Storing aluminum boat out in the elements

[Fishing Junky]

Hello. I've been living in my home for over 11 years now, and my neighbor's boat, 14ft Alumacraft, has been sitting in his yard and has not moved an inch. It is wide and deep, a very nice boat, imo. Appears to be a mid to late 70s model. The boat is sitting on the trailer uncovered. The tongue of the trailer is in the air about 4 to 5ft though. The exterior of the boat is in real good shape, and I have not looked into the interior of the boat. I was wondering, what if any damage could be done to this boat, sitting in the elements all these years? I'm thinking of asking if he wants to sell it, as a friend of mine is looking for a boat like this. What should I do? Thank you for your help. Junky.......

[Tyler23]

take a good look at it. if it has a wood floor and its been sitting outside for a long time it may be rotten. its not that hard to fix but i would take a look just to consider it with the price. if the outside isnt dented or anything i would think it should be fine. maybe faded but painting a boat is easy also? take a good look at it and if its all straight and everything looks good it should be just as good as anything else. my duck boat has sat outside for years and nothings every happened to it.

[Fishing Junky]

Thanks Tyler. I should have mentioned that it is a bare bones boat. No flooring in it. Although, like I said, I never looked in it, but I would bet it doesn't. Outside looks nice. No scratches, dents. Unpainted aluminum. I know if it was my boat, it would have been rolled upside down. What do you think a fair offer would be????

[Tyler23]

well if its a roller trail in good shape with just the bare boat thats a alumacraft. i guess i would just offer him a couple hundred bucks and see what he says? maybe he might just want it out of his hair and you will score a good deal on it. you can always go higher tho. i probley wouldn't go over 1,000 if it has a good roller trailer. but im kinda cheap haha. let me know what happens!

[Down Deep]

I would advise you to check and see if the plug has been pulled. If not the boat probably had ice in it. Could have some broken rivets due to ice that could cause a leak. Easy to check by filling it up with water. Other than that the wiring may be corroded and wood could be rotted. Tires on the trailer are more than likely shot.

[marine_man]

I would advise you to check and see if the plug has been pulled. If not the boat probably had ice in it.

My thoughts as well. If it has the plug in it yet, it could be leaky.

marine_man

[Fishing Junky]

Thanks for the help boys, he didn't want to sell it. Bummer. Oh well. Junky....

[MN Shutterbug]

So, he'd rather it sit in his yard for another 11 years? I just don't understand some people.

Uh oh, I don't remember if I pulled my plug last fall.

[Fishing Junky]

So, he'd rather it sit in his yard for another 11 years? I just don't understand some people.

Uh oh, I don't remember if I pulled my plug last fall.

Apperantly. I guess if you think about it, is it really easy giving up a boat? It's a waste no doubt, but hey, it's his boat I guess. Back to the search. Oh, and it's a little too late to worry about the plug now. Good luck, Junky......

[SkunkedAgain]

He could be holding it for a son or grandson to have some day.

[Fishing Junky]

That would be cool.