tommydhoe

Been poring over a late 78's mako 23. Transom has been redone but the floor still has some soft spots and the motor is a 90's Evinrude. With "some soft spots" and an original fuel tank, I assume tank removal & replacement, some/all stringers need likely need replacing and foam work? Any input on what a reasonable value might be would be appreciated. Also any thoughts on the project itself. Thanks in advance.

2TDave

It’s going to need everything done. Maybe you can save the transom if it was done properly. Motor isn’t worth anything really. I did a complete rebuild on a ‘74 Mako, paid $500 for the hull knowing what I was getting into. That was a 17’ and they have a bit of a following but the 23 should be worth maybe a little more for the hull alone but I wouldn’t pay much more unless there were other items like a t-top, leaning post, trailer or electronics that are good and reusable.

tommydhoe

There is, apparently, a brand new trailer and the boat has been rewired from transom to console. Asking is $8550.

2TDave

Well I suppose the trailer could be worth some money but none of that wiring is going to do you any good when you have to rip the deck out, pull all the wet foam and replace the rotten stringers. I’m not trying to be a pessimist but I used to spend a lot of time on the Classic Mako site and never saw anyone open up an old Mako that didn’t need all of the above. They’re good boats but you need to know what you have ahead of you and hopefully have the knowledge or more importantly the will to learn and do the work yourself. I happen to be one of the sick ones that enjoys the work and process more than running a finished boat. Got any pictures?

bone-a-fide

The 70’s 23 Makos have a very shallow deadrise and will pound the crap out of you. I would pass. At some point, 80’s, the 23 Mako changed design to a steeper dead rise and has a much better ride. I have an 87, and it is a great boat.

Once you dive into that project, it is going to be either a lot of time, or a lot of money.

KPHuss

It's worth the value of the trailer + a couple hundred bucks. That thing is going to be a big project and will get expensive quick.

midcap

too bad that's not a 222 CCP or a Flatback Aquasport.

midcap

If he does redo it, I'd go with marine ply and vinyl ester.

2TDave

The deadrise was changed from 10 degree to the deeper V in 77/78.

midcap

Then the Op may have a good hull to work with.

KPHuss

fify

getthenetmontauk

If its a modified v ‘23. When you rebuild it you'll also need a good chiropractor.

bone-a-fide

If you are going to rip it all up, that price is too high. If you are looking for a cheap way to get you out on the water, the transom is solid, and the soft spots aren’t too bad, might be worth it for a few years. My previous mako 20 had a few soft spots but the transom was OK and I fished it hard for 5 years and sold it for what I paid. If indeed it is the modified V and not the older 70’s flatter V, it is a good riding boat.

tommydhoe

Thank you all for the input. I would enjoy doing the work but time and space are big factors for me as a restaurant owner/operator. I do think the price is high by a few grand and not sure if it is worth driving 2 hours to look at the boat and make a low offer that I feel is reasonable for the hull and trailer.