Suggestions for an Unsellable 3700

[Gerard Hebert]

A lot has happened in the past 14 months. Every family member has been to the ER at least once. The dog was the only one that didn't make it out. There's a lot more, but that's arguably the worst of it and enough to provide a backdrop for the rest of the post.

We went to the boat twice this summer and will not be able to go at all next year, so we decided to sell it. We got an offer for $62K but it failed the survey because everything including and forward of the bulkhead is wet. To demonstrate to the broker, the surveyor stuck a putty knife through the bulkhead. We replaced the stringers in the engine compartment a few years ago. If you search my posts, you'll see a picture of a mushroom growing out of where the work was being done.

We got an estimate of $40-$50K to repair it. Obviously we're not doing that. Suggestions have ranged from trading it in to donating it for the tax credit. Someone suggested DryBoat as well. We don't have the money or will to repair it.

From the outside, the boat looks and runs great, but I have no idea whether it is safe. What's the best thing to do when someone has a boat they can't sell?

[shrew]

You're effectively upside-down. The cost to repair it will equal or likely exceed (once they find hidden or unexpected issues....and they will find hidden/unexpected issues) the value of the boat. So spend $55K to then sell it for $55K once the work is done.

Unless you have a dump that will take 'construction debris' for free, the cost of disposal will be high.

If you can cut up and dispose the boat yourself for free, then part out the engines, transmissions/outdrives, fridge, stove, anything else that you can part.

Otherwise, donate it to charity and take the tax write off.

My deepest sympathies all around.