DE question or just a 17' in general

[j.lalani]

Looking for some info from those with more experience.

Whereabouts would you guys, with more experience, value a low- to mid-80s 17' DE right now, with no motor or a basically cooked motor on a decent trailer, if the hull and transom were solid? I've been looking at a few 17' DEs, Hourstons, and a couple of others, but cost-wise, some people seem to be asking a lot for the condition and what's included compared to other boats.

If I were to pick one up that was solid but needed to be repowered, would it be worth it? Also, is going with a 90 or 115 horsepower motor a better route?

I’ve been looking at some 16' DEs, but from what I’ve found on here, people say a 17' is a much better option. I’m looking to possibly upgrade from my tinny this year to something much safer and better to take the kids out in so we can do more with it.

Thanks for any info/help.

 

[kaelc]

Full canvas? Garage stored cream puff or a moored outdoors stored?

Hydraulic steering or old cables? Any recent electrical upgrades

Is the old engine off so you can get a good look at the transom?

 

[j.lalani]

Full canvas? Garage stored cream puff or a moored outdoors stored?

Hydraulic steering or old cables? Any recent electrical upgrades

Is the old engine off so you can get a good look at the transom?

Hey Kaelc.

Both DEs i was looking at recently are hardtop. One was stored outdoors undercover on a trailer for the last year and a half, old cables, engines off, apparently transom was redone a few years ago.

The other was sitting for about a year on trailer, moored most of the time prior but trailered sometimes. Old engine still on. But apparently transom, hull, floor are solid.

Im new and still learning with the boat stuff, but I'm also the hands on type and willing to take on a bit of a project and research/learn as I go. Just want to make sure I'm not overpaying too much if I go to pull the trigger as prices for DEs still seem all over the place from what I've found.

 

[kingblazer84]

Hey Kaelc.

Both DEs i was looking at recently are hardtop. One was stored outdoors undercover on a trailer for the last year and a half, old cables, engines off, apparently transom was redone a few years ago.

The other was sitting for about a year on trailer, moored most of the time prior but trailered sometimes. Old engine still on. But apparently transom, hull, floor are solid.

Im new and still learning with the boat stuff, but I'm also the hands on type and willing to take on a bit of a project and research/learn as I go. Just want to make sure I'm not overpaying too much if I go to pull the trigger as prices for DEs still seem all over the place from what I've found.

Get a marine survey done that’s step 1 let a professional tell you that the hull is tight and looks redone not going by the current owners “word” without visual documented proof imo

 

[sly_karma]

The one with the engines off is worth something to you. Some careful examination and probing of the engine mounting holes thru the transom can tell you a lot about hull condition. Plus the engine removal work is done already, no old banger to to store or sell. And some sellers will try to extract some value there, even for blown engine.

 

[kaelc]

I’m with Sly on that. You can buy a moisture meter, or and a wooden mallet, but the floor and transom will be your best visual indicators.

“stored outdoors undercover on a trailer for the last year and a half, old cables, engines off, apparently transom was redone a few years ago.”

I’d price a hard top in excellent condition, with usable seats, without steering at 4K. Galvanized Trailer with registration and axle/hardware less than 10 years old and brakes/tires less than 5 years old at $2500. I’m just pulling this out of my…. But I like hard tops. I’ve redone the wiring on boat over a weekend with my brothers, never done steering but if going cheap there are vevor kits if you plan to keep it under cover on a trailer if not seastar/dometic.

Things like working whippers and new electrical are worth a lot.

If you can get the package for 5k and like working on things, have the space and a very patient family. Just my 2c worth what you paid for it.

There is a double eagle Facebook group and a guy godobbs is the go to for rebuilding them I think? Worth a chat with him, might be a bit of a yahoo but he has experience.

 

[j.lalani]

Get a marine survey done that’s step 1 let a professional tell you that the hull is tight and looks redone not going by the current owners “word” without visual documented proof imo

Yes, for sure. I plan to do that when I find one I'm ready to pull the trigger on, assuming everything else seems good.

I'm just trying to figure out the right price range for something older, especially if everything seems solid, or if the stringers, transom, or floor need to be replaced, etc. Prices for DEs seem all over the place, and everyone talks about the hulls and quality, etc. As someone with less experience, it sometimes feels like people pull something out of the woods and slap a $5k to $10k price tag on it. So, it's been hard for me to gauge the price range for an older DE and whether it's worth trying to pick one up and put some work into it. I do like them, though, especially with the hardtops.

I appreciate all the input from you guys—it definitely helps as I try to figure things out and try and find something.

 

[scott craven]

My opinion, don't pay more than $5K for a solid hull and trailer. A new outboard and rigging will cost $15 to 20K on top of the purchase price

 

[kaelc]

And be worth 10-15k after a couple years if they are lucky

My opinion, don't pay more than $5K for a solid hull and trailer. A new outboard and rigging will cost $15 to 20K on top of the purchase price

 

[Bifmalibu]

Definitely go with a 115hp(or more!) on 17 Eagle. I had a 90 on the back and found it to be a dog. I may not have had the perfect prop though either.

 

[Stizzla]

I’ve had both. 115 is great!

 

[salmonkiller01]

If it is a pre-1990 hull they are worth 1500-2k tops in my opinion. Unless they have documented proof of being rebuilt. Trailer is worth the condition it is in. 1-2k unless newer than 2010.
What they ask for and what they are worth are totally different pricing.
I would look for a 2000 or newer and pay the extra dollars for one in mint shape all rigged out

 

[SpringVelocity]

Looking for some info from those with more experience.

Whereabouts would you guys, with more experience, value a low- to mid-80s 17' DE right now, with no motor or a basically cooked motor on a decent trailer, if the hull and transom were solid? I've been looking at a few 17' DEs, Hourstons, and a couple of others, but cost-wise, some people seem to be asking a lot for the condition and what's included compared to other boats.

If I were to pick one up that was solid but needed to be repowered, would it be worth it? Also, is going with a 90 or 115 horsepower motor a better route?

I’ve been looking at some 16' DEs, but from what I’ve found on here, people say a 17' is a much better option. I’m looking to possibly upgrade from my tinny this year to something much safer and better to take the kids out in so we can do more with it.

Thanks for any info/help.

3 to 4k max but that would be a decent trailer with hull. Don't get a 16ft. The 17ft is a much better boat. It's also more sought if you decide to sell.

For 17 I would go with a 115.

I ran a 16ft and it was pretty small especially with kids. That boat had a 60 and was fast enough.

I would really consider waiting in spring and looking for a decent 17ft that already has a decent motor.

These boats are notorious for rotting so make sure you check the stern and floor for rot. Older they are and floors haven't be redone more chances of rot.


Good luck.

 

[Tips Up]

17ft has a lot more room than the 16. I have had both and currently have 1991 17ft. 16 is too small for family. I find hard tops on small boats make them feel real small. Always ducking under. I like a raised soft top. The older boats like mine have low seats also. Not sure what year these changed. The older hulls were built for 90 horse 2 strokes and was ideal power. I repowered with yamaha 115 but if I did it again I would consider Suzuki 90 4 stroke. It is about 60lb lighter than the yamaha 115. Not sure how the 90 4 stroke would compare to original 90 2 stroke for power but again the 90 2 stroke was ideal. A newer hull may be different. Value is really hard to say. You just have to add up the costs to take the boat from condition you buy it in to the condition you want it to be. If that is in your budget then go for it. You won't get your money back that you put in so the value is what is it worth to you.

 

[Doubleheader]

Unless it’s had the transom replaced I wouldn’t touch one. Even the mid 90’s had a bad stretch of poorly built boats, the market value hindered quality. Then there’s the 100 screws and holes people like to drill into wood coring that is an instant ticking time bomb, very rare to see holes and screws waterproofed properly. And if the transom is wet, 75% chance the stringers and floor are too.
It’s honestly sad seeing how boats are put together once you’ve rebuilt a few.