Feedback on buying 89 175 Striper!

[kipp183]

Hey guys! I've been following this site for a while now but just now getting ready to purchase my first Aquasport!! I would just like some feedback on what to look for. After some research I haven't been able to find many 175's for less than $5k in the mid atlantic area. I finally stumbled upon a 1989 175 Striper with a running early 90's Evinrude 120. The gentleman who owns the boat seems to be very knowledgeable and seems to have taken care of the boat. I believe he use to be a member on here. Anyways, the hull and transom are in great shape. No soft spots, motor cranks right up. The only thing it needs "mechanically" is a switch panel. Other than that she just seems to need a little TLC. $3k for the boat and trailer, what do you guys think? I will try to get some pics posted up today.

[doyle007]

Kipp,  I am on my second season with the new-to-me 1989 Striper 175.  It came with a 2003 Mercury 2-stroke 75 and a trailer for $3,200.  It is a fantastic boat and I plan to keep it around for a long time. 

For me the only issue is the wiring.  A lot of automotive connectors were on my boat, but I am slowly replacing them with marine grade heat shrink connections. I believe that my stringers and transom are wet, and they will be a project for another year or two.

Good luck with your boat.  Post a lot of pictures when you have a chance.

[Capt. Bob]

https://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=10634.0

I owned one in 86 (then known as a 170). Only new hull I ever owned. Great little boat.

Good luck.

[kipp183]

Thanks Guys! I'm going to check it out with our service manager today....I work on sailboats so not very knowledgeable with outboards...especially ones that were built when i was learning how to walk! (I'm 28yo) Anyways I'll post some pics soon!

[CTsalt12]

I've had the exact same boat and going on my 7th season.  I love it.  I've caught a lot of fish on that boat and had some great times. You won't find a boat this size with that much practical storage, it rides about as well as a 17.5 ft boat can, and it's nice on the eyes if you ask me.

Only gripes: they made the rigging tube really narrow and rigging is difficult (I'm going through a repower now so that's top of mind)
-Some minor fit and finish things were sloopy.  Mostly below deck where it's not visible.
-The console is too wide for a boat this size I think, and makes navigating around it tricky with a few people
-Because most of the seating and space is up front, when you have a few people onboard you tend to get water that site up front which would be negated with a more slanted deck.  in the big scheme of things a very minor issue.