Value Of 1980 CVX 18 California Special

[smath]

Last summer I purchased 1980 CVX 18 California Special.  This is virtually a one owner boat and has been in storage for about 15 years..  It is all original other than a new gas tank, power steering pump, carb, and fuel pump.  It is in good condition overall.  The previous owner lived in Colorado so he changed the California to Colorado.  It has a 1988 Glastron trailer.  I have only found one other California Special on the internet. It has a bimini and cockpit cover that are like new and the full cover is made of a heavy leather like material.   If anyone has one or has done a research and has an idea of value let me know.  Thanks.   

[Hyperacme]

Welcome to the forum Scott !
Nice CVX !

[smath]

This really is a beautiful boat.  I had two 18's in my younger years and was excited to get this one but wasn't familiar with CA Special. Thanks for the additional literature.  These are such classic boats.  I remember when I was very young going to the dealership and dreaming about having one.  Ha.  Just registered for the site today and am enjoying all of the reading.  Thanks again.

[carlsoncvx18]

Scott welcome to the forum.  Awesome looking Cali special. It is really hard to put a price on these classics. You said it?s been in storage the last 15 yrs what about the previous 25.  Everything looks to be in good shape. Is the floor solid and transom sound when you tap on it with a hammer. If everything is solid and no rot I would guess any where from $8000 - $12000.

I have a 1987 cvx18. It?s getting old and tired. Someday it will get restored

[smath]

I had spent a fair amount time trying to figure out the fuel issue - which ended up being a rusted fuel tank and everything in the engine compartment and everywhere else I placed my mitts seemed very solid.  The floor feels very solid as well.  I will do a thorough "hammer test" when I have it out this weekend and see if I notice anything unusual.  To the best of my knowledge the original CO owner stored it indoors over the winter.  I replaced the carb and the fuel pump which turned out to be unnecessary as the problem was the rusted fuel tank as I mentioned.  So even those were likely still in good shape - meaning it didn't appear to be used hard and was well taken care of.  I put a fast coat of wax on it but not much else so I think I will put some more time into cleaning it up.  There are some small spider cracks on the bow that may improve with some elbow grease.  I love pulling this thing around. These are just such beautiful boats.  I guess I already mentioned that - and I am sure I would get strong agreement here.  Ha.  I have half a mind to pull it up to MN for an event.  I am originally from SD and went to school in Mankato so I consider that area my old stomping grounds. Thanks for the input.

[Hyperacme]

Old G/C boat price's have gone up in the last year, could be covid or the price of new boats.
There a really nice C500 out west for $3000 that's been for sale for months and a CV19SS for $40,000 that comes up on eBay every other week.
Boats that go for Jeff's guess of $8000 to $12,000 seem to go reasonable fast.

I added a 250 HP motor, XL package and trailer to a 2022 GX195 and it came to over $53,000 before tax and set up .. OUCH !

[JThomas36]

Scott, that's a great looking Cali you got there. I picked one up a year and a half ago and have been working away since.   Just wrapped up my interior.  $15 sewing matching and some great fabric from sailrite during covid kept me busy.  It's my first upholstery project and feel pretty good about the way it came out. I will redoing the front corners to get the wrinkles out.    I owed Hyperacme some pics from the project and finally figured out how to attach.  I did all the wood work for the back seat with help from the forum and built the ski pole bracket from scracth with help from folks here as well.  I can't wait to get her in the water this year.  I just purchased CLM exhaust conversion from log to center rise , as well as rebuilt quadrajet carb with electric chock and Pentronix Flame thrower III ignition
 This was going to be my retirement project but couldn't wait that long.  Found my baby and dove right in.  Yours looks awesome as is. 

[Hyperacme]

Nice job 

[JThomas36]

Eversoft fabric from sailrite was really nice to work with. not cheap but nice. I went for a little Resto Mod look with a cool stripe to set it off. I wanted to challenge myself on my first project.  The piping was a learning experience as well.  Thanks for the compliment

[Glastronjohn18]

Nice Job. I really like the way you did the interior.

[smath]

Nice job on the interior.  You have that Cali looking great.  I will be doing a little work on mine this weekend and hope to spend some time buffing it out and see if I can get her to shine a bit more.  Thanks everyone for the follow-up posts.  I am enjoying this site thoroughly.

[JThomas36]

I did a lot of sanding and buffing on mine.  Wanted to see if I could bring it back and how well as I was totally planning on shooting Flake.  She shined up pretty nice and and is only showing a couple of spider cracks.  Anxious to launch her this summer and enjoy the sun. I can always spray her later on down the road.  Biggest regret was pulling the 260hp decals.  I found that they are likely not replaceable.  Let me know if anybody has a source for them. 

[carlsoncvx18]

Make a longer one and have it chromed.  I had mine rechromed last winter.  It was during the height of Covid he was not busy $75 cash to get it done.