1961 Riviera - 31'

bearhair · 09-11-2009, 09:00 PM

Looking at a 1961 Riviera - 31'. Been on block for past 2 years but was running good prior to that. Marina just wants to get rid of it due to low interest. Had it priced at $7000 in the spring but want it gone by end of month so have come down substantially and are now asking $2000. They say interior is fine/intact but dated and hull and paint are fine except small pin hole near the back.

Just wondering if anyone has experience with one of these in terms of stability and comfort in choppy seas. The dealer thinks it has 283's in it and is going to verify.

The dealer also has an old 1960's Trojan with twin 225hp Chryslers and is wanting $1000. Says the engines are running fine.

I'm no expert in old engines but I wonder if it worthwhile also making an offer on the Trojan just so i could have the engines. Would those 225hp Chryslers be an easy transfer if I get the Riviera?

On the other hand, if the hull and interior as as good as the dealer claims and I can get a really good deal on purchase price i am thinking it just might be worth re-powering with newer engines. For those with experience with this size roamer, what would be a good size engine to run in this boat if I have a few pennies to put towards a used gas engine upgrade.

Thanks

Corsair23 · 09-14-2009, 02:12 AM

I have looked at that Roamer as well. I like the way he says it's in GOOD RUNNING ORDER....... Wanted it, but couldn't find a buyer for my rare 1966 20 foot C/C Corsair (Sea-Vee Transdrive) Fiberglass Runabout. Hull 55 out of 88 made that year.They only made a couple Hundred total (if I remember correctly)

When I was there, the dealer told me the Trojan only had ONE engine in it. He told me the guy who owned it re-planked the hull to the primer stage, then DIED. The Family of the man wanted zip to do with the boat, so he got it.
He said he went to examine the boat, and found only ONE 318. He told me at the time he would replace the missing engine and sell the boat for 2600.00. I never had the time to go through the boat.

That was last fall, I think.

wojy · 09-30-2009, 10:44 PM

Evening Gents.. saw this boat up for sale on the web as well. Just by looking at the picture, I'd say it looks like there has been a weld / repair of the lower 1/2 of the forward hull... i'd say this was probably due to 'pin hole' leaks. I'd venture to guess that the 'pin hole' leak at the aft/transom may require a similar repair... I'd be VERY cautious about assuming this hull is sound! A marine surveyor would be able to measure the thickness of the steel where there is a 'pin hole' leak to let you know if it has rotted.

bearhair · 10-03-2009, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wojy

I'd be VERY cautious about assuming this hull is sound!

I wasn't too impressed with the dealer. Described it as a real beauty in great condition. When I asked how flexible his pricing was he claimed it to be worth $8000 but they just wanted to get rid of it so was priced at $2000. When I asked a few detailed questions, all of a sudden I got the 'what do you expect for a $2000 boat. Take it as is'. Something just didn't seem right.

Henning · 10-03-2009, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearhair

I wasn't too impressed with the dealer. Described it as a real beauty in great condition. When I asked how flexible his pricing was he claimed it to be worth $8000 but they just wanted to get rid of it so was priced at $2000. When I asked a few detailed questions, all of a sudden I got the 'what do you expect for a $2000 boat. Take it as is'. Something just didn't seem right.

No, that's exactly right, "What do you want for $2000?" A Good boat of that caliber is $25,000. For $2k, nearly everything is going to be wrong with it. You are buying it for less than you can part it out and scrap it for. Let's get a reality check here.

As for the gas engines on the first boat, the 283 Chevys are better engines than the 318 Chryslers.

bearhair · 10-03-2009, 02:31 PM

I agree that for $2K you are getting a project boat. I just didn't appreciate him making it out like it was in turnkey condition and then giving me the 'what do you expect'. Well, I expect honesty. If it is a project boat, that is fine, just don't try and tell me it is something that it is not. In other words, making claims about condition and then reverting to 'what do you expect' when asked how you came about your claim isn't a good sales pitch with me. For example, saying the boat is in 'good running order' then getting defensive when asked when the engines were last running tells me that he is being less than honest.

Corsair23 · 10-18-2009, 06:42 PM

That "mark" you are referring to is the line left by the shrink wrap. I have seen the boat first-hand in person.

Henning · 10-18-2009, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearhair

I agree that for $2K you are getting a project boat. I just didn't appreciate him making it out like it was in turnkey condition and then giving me the 'what do you expect'. Well, I expect honesty. If it is a project boat, that is fine, just don't try and tell me it is something that it is not. In other words, making claims about condition and then reverting to 'what do you expect' when asked how you came about your claim isn't a good sales pitch with me. For example, saying the boat is in 'good running order' then getting defensive when asked when the engines were last running tells me that he is being less than honest.

???? He sells old boats....you can take it as a given that he is probably "less than honest" about them. You can't be honest or no one would even look at the things LOL. Would you even call on "Old boat, needs engines, hull, interior and navigational equipment."