast born n raised.

[gran398]

Do it.

A comparable new boat will be good money...yet you can rebuild your hull and end up with a stronger, better-built boat at less cost.

Review the builds here....you'll see some doll-babies.

Most "modern" hulls were derived from tried and true classics. A 20 Proline was lofted as an inexpensive SoFla guide boat...with Aquasport and Mako roots. Nowadays...a strong cult following for a great-riding hull, easy rebuild...and a classic in her own right.

Welcome aboard!

[drboombender]

I have read through the builds here and I am greatful for such a wealth of knowledge.
I love the look of this boat after all the rebuilds I have seen.
Thanks for the encouragement and the welcome.

[RickK]

Have no fear, if you've got questions we have answers or know where to direct you for them.  

[Georgie]

I agree with the guys, but I LOVE building things and occupying my time with projects.  In my opinion, there are two critical factors to consider (assuming $ is not the limiting factor since you are honestly considering purchasing a newer boat as an alternative).  1) Time, and 2) mechanical/artistic inclination.  Even though it's old, you're starting with a proven and popular hull design that can accomplish anything a modern boat can, so if you have both the time and the inclination, then by ALL MEANS dive in head first.  However, if you run out of steam and do not finish your project you will lose almost all of your material costs.  Most unfinished rebuilds bring next-to-nothing on the open market.  A few of our members have completed projects and then sold their boats shortly thereafter, and I suspect they may have incurred losses by doing so.  Might be a good idea to try and ask them why they sold so soon after finishing their masterpieces.

Personally, I think the new stuff is TERRIBLY overpriced for what it is, and given the ability and patience, I always prefer to build/rebuild my own so it suits my needs and preferences perfectly.

[Georgie]

And please educate this Atlantic-coaster...what is the Texas "third coast"?  

[Capt. Bob]

And please educate this Atlantic-coaster...what is the Texas "third coast"?  

Well Texas is not on the Atlantic (east coast "1" ) and we know it's not the Pacific (west coast "2") so I'm guessin' it's the Gulf of Mexico (gulf coast "3").

[gran398]

You guessed correctly Captain P Diddy

third coast
The Gulf coast. Originally used to refer to the Texas coast and sometimes Texas in general, it now has expanded to generally mean the entire American region bordering the Gulf of Mexico.

While the term has been used for several decades in business names and catch phrases, the recent attention that Southern Hip Hop music has garnered has brought it into the limelight.
"The South is hip-hop's Third Coast, the final element making up the genre's worldwide holy trinity."

[drboombender]

A most excellent explanation gran398.
Ok so ive been pricing materials looking at available powerplants and possible upgrades.
With the work that will be required it will be a complete gut job and rebuild.
Add the price of a mid 80's early 90's outboard and a trailer.
Between what im comfortable doing myself and hiring out some of the major work.
I think a realistic number is in the 12-15k range.
I could be wayyyy off base here.
I have not seen melbatoast post here recently but I wanted so badly to pick his brain about were he stands noe in his project.
What a great record of his build and I wish to model my build (if there is one) after what he has done with his.

Thanks for all the input

[gran398]

Wish Melba would check in too.

You're in the correct price range, quality materials, DIY, hull only.

Then you'll add quite a bit more for rigging, systems, etc, etc.

[Capt. Bob]

I have not seen melbatoast post here recently but I wanted so badly to pick his brain about were he stands noe in his project.

No he doesn't post just to say "Hey" but he visits regularly (last time late Wednesday eve). Maybe try a PM to him and see if that gets you some information.

Good luck.

[melba toast]

Its hard to gauge cost. I have a special situation where I am getting to do my rebuild at a professional shop, because my close friend is the owner. That is really the key to my success so far. I couldnt have done it on my own, looking back on it. I would have made too many errors, and then some. I know I have about 3-4K in materials in mine so far and I havent painted, yet. Total rebuild stringers, transom, floor, console, leaning post, baitwell, front deck.

I would say 5K materials, 1K for my porta bracket (used), 2K wiring, controls, rod hoders, hatches, hardware, helm, ect. 10K new power

Prob 20K all said and done with trailer.

Just a guess. Plus, one herniated disk, one case of tendonitis, and several pairs of clothes/boots. What was I thinking ?

[drboombender]

Thanks melba,
I was figuring a little under that price but in the neighborhood. The powerplant coud swing my guesstimate either way a few thou.

[Aswaff400]

yes i would do it again, but next time, i would pay someone to do the work... one of the reasons why i rebuilt a 46 year old boat is i can build the exact boat that i wanted, and when its all said and done, its mine. no bank loans, its cash paid for. and besides, no bank would finance me nor would i want a loan for a $30k-$40K boat that looks just like every other cookie cutter boat made nowadays. and the other thing, its hard to find a 22 ft boat made nowadays that floats in less than a foot of water fully loaded. my flatback drafted 9 inches, 10-1/2 with both livewells full. i have right at $20K into my flatback and it will take another 5K to get it exactly where i want it which leaves me happy as $25K was my planned budget. which aint bad spread over 2 years...