Don Hill drift boat purchase???

I am wanting to purchase a resto project or build new. I am considering buying a 14 foot Don Hill originally built from a kit. It has spent the las 10 to 12 years unprotected in the weather. It is in really poor shape. They are asking $450 it does include a trailer that is also in poor shape. I am afraid that I am going to be just as far ahead building new. I am looking for some advice before I make a decision.

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Permalink Reply by Phillip Westendorf on June 30, 2016 at 5:19pm

Nathan,

Keep Looking!

Dorf

Permalink Reply by Mike Thomas on June 30, 2016 at 6:03pm

My vote goes to build new, You will be much happier with it, and you can take proper care of it and it will last till you pass id down. That boat would take as much time, and a good part of as much money and its still a old boat that wont last and not near as strong

Permalink Reply by Nathan Frisby on July 1, 2016 at 8:21am

thanks the opinions that I have gotten are all to move on.

Permalink Reply by Dan Hooper on July 1, 2016 at 8:32am

Some of us like a challenge. LOL

I have one.

 

Permalink Reply by Richard Sutherland on July 1, 2016 at 4:30pm

I rebuilt one in similar condition several years ago. Really regretted it. Hard to get all the rot out. Plus all the screws broke due to rust. I replaced so much and filled the rest with epoxy that I could have built a new one with less time and money. It was educational but a total waste. I would build new or look for one in better condition. Good luck.

Permalink Reply by Mike Baker on July 1, 2016 at 4:58pm

So here is another opinion to build a new one. I get restoring a historically significant boat otherwise why sink $500+ into an old boat when if you are thrifty you could probably build a new one for $1000 and in less time. Plus a 14' Drift Boat is really small.

Mike

http://www.bakerwooddriftboats.com/

Permalink Reply by Nathan Frisby on July 1, 2016 at 5:18pm

thanks to everyone for the input. I think that I am going to pass on this boat. if it were built by Don Hill not a kit that it would possibly be worth restoring. If any one is interested in buying this boat I am including a link for the add. http://eastidaho.craigslist.org/boa/5613686726.html

I am wanting to build/restore a smaller boat because I float a lot of smaller water. If I build a boat I am leaning towards stich and glue construction. any advise is welcome.

thank you again

Permalink Reply by Richard Sutherland on July 8, 2016 at 9:32am

Well! Turns out I was two faced in my reply of July 1st. Got interested after all the advice and went to look. Nice lady took a significant discount due to condition and so I could get tires for the trip home. Here are some pictures after the trip home. Will now start a thread of my own. Obviously will need lots of advice as i proceed.

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Permalink Reply by Nathan Frisby on July 8, 2016 at 11:16am
I am glad that you picked this boat up. Look forward to watch the progress.
Permalink Reply by Mike Thomas on July 8, 2016 at 1:47pm

I`m with Mike Baker on this one. The only thing I can see on that boat worth saving is the nylon oarlock bushings, if they are not too wore out, and maybe the stainless washer for the bow eye. So basically nothing. If the trailer is not rusted out too bad from the inside, it would be worth saving.

A guy down the road here has built many boats but now only builds stitch and glues, but I still like the appeal of the frames.

Permalink Reply by Dan Hooper on July 8, 2016 at 3:24pm

It looks a lot like my project.  It also was a Don Hill kit boat.

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