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Derelict Post Sportfish boats & Worton

Discussion in 'Post Yacht' started by chesapeake46, Oct 24, 2023.

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  1. chesapeake46, Oct 24, 2023
    #1
    chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    I recently spent a couple days roaming Va's Western and Eastern shore by car.

    I visited several boat yards in Deltaville and came away with the feeling that that is where boats go to die.
    I cruised through 6 or 8 marina/boatyards and was really surprised to see 4 or 5 Post Sporties seemingly abandoned.

    46's and 43's left up in the back of the boat yards, unloved.
    Sort of made me sad.

    I got to thinking that maybe Worton Creek Marina, the new home of Post Yachts, might be able to refurbish these old girls as they have the Bertrams that Worton was kind of known for.

    Then I wondered if there is even a market for these old girls anymore.

    I love mine & would not trade it for a center console of any size but I also know I am running an antique .

    So, is there still a market for these old boats ?
    Could it be worth it to refurbish one to put it on the market ?

    I know I am not the guy to do it but I hate to see them fade away so undignified.
    mfan46 and Capt Ralph like this.
  2. Capt J, Oct 24, 2023
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    No, these days the costs to refurbish the boat far exceed what it's worth when it's finished, generally by about 3 fold.
  3. Capt Ralph, Oct 24, 2023
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    "what it's worth when it's finished"
    Even at 3 fold, still cheaper than most of the junk made today.

    Worth is in the eyes of the beholder, not in a book, not per the banks.

    Was working the forward cabin today in our 45 year old Bert.
    How many new POS's can you find 7'+ of headroom and 7'+ bunks in a forward cabin?
  4. chesapeake46, Oct 24, 2023
    #4
    chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    I think CptJ means there is no money in fixing them up and selling them to turn a buck.

    You or I, working on our own boats, improving them, is a different story that I share the same page as you.
  5. Capt Ralph, Oct 24, 2023
    #5
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Flipping an old boat requires a market that wants an old boat.
    This is a small (vertical) market, but it is there.

    Still cheaper than a new boat.
  6. C team, Oct 25, 2023
    #6
    C team

    C team Senior Member

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    For what it would cost to refurbish as well as your own sweat equity, you can find a current boat in decent condition for much less.
    I agree with you Chesapeake46 that it is a shame to see classic sportfish dying in a boat yard.
  7. SplashFl, Oct 25, 2023
    #7
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Active Member

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    Buddy's been "flipping" boats for a living the past 40 years. Since Covid he's only been buying small, mostly trailer boats; 18-30 ft range and not that many of them. He says way too easy to go upside down due to the cost of parts these days even when picking them up wholesale.
  8. DOCKMASTER, Oct 25, 2023
    #8
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    And even completely refurbished doesn’t help when trying to insure an older hull.

    I also think the estimate of 3x more cost than value is likely low. I bet I’m upside down by 4-5x but I knew that would be the case going in when I started my refurb.
  9. chesapeake46, Oct 26, 2023
    #9
    chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    Me too.
  10. SplashFl, Oct 26, 2023
    #10
    SplashFl

    SplashFl Active Member

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    A smart business guy I know, months back was talking about "investing" in a boat. After my ear full he still has not taken the plunge. Maybe one of the drug companies will come up with a vaccine to get these water toys out of our systems.
  11. Capt Ralph, Oct 26, 2023
    #11
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    And now you have;
    A solid ship, A keeper, something you can rely on, you and family happy & safe.

    That is why we took up our Bertram.
    Headroom everywhere and simple yet solid construction.
    If you take in the purchase and 24 years of expense of repairs/updates/normal maintenance, I think we have done well.
    Was our home for near 20 years.
    There was no investment. If I was to sell today it would be depressing.
    Even thought about it, but can't afford a newer/smaller boat.

    Naw, it is hard to flip an older boat.
    But if you want one, don't have the cash for a newer one;
    DIY does save on some bank loan or CC interest.

    And that is probably the big thought;
    Your labor is cheap.
    Yard labor is not.
    There is no way I could of made a penny on many boats I have flipped, if I did not do the work my self, most in my back yard.