Not a new member but it's been over a year since I last logged in. I've uploaded a photo of my '76 170 (also over in Pride & Joy - boat is in water at the ramp). So if you can't get to it from the link above, it's over there. I think it says "Photo 6". Sorry for that...tried to follow the steps but it didn't work quite right.
I'm seriously considering putting this boat on the market...I love it but just don't have the time to get out there. My question is, based on the following information, can I get some thoughts about a selling price? I will take some detailed photos - right now I'm just looking for serious pricing advice from knowledgeable members. (Go ahead and get your "How about $50 bucks?" comments out of your systems - I realize I'm opening myself up to that.)
GENERAL:
- 1976 "170". Boat is in excellent, fish-ready condition. Stored indoors by me for last 12 years, and I believe it was under a beach house before that. Original hardware, Boat has very minimal scratches, dings, etc. I bought it from an reputable, long-time Houston boat dealer about 12 years ago. He put the Johnson motor on it for me at that time...it had been on a pontoon boat.
- 1995 2-stroke Johnson 88. No rust inside or out. T/T works perfectly. Turning a Raptor s/s cupped prop. Runs perfectly...I'm guessing it has 300 hours, max.
- Sitting on a 2010 McClain aluminum trailer with LED brake lights, "vault" bearings, spare, etc. Trailer has about 500 miles on it, max. (approx. $2000 when I bought it new in 2010)
- Interior/exterior is original gel-coat (no added paint). Light gray-green original floor. I have cleaned & treated all of it.
- All wood is original and clean. (sanded and oiled)
- Original Florida boxes on transom.
- Transom is solid - no flex.
- Original windshield - no cracks - on original aluminum frame.
- Nice vinyl-coated white, folding bimini.
THINGS I'VE DONE:
- Removed and re-attached console. Filled original bolt holes in both the teak and the floor. Solid as a rock.
- Replaced the belly tank with an factory identical, custom-made aluminum welded tank made by Miller's Machine & Welding , new fuel/vent lines. Tank was set in as recommended on this site.
- New marine upholstery - white with green piping. Perfect condition.
- Custom shaped, low s/s bow rails. I had them made. You can sort of see them in the photo.
- New s/s steering wheel with rubber coating
- New "cable" steering system and throttle lines (installed around 2010)
- New ignition switch.
- Custom-welded aluminum "rack" that raises the original "cooler-seat" height about 9". The flip-flop seat back was already gone...I find it easier to use the boat without the back anyway.
- Forward deck hatches are on s/s spring supports.
- "Ping-pong ball" transom drain covers.
- There's probably other stuff I'm not thinking of, like brand new anchor rode, VHF with folding antenna, extra 6 gallon tank, new tach, etc.
NEGATIVES:
- There is one soft spot (12" x 12") behind seat, between the stringers. Hasn't changed in 12 years, but I have a nice white, framed access hatch that will easily replace that area. Other than that, there are no soft spots anywhere on the boat. You certainly would not want to re-deck this boat.
- I can't get the original aluminum stern light to work. It's probably a wiring problem - honestly I haven't tried to fix it...worked a couple years ago. (its not the bulb)
- It has some scrapes under the keel at the bow and some black marks there from the old trailer rollers, courtesy of the previous owner. Nothing serious...but I dont' like that sort of thing, so if I keep it, I'll get it professionally repaired but it's nothing to be concerned about.
- One of the transom lifting eyes is broken (not 'gone'...just cracked.)
Every time I'm at a ramp, people walk over and say, "Wow. What year is your Aquasport?" They can't believe it's almost 40 years old, and most of them say, "Would you sell it?" Honestly I don't want to but I pay storage every month (fully enclosed space, on concrete). If I get to the point where I have more leisure time, and find some money, I would buy a 22...if I can find one that isn't trashed. I grew up fishing the bay out of my dad's mahogany, 19' Helton. I've had power and sailboats all my life. For it's size, I have to say the 170 is an amazing hull as are they all.
Cliff
