Thank you Shayne. I have sent several e-mails to surveyors from this organization to get more information.

BE VERY CAREFUL. The day of the steel houseboat is long passed. There may be a perfect steel boat out there but most are on their last patch and disposal costs are rising. Many have gone to houseboat heaven an most are knocking on the door.There are very few buyers that will consider a steel boat so if you get into one you have to realize that you may be the last owner. Make sure that you can get insurance because most insurance companys won't insure a boat that old and even more companys won't insure steel. Also make sure you can get a slip as many marinas won't allow steel boats.

In addition to the hull the cabins on Drifters have a nasty habit of dissapearing starting under the windows and aft doorway. Check the roof and canopy for soft spots under the skin.

I know that this might make a lot of steel boat owners mad but the facts are the facts.

I've owned 4 steel boats, A Carrie Craft and 3 River Queens but that was 30 years ago. They were all good boats but A lot of rust and rot has happened since then.

At that price make sure you get a GOOD survey. I can't imagine paying that much money for a 1977 steel boat. For sure stay away from the guy that put a $38,000 valuation on it a year ago.

Keep us posted.
OLD HOUSEBOATER38512.8417824074

There is absolutely no way that boat is worth $38,000 unless they gold plated the hull.  I was being pretty generous with the $22k.  Pay attention to what Mr. OHB has to say.  I got out of the steel hulled boat business 4 yrs ago - sold a 1976 52x12 Summerset for $24k - and it truly was in excellent condition.  If you can swing it, aluminum is the way to go.