Free Lancer 23

[craigjudge]

I recently found a 23'r on Ebay and pulled the trigger. After driving to Fredricksburg Va. to look at her, I decided she's too much work for me. The owner was very cool and said no harm done so I told him I'd post it on this forum.
The boat is very sound. The fiberglass floors are all good, gauges are good, interior is very nice but probably not original. It is missing the motor and the boat has been stripped of it's interior for storage. This is really not a bad boat but for once, I admitted my limitations and passed. If anyone is interested in a sound project, let me know and I'll pass on his contact info. Thanks.

[Paul P]

This boat........with the TLC it would take to do the cosmetic work such as filling scratches, primer, paint, and doing the upholstery work such as putting vinyl around light weight marine plywood panels...and then of course tending to any instruments and seating.......with a NEW CRUSADER or MERCRUISER package would be equivalent to a $50,000 or $60,000 new purchase if compared by utility and performance. The look of course is going to be classic, which I prefer.

I am going through one of these now, mine is an inboard so I get to mess with the transmission swap on a 427 from gear reduction to direct drive. Rebuilding a mechanical package is one thing, but on this boat if it is free, then the really attractive alternative is to just pop a new unit in there and have new reliability in a very solid classic hull.

The 23' hull I am working on now has very little issues to tend to, and they are all quite able to be dealt with. Somneone could and should jump on this one.

regards,

Paul

[craigjudge]

Talked to the previous owner. He found a taker for the boat. Turns out the new owner is a marine engineer and is dedicated to restore the Lancer. Maybe we'll see the boat here soon.