1977 28' Topaz project boat value?

JK · Post by JK » Wed Jun 18, 2008 10:05 pm

I recently found a 1977 28' topaz express project boat for sale. Pretty much everything from the bottom up needs to be replaced, most if not all wood is rotton, cabin is trashed, although some hardware and accessories are salvagable. Outriggers and the half tower are in good shape The twin cat diesels are not in the boat, but im not interested in the motors. Needs props, shafts are questionable, needs to be completely re-rigged,although helm controls may be salvagable. What would something like this be worth, or better yet, what should I offer for it.

Rob Eades · Post by **Rob Eades** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 10:42 pm

Please, run away as fast as you can, building a new LB22 woud be easier and cheaper!

Rob

Rob Eades · Post by **Rob Eades** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 10:44 pm

mean't LB26

JK · Post by JK » Wed Jun 18, 2008 11:18 pm

Thanks for the advice Rob

tech_support · Post by **tech_support** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 8:22 am

Nice boat boat for a re-build.

BUT, the future of fuel prices may change that. Before you go further, calculate how much its going to cost you to run that boat (twin inboards), then price out what it will cost to run a more efficient hull, or our new gulfstream 28.

I am willing to bet either of those designs will cost 1/3 in fuel vs. the 28' topaz, not to mention the 28' topaz will need a slip and the others can be stored on a trailer

landlockedinmi · Post by **landlockedinmi** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 9:35 am

That's got disaster written all over it...hmmmm good boat name "Dis-assed-her"

flattie · Post by **flattie** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 12:56 pm

I looked at a late 70's Topaz. The boat seemed to be well constructed and in good shape which spoke more to the owner and his maintenance habits for a boat that age. Decks would be a big concern and with any boat that age the gas tanks. The Topaz I looked at was an express/center console with both engines located under a center console/helm amidships. It had new gas tanks which could only be removed/replaced by cutting out the cockpit floor. New wiring would be mandatory/especially if it has/had shore power connections.

I test rode the boat in a light chop with only boat wakes to contend with and the boat handled nicely. Ultimately I passed in favor of a newer 1989 28' Rampage which I sold this past fall. Expect to get 1 to 1.2 nmpg at best with that hull at any reasonable cruising speed. I would think long and hard about taking on that project - you will never recoup what you put into it if and when you go to sell the boat. If you enjoy the rebuilding/rehabbing process more than using the boat - go for it - otherwise stay away. It's a buyers market these days and there are plenty of very, very nice boats for sale given the price of fuel (both diesel and gas - on the water diesel is $5.50 near me so the cost savings of diesel is greatly diminished).

JK · Post by JK » Sun Jun 22, 2008 11:03 am

Thanks for the advice fellas. To Shine, I can't find any info on the GS28, is it a Bateau plan or a production hull?

JK · Post by JK » Sun Jun 22, 2008 2:22 pm

Nevermind Shine, I dug a little deeper and found the prelim renderings. I think that looks like right design to suit my needs, however I have never built a hull from schatch. I have restored 11 boats ranging form a 16' bonito to a to a 20' WA, lots of exp. w/ glass, resins, and foam; replaced transoms, stringers, bulkheads, ect. Any thoughts on a first build

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