Appraisal: 1964 13-footer, 35-HP Engine, Trailer

[WaterWhaler1963]

Looking for insight and appraisal for a 1963 13-foot hull which was damaged by a lift but has been non-professionally repaired, and the gel coat has many hairline cracks.

Included with the hull are

• a 1997 Honda 35-HP four-stroke-power-cycle engine
• a trailer
• a bimini top
• various cushions
• various railings
• a sump pump

Fig. 1.

Whaler-1.jpg (148.3 KiB) Viewed 1961 times

Fig. 2.

Whaler-8.jpg (132.52 KiB) Viewed 1961 times

Fig. 3.

Whaler-9.jpg (150.04 KiB) Viewed 1961 times

[jimh]

I see a couple of problems with the rig that will reduce its value.

The hull looks like it has the cut-down transom for a 15-inch-shaft length engine, which would be correct for a stock 1963 hull.

The HONDA engine looks more like a 20-inch shaft model.

Q1: please confirm the shaft length of the Honda engine.

The concern is that with the heavy weight of the Honda engine and the transom cut-down for a 15-inch shaft, there will be much less freeboard at the transom in the cut-down portion.

Q2: please give the weight of the Honda engine.

A 60-year-old hull that has non-professional repairs to unspecified damage is certainly not a candidate for re-powering with a very heavy engine

[WaterWhaler1963]

Thank you for your response jimh.

Q1: please confirm the shaft length of the Honda engine.

The engine has a 20 inch shaft.

Q2: please give the weight of the Honda engine.

The weight is 198

[jimh]

I assume the HONDA BF35 engine weight is 198-lbs.

For comparison, an OMC c.1976 two-cylinder 521-cc 35-HP 15-inch-shaft pull-start engine weighs 115-lbs, or electric start model weighs 118-lbs. These were often used on 13-footers.

[WaterWhaler1963]

Exactly, the BF35. The motor is mounted about 3 inches above the transom in order to bring it more inline with the 15 inch shaft.
I am looking to sell it but unsure of the pricing and where to position it in the market for an offer.

[jimh]

Here is a comparable 13-footer, but much newer hull, much newer engine, much newer trailer:

https://continuouswave.com/forum/viewto ... f=5&t=8224

That really super-nice 13-footer went for $6,000 in Florida.

In comparison your boat is much older and had hull damage, and still has spider cracking. Your engine is 28-years old, the wrong shaft length, and heavy. Your trailer appears much older, too.

On the basis of the other 13-footer, I’d think $3,500 would be a place to start, and be flexible.

I don’t know where you are located, and that could affect the demand for a 13-footer.

[jimh]

I asked ChatGPT:

What is a good selling price for a 1963 Boston Whaler boat with a1997 engine and an old trailer?

ChatGPT said:

Pricing a 1963 Boston Whaler with a 1997 engine and an older trailer depends on several factors, including the boat's condition, the engine's performance, and the trailer's usability.​

Boat Condition
Classic 13-foot Boston Whalers from 1963 are highly regarded for their durability and timeless design. Prices for these boats vary based on condition and included accessories:​Boats from USA

A restored 1963 Boston Whaler in good condition is listed for $1,500. ​

Another 13-foot 1963 Boston Whaler, described as a solid project boat, is priced at $995. ​

Antique Boat America
A 1963 Boston Whaler with a 1995 Evinrude 40hp engine and a 2007 galvanized trailer is available for $500. ​

These examples suggest that a 1963 Boston Whaler in good condition typically ranges from $995 to $1,500.​

Engine Value
The value of a 1997 outboard engine depends on its make, model, and condition. For instance, a 1997 Evinrude 50hp outboard motor is listed for $1,200. Similarly, a 1997 Mercury 200hp ProMax EFI outboard motor is available for $3,000. These prices indicate that a 1997 outboard engine can range from $1,200 to $3,000, depending on its specifications and condition.

Trailer Value
The value of an older boat trailer varies based on its condition and functionality. On average, used boat trailers can cost between $500 and $5,000. Trailers at the lower end of the price spectrum are typically smaller and may show signs of wear but remain functional. Trailers at the higher end are in better condition and may include additional features such as LED lights and brakes. ​

Estimated Selling Price
Considering the boat's age and condition, the engine's specifications and performance, and the trailer's usability, a reasonable selling price for your 1963 Boston Whaler with a 1997 engine and an older trailer would be between $1,500 and $2,500. This range accounts for the boat's classic appeal, the engine's reliability, and the trailer's condition.​