Help! should I buy this boat?

If you could reply before Saturday the 28th that would be great.

I am looking at a trade/purchase of this 1967 Hydrodyne, and I am not sure what I am getting into. Buying a 45 year old boat is kind of scary, but my budget is limited, and he says it runs. My basic questions are this: is this boat going to be easy to maintain? I don't even know what kind of engine this is, will I easily be able to get parts if I need them? I jsut want a family ski boat, to figure out if we are really a boat family. We live 2 miles away from a lake, but it is winter, lake frozen, so no test drive. Supposed to be in the 50's this weekend, not sure if I should ask him to start it for me or not. Really don't want to damage anything.

What is a boat like this worth? will a '67 run and drive well? it seems really well cared for, but ... Any input before this weekend would really be appreciated. Thanks.

 

I know this is a Dyne site but I vote no. My ski team has a 20' twin-rigged Dyne and that's the only Dyne I have any experience with. I admit I don't know much about these older ones. But as a new boater if you want to have a good start I wouldn't begin with a boat this old. This looks more like a project boat for an experienced Dyne owner/mechanic to tackle.
Plus if you are planning on doing lots of skiing (if it really does run) this boat has no rear-facing observer seat and no pylon. I'd save up a few additional pennies and get about an 18 foot boat with perhaps a 115 Evinrude hanging off the back. This outfit wouldn't have to break the bank and be brand new, just a bit more into modern times!
I hope my Dyne buddies don't harass me too badly, just my opinion... Good luck with your boating!

 

The boat look to be in nice shape, but to be sure a mechanic experienced in these early Dynes would need to look it over. Especially the hull.

The engine is a small block Ford interceptor. Parts are available if you know what to ask for. It looks like it needs wires and hoses from here. You did not show the drive and that could be a problem for parts depending on what it is.

For engine and drive parts try:

http://www.lakelandautomarine.com/

In my opinion this is a boat that needs to be kept dry with inside storage.

I think the post above is good advice.

If you decide not to buy it, suggest to the owner to post it for sale here. Depending on the price and location it should sell by spring.

Here is a link to engine/drive pictures:

http://www.raylinrestoration.com/BoatStuff/Interceptor/index.htm

If you say the name of your town, someone might be able to help you.

jim

 

Thanks for the input. The guy says he was just driving it this last year, but got a 454 jetboat, a much bigger and faster boat. I am in Littleton CO. Assuming all is as he says, runs and drives well, what would this be worth? I am trying to figure out if it's worth what I am trading.

 

The good news is that you live in a dry climate.

I don't know of any Hydrodyners in CO and I don't know how to sort the member list by state.

I can't say what the value is because it depends on a several factors:

The condition of the boat, especially the hull. If there is water in the core it is worth the value of the parts.

Your ability to maintain or repair it. For instance, the windshield will probably have to be custom made or removed.

Local demand for this boat which is probably low.

In your situation, I think I would look for a newer simpler and probably smaller outboard.

jim

 

Thanks Brian.

edit: I checked those members and they are all fairly new looking for info.

jim

 

Did you buy the boat? What was the asking price?