777funk

Ha, You sound like a Dodge or Chevy guy. Had a Cummins for a couple months (2nd Gen 5.9 12 valve) so I can't argue that a Powerstroke is the better rig. But it works!

I've learned to live like a 3rd world country to some degree. Not that bad... but I've learned how to make junk work pretty well vs not having at all or having a huge payment on something I can't afford (which is pretty much everything extra right now). I've got a Powerstroke Diesel that's worth about $500 (600k miles) and isn't a beauty but works great, reasonably reliable (well maintained by me), and is nice driving. That's good enough. So I could probably do without anything beyond it floats and fishes. I totally get the it's beyond hope idea though and this one very well might be! I'll find out if/when I go check it out. Still waiting on the seller to setup a time.

I've not been there and done that. Sounds like you have! So I'm nobody to question experience... but $3000 for a floor?! If I'm going utility grade function over form, I could see lumber (plywood) costing about $100-$300 tops. I can epoxy coat it so it'll last longer. I've got a gallon of West Systems (marine grade) epoxy on hand for my regular wood working. Am I off my rocker thinking I could replace the floor for under $300 in materials?

thanks for the helpful advice!

There's a guy who will trade me a 73 Charger Bass Boat (looks a little like a Ranger from the same era) that's in need of a new floor. He said there are no leaks. It has a trailer and a 50 HP Johnson. So that's nice... it's no cost to me (other than the trade) which is the right price. I'd like this to fish with my 10 and 8 year old sons.Would this be worth the time to build a new floor in? I'm not getting it for value or for beauty. It'd be to fish in. I'm pretty handy (wood working, painting, etc) but have never worked on a bass boat so I'm curious what I could face in making the repairs? thanks in advance!