we have been looking for a river boat all year ,and have narrowed it down to a couple boats ,48 'nautaline1974,twin 454's,it has a couple soft spots on walk way,rest of boat "looks" good,or a1979 44' gibson with twin 318's,[?] the same shape in the "looks" field. my questions are ,what do i look for in the hidden places,like for rot,and what ever else i should be aware of.both boats are about same price .need help .would there be much fuel savings between 454 and 318.any idea on fuel use at cruise,and what would top speed and cruise be .bob and betty,

having been around nautalines most of my boating life( dads 34 & 43 and my 43) i can say that the decks on all 43 & 48 nautalines get soft due to there design, but this also leads to a much easier deck repair than on other boats since they can be unbolted and disassembled. also check for rot in the transom and the stringers arond the transom and engines. 48's also have the added issue of water leaks where the pilothouse is seamed up front. Its is my opinion the fiberglassing job on the older natalines was superior to most houseboats of there vintage, however all will develope some rot at some point. when repairing the cat walks be sure NOT to use pressure treated plywood as this will cause fiberglass bonding issues. as for 318 vs 454, my 75 43' nataline had twin 318's and cruised at 2000rpm/10mph and got a little better than 1 mpg with 19/19 props. my present boat is a 52 monticello and has twin 454 MPI's and at 2000 rpm's i get 10 mph and approx .96 mpg with 19/19 props. however i am told that carberated 454's don't do this good. either way be sure to get a survey, your own survey, not the sellers survey, and make any offer contingent upon a survey, financing, seatrial, and insurabilty of the boat for its surveyed value.

P.S. also check on slip availabilty in your area, and if it is a covered slip you are looking at in a snow belt area get ready for insurance sticker shock.

don't forget the survey !

Condition being equal and price the same go with the Gibson. It will be an easier "Sell" when it's time to change.

thanks for the rapid responce, one more question,both boats are on lakes, we want the river .a treck of min 50 miles,should i be very concerned in the way a mover supports the boat for the move?i read in your forums where one was damaged .and while boat is out should i have seals [or what ever they use ]on prop shafts replaced? we sure dont want to head down ten -tom and have to pull it out .thanks bob and betty

pick a reputable marine hauler and the boat support issue should be a mute point, however some haulers will have you sign a waver for damages on a boat of this age. this shouldn't be an issue if the boat is as solid as you state. also they will probably have to remove the flybridge(if equipped) to transport the boat. as to the seal question i assume you mean the shaft packings and i would say yes, now would probably be a good time while it is out of the water, and while this isn't very difficult you may want to have someone withyou who has done this before to show you how to do it properly(or hire someone to do it). While it is out pressure wash the bottom ceck the rudder and shaft zincs(if equipped)and if time permits repaint the bottom with a good grade of bottom paint, this will keep you from having to pull it for at least 3 to 4 years unless youstrike something and ding a prop.

P.S. while it is out record your prop size if you don't have spares incase you should need to order new ones, or find a deal on a spare set on E-Bay or at an auction.