[bearhair]

I'm ready to take the plunge if I can work out transport for this beauty. Just wondering what the specs are (height, weight, etc) so I can find a suitable transporter who can haul it from out here in Ontario to the coast of BC. Please let me know if you had any issues with hauling your Offshore so I can let the transport guy know so I don't get any suprises. I had an Offshore lined up before but couldn't find someone who could haul it. Lost it to someone else who bought it before I could find a hauler

Luck must be on my side as this one just happened to pop up in time for me to move it with us. I guess if something is meant to be I shouldn't fight it. Something about the looks and layout of the Offshore that makes it THE boat for me.

I always liked them too... just wish they made an aluminum version. You are fortunate that height isnt too much of an issue. Just remember the nubians built the pyramids with ramps and levers.
She looks a tad neglected, so be prepared to give it your all (including your soul!) for a few years to see it through. Just dont quit half way through... thats wayyyy worse than never having had started it in the first place!!
Feel free to join us at www.flybridge.proboards.com Lots decent info available there too. ws

[bearhair]

There are a couple other Roamers around Ontario including a 1970 38' Riviera that would make a better starting point for a rebuild but it is the Offshore that I can't get out of my head. Unfortunately, beggars can't be choosers when it comes to finding an Offshore.

[bearhair]

Well, I was finally able to get the guy selling it to take some more pics. He initially thought the hull was in good condition. I told him that given the condition from the original pic, the hull must have lost a few battles to rust. He owns a storage facility and has taken the boat for non payment. Thus, he really doesn't know the history of the boat.

Here are a few more pics. From those with experience raising something from the dead, is she too far gone or still salvageable?

Admin note: Images removed. Please read the rules on image size.

[bearhair]

Also, he says it has V8 diesel engines. He isn't sure what make/model or hp. He took this pic of one. Anyone know what they are:

Admin note: Image removed. Keep images under 640 pixels.

OK Bearhair, lets be real first...Dont start vast projects with half vast ideas. Not really what you wanna hear, buts lets talk turkey...
Anything not withstanding, this job will take you 5 years and a MINIMUM of 50K. So lets get started. The boats a freebie and itll cost you 5K to move it to BC. The bootom is GAWN so youll need to get a mig welder and get good at fabricating; REAL GOOD! All the top stuff is cosmetic... for now anyway.
Ive been doing this stuff for 30 years, and live an hour away from the boat(s). I have a 1963 36 al Roamer (#6) and a 1974 58 Hatteras that sank in New Orleans in '05. I recovered it and ran it home to Chicago. That was almost a year in itself. Ill be 55 in Sept and swear that this stuff has either helped keep me young or added 20 years to my age. Each day is different.
The pic of the engine on the ground doesnt help much. Could be a diesel... I'ceptor marineized a bunch of stuff. That boat has galvanized fuel tanks that, altho are probably shot anyway, will need to be replaced with a non zinc coated tank(s). Thats another issue all in itself. Are the gears the correct ratio? etc etc etc. Personally, I think gas motors would be the easiest way to go, unless...........
The first step will be to COMPLETELY gut the interior. Save the stuff for patterns if nothing else, but thats 3 years away anyhow. Thats provided your wifes lawyer doesnt cause you to suck on the gas pipe! (LOL). Buy yourself a dozen Reed and Prince screwdrivers, youll need 'em!
I wouldnt hesitate if the terms are right. Itll be really easy to be into it for a few years and get burned out then you have NOTHING. Consider this in the long run and if you elect to follow up. be prepared to follow through! A really nice one is probably worth 30K tops. Todays market is pretty lousy for sellers but good for buyers. I have 150K in my Hatteras that I couldnt get 75 for in todays dollars. PLUS the 12-71s need majors at 20K each! Please dont give up, but consider all your options. Im sure all lot of guys here will agree with that, but its your call. Keep us informed of your decision. We'll all give you support either way!! ws

After reading up a bit on yer thred, you mention another 38 available as a starting point. If its in better shape, gut it and build your own offshore. I PROMISE YOU THIS, itll be less labor intensive than re-doing this one! Nice new wood, screws, glass, wiring, plumbing, layout and upholstery etc etc. Think about it!
I know of a 1966 37 or 38 aluminum convertable here that needs a total restoration. Its a rare model as well and it aint all rotten... PM me for more details if you wish... ws

[bearhair]

Thanks for the reality check!! Yeah, I know it is a long term deal and is going to be costly. I'm fortunate that both my wife and I were born and raised on the Pacific coast of BC and we both know and embrace the coastal lifestyle of living off the oceans bounty and dropping stupid amounts of money into boats in order to enjoy that lifestyle. Your estimate of $50K is slightly more than I figured by not by much. Having owned many clunker boats over the years I have come to realize that buying a boat is like buying a house, when you find the one you know it and have to have it.

Right now my other option is to buy and older aluminum ex-fishing boat for around $15k and repower so that I can get on the water immediately and then convert to a family fishing/cruiser. I figure going that route will cost quite a bit as well but at least it won;t take as long to get on the water.

[NYCAP123]

There are several restoration threads here on YF as well as two I remember about such a transport. Search 'Roamers' and read and read and read before you do this. I'm reminded of a boat I once looked at that was billed as "divorce causes sale" to which my wife said " Yeah, and boat caused divorce". Some people insist on throwing good money after bad and putting their lives on hold to resurect a dead old lady. Obsession, but that's what boating is all about. Just get very educated before taking the plunge. Punishing yourself is fine as long as you understand and accept it from the start.
P.S. Make sure you're not giving your family something to remind you of til your dying day.

[Laurence]

Roamer Offshore specs:
Length: 38 (w/o trimtabs)
Beam: 12'9"
Height: 14'10"
Weight: 21300 lbs. (w/o diesels)
Freeboard Forward: 70"
Freeboard Aft: 48"

[Laurence]

Photo shows forward galley must be a 1965 or 1966. Factory diesels were very rare and were understood to be Detroits.

[NYCAP123]

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/ch...html#post73383
http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/ch...html#post89539

[Travlinman1352]

Love all the Roamer models the offshore is truly a classic. I myself rescued a Custom Comet thanks to Yachtsman Bill. Yes, it is a basket case inside and mechanically but the aluminum hull put me ahead of the curve. A good friend of mine had a tri axle 40ft bunk trailer ( a bit oversized for the little 27 footer). I payed for gas and grubb and threw him a few hundred for wear and tear on his truck and trailer (I believe wear and tear on us was worse....we made the trip from Knoxville TN to Chicago IL.and back in a day.....My Dad said I had no room to complain about the trip....he is 69, had a mild stroke 5 years ago and was there every step and every mile of the trip). I am lucky that I grew up around mechanics and my uncle was a carpenter. I will be doing all the work myself (with the occasional help from family and friends).
Good luck on your venture what ever your choice may be!

Hey T-man... glad yer alive and well!! Whats the update? PICS?? ws
www.flybridge.proboards.com

[Travlinman1352]

I told you it was a basket case. This is the starboard window....or where it was. The progress is slow but it is progress. I'll post more later. Thanks again Yankeebill.........oops.... Yachtsmanbill!!! Hows the sailing in Chi-town?