1982 20' CCP

[jdupree]

Need some help with a decision.  I have found a 1982 20' CCP with a 1992 200hp Mercury for sale.  The asking price is $5000.00.  It has a 1999 Venture galvanized trailer which is single axel.  Says the boat is in great condition with a solid deck and transom.  The boat is about 7 hours away from me.  Would be a long trip to get a look and or buy.  The owner says that the motor was re-built 2 seasons ago and he can provide the paperwork.  He does have the coffin locker for the boat but is not currently in the boat.

What troubles me is that I have a 1988 170 that is in excellent condition with a new re-built motor.  My question is: Would I be taking a step back to buy the CCP?  Will this give me a much more stable platform than the 170?  Could I fish about 4 out of that boat and be comfortable?  I think the beam on the CCP is 7'10".  Would I see much less "rocking" when folks are moving around?  That is my complaint with my 170.  

Should have some pictures to post of the CCP.  This is all he sent right now, but should have more by the morning.  

I have already got some opinions from a couple of other members thru pm's but I need others to tell me what they think.  Any input would be great.  Thanks!

[JimCt]

Thoughts from others are certainly a help but if you're serious about spending the money, go see the boat.  Actually going aboard and getting a feel for the layout and space availability will answer your questions to your satisfaction.  A hands-on check of the boats condition may or may not confirm the seller's claim of condition.

[damnitbadger]

Here are pictures of John's find!

[damnitbadger]

She ought to fly with that 200hp, 50 mph+ WOT ought to have a good cruise speed 35-40. When you go to look at her I would ask to sea trial to check the motor out. Put a good eye on the transom. Noticed the transducer, what electronics is he including? When inspecting make a written list of defects for bargaining power after you check it out throughly, Check the bow eye, AS was not to keen on sealing hull penetrations and I bet you will find the wood behind the eye is rotted out, if you get it strap the bow down and don't rely on just the eye for a long trip. check the decks to make sure their solid all around. check for stress cracks in critical locations (small ones are to be expected). Any hull repairs? Stubbborn sellers loosen up with cash better than checks. Seven hour drive... tell him you have other business in town and want to sleep on it if he turns your first offer down , get a hotel room. He knows your serious if you drove 7 hours to look at it but don't seem to over anxious, it may save you several hundred dollars.
Best of Luck

[RickK]

Looks worth the drive to me - and good advice from badger too.

[jdupree]

Thanks for the tips!  It was along the same line I was thinking.  When you say check the transom what is a good way?  I plan to make the trip to check it out on the 18th of this month.  I didn't know a way to check the transom other than looking at it an "knocking" in places.  Thanks,

[damnitbadger]

Lean on the motor pretty good and see if the transom moves any. Go to home depot and rent a moisture meter, do a search on Delmhorst Instrument Co. , I think there pretty cheap ($20-$30) to rent. Ask the owner if you can take the three screws out of the garplug housing and remove it. that will expose some of the core material. Take a flashlight with you and check the bilge area and all the nooks and crannies. A weak transom will have a lot of stress cracks.

[John Jones]

Tilt the motor all the way up, then jump up and down on the lower unit.  The transom should not give.

[JimCt]

It's really a two-man job.  Have the seller bounce on the lower unit of the tilted-up motor like John said.  You stand at the side of the boat and sight along the transom top as the motor is bounced.  It's next to impossible to see any flexing if you are doing the bouncing too.

[jdupree]

Thanks guys for all of the input.  I plan to take a friend of mine and we will disect the boat from bow to stern!  I plan to sea trial the boat if everything else checks out prior to that.  Haven't seen it, but I think this baot will be in great shape.  Thanks again and I will keep you posted.

[JimCt]

Have a good trip.  If you close the deal and plan on towing the boat back with you, don't forget your grease gun for the trailer bearings.

[GoneFission]

Hey DuPree - did you buy the boat?  

[jdupree]

Gonefission,

I plan to make the trip this coming Saturday.  Based on the description and the pictures, I think the boat will be in great shape.  Will keep you guys informed.  Thanks,

[damnitbadger]

More pics from John

[jdupree]

Well guys, have decided not to make the trip to Delaware to look and or buy the boat.  His price at $5000.00 is firm and he is not willing to make any kind of a deal.

He said that the motor has been re-built and can't furnish any kind of proof other that an individual re-built it.  I asked him if he would atleast take it to a dealer to have it checked out.  He said that he didn't want to spend any more money on the boat.  He said that the motor is not "peeing" like it should and the motor is idling high.  Also informed me that the tach is not working.  Boat also has cosmetic damage on both sides of the hull.  Teak on the inside looks bad and the bottom paint needs to be re-done.  Sounds like to me he should be willing to accept $500.00 less than he is asking.  He is convinced that in the spring he can put it on e-bay and get what he is asking.  From what I saw a 1987 22' CCP go for, I think he is in for a surprise.

Thanks to all for the help and opinions on this boat.  I am sure that I can and will find a better deal on a CCP in the future.  In the meantime, I will stick with the good ole 170.  Atleast I know what I have.  Thanks again,