In reference to a restoration of a 1970 NAUSET 16 and with the most important aspect being future re-sale value (because I do not plan to keep the NAUSET forever):
Q1: what changes or modifications will have a significant reduction in the re-sale value?
Q2: what options are there for a stern seat?
Q3: what options are there for any additional seating?
Q4: is the Specialty Marine $800 stern seat worth the price?
Q5: would replacement of the current cable steering with VEVOR-brand hydraulic steering be "blowing it"?
ASIDE: I have confidence that [the VEVOR hydraulic steering will be able to handle an outboard engine of suitable power for the NAUSET].
Q6: what boat cover is best?
Q7: what is often done in restorations with the blue interior color?
ASIDE: I am not sure if the blue interior color is original. It looks like it is painted.
BACKSTORY
I just bought this 1970 NAUSET 16, which is all-original and has been kept in a garage. There are blemishes but nothing major {is wrong with the boat], except the engine does not run. The boat has only seating for four people: the main bench seat and a seat forward of the console.
Seven Questions About Re-Sale Value Preservation in Restoration of a 1970 NAUSET 16
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Whalindave
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2026 8:02 pm
Re: Seven Questions About Re-Sale Value Preservation in Restoration of a 1970 NAUSET 16
A 1970 NAUSET 16 that would sell for the highest price would be one restored to factory new condition, but with a modern outboard engine, like a Yamaha four-stroke-power-cycle engine of 70 to perhaps 90-HP but with very light weight, and with a like-new single-axle non-painted trailer that was completely ready for highway travel with all new tires, bearings, keel rollers, highway lighting, spare tire, new jack, new winch, and so on, and having Wm. J. Mills & Co. canvas that was expertly installed.
However, a new engine will be very expensive, and recovering the cost of the engine, installation, gauges, remote controls, rigging, and propeller--which can easily total more than $10,000--will be difficult in a re-sale, particularly a re-sale by an individual who is not recognized as being an expert in restorations or an authorized seller of the outboard engine brand.
The same goes for buying a new trailer and putting it under the boat or rehabilitating an older trailer. Getting back every dollar invested in the trailer from the next buyer will be difficult.
In all restorations, maintaining the original gel coat of the hull and it being in excellent condition will carry the most value.
Unfortunately, complete, turn-key, ready-to-launch, perfect condition restorations have a limited customer base, which is essentially vintage Boston Whaler super-fans who have much more money than they have time or skills to do restoration work themselves, and are seeking a boat that is a bit of a "show-boat" example of a 56-year-old Boston Whaler.
As for wanting to have seating aboard a NAUSET 16 for more than four adults, I see trying to cram more seats into a 16-foot hull as a big DETRACTION of value. No one expects to operate a 16-footer with more than four adults aboard unless they are only going for a short ride on a very calm lake.
Finally, the notion that you can restore a boat and sell it at a profit or at least equal to your total investment in new gear is not really workable, unless you bought the boat to be restored in excellent condition and paid only a fraction of its value when you bought it, and you don't charge anything for your labor or opportunity cost of all the money invested.
However, a new engine will be very expensive, and recovering the cost of the engine, installation, gauges, remote controls, rigging, and propeller--which can easily total more than $10,000--will be difficult in a re-sale, particularly a re-sale by an individual who is not recognized as being an expert in restorations or an authorized seller of the outboard engine brand.
The same goes for buying a new trailer and putting it under the boat or rehabilitating an older trailer. Getting back every dollar invested in the trailer from the next buyer will be difficult.
In all restorations, maintaining the original gel coat of the hull and it being in excellent condition will carry the most value.
Unfortunately, complete, turn-key, ready-to-launch, perfect condition restorations have a limited customer base, which is essentially vintage Boston Whaler super-fans who have much more money than they have time or skills to do restoration work themselves, and are seeking a boat that is a bit of a "show-boat" example of a 56-year-old Boston Whaler.
As for wanting to have seating aboard a NAUSET 16 for more than four adults, I see trying to cram more seats into a 16-foot hull as a big DETRACTION of value. No one expects to operate a 16-footer with more than four adults aboard unless they are only going for a short ride on a very calm lake.
Finally, the notion that you can restore a boat and sell it at a profit or at least equal to your total investment in new gear is not really workable, unless you bought the boat to be restored in excellent condition and paid only a fraction of its value when you bought it, and you don't charge anything for your labor or opportunity cost of all the money invested.