1968 FLATBACK

[MötleyCrew]

Hey guys I found a 1968 flatback for sale in my area for $2000. I am hopefully going to check it out some time this week. Can anyone tell me if this is a fair price and some things i should look for when inspecting the boat. I plan on buying the boat and storing it in my warehouse until i am done remodeling my house (about 6 months) and then starting the project..but knowing me i will be tearing into it a week after i buy it. Also, i was wondering if any of you are in the SE florida area and are willing to give me a demo of one of these. Never been on one but i've always loved them and from what i gather they are a hell of a boat when restored. thanks

[steved]

Welcome aboard.  If you have the urge to do boat work, there are few boats that are more worth the effort than the early flatbacks.  Look around the photo gallery on the site and you will see some inspiring efforts.  In terms of price, it's worth what you pay - but if it floats, $2,000 isn't much.  

Again, welcome aboard.

Steve

[LilRichard]

Welcome aboard.

I agree whole-heartedly with Steve... the flatbacks are very worth rebuilding... the only other boat I would have considered is a Proline.  

$2000 seems to be the going price... but you can always negotiate.

[JimCt]

Good to have you aboard!

In five years, possibly sooner, a project flatback will be worth twice that... if you can find one.

[John Jones]

Good to have you aboard!

In five years, possibly sooner, a project flatback will be worth twice that... if you can find one.

You got that right.  Some of the guides, especially tarpon guides, are switching to big flatbacks (which is another story coming soon).  

[LilRichard]

Story?  What?

You got a story?

[JimCt]

If Genmar/Aquasport started producing FB's again I wonder what the market would be?

[steved]

I think there probably is a market for new (old) flatbacks.  But I think Genmar/ Aquasport have killed their own marketing opportuities.  If it were me, I would launch them as a whole new company and try to disassociate myself from the Genmar buzz - if you read one of the other forums - THT for example, you sill see what I mean.

[John Jones]

Yep.  Genmar does not have a good reputation.

[steved]

And how Genmar can not have a good reputation with so many good boat lines is the killer.  Sure, they don't have some of the top lines, but with Seaswirl, Hydra-sports, Wellcraft, they really have the middle of the market covered.  Just another example of how the mega-conglomerate approach can turn out to backfire.

[captflatback]

I have a 68 flatback and love it and for a tarpon boat for the beaches and pass it is real hard to beat. I wish you luck in your build and if you need any info just send me a email.

Capt. Jim Lemke
www.lighttackleadventures.com

[scuppers]

If Genmar/Aquasport started producing FB's again I wonder what the market would be?

if economy matters to boaters, i would think the boats would sell very well.