Questions about 1978 17 Center Console-Please help

[fnichols]

I found a spec sheet for a 75 but couldn't find one for the 78.  What are the major differences?  Any 17' owners mind replying and tell me positives and negatives to this boat.  I own a 222, but my buddy is looking at one with a 90Hp motor on it.  The seller claims one soft spot beside the console.  He will not be rebuilding just modify some smaller things with the electronics.  I am wanting to go with him and check the compression on the motor, bilge, transom, and exterior shape.  Any other suggestions or comments about this model?  Thanks!

[Marcq]

A 1978 should look like this


It's a great boat, not to small not to big, I love mine, easy to trailer/launch. When people see my boat, they think it's much bigger boat then a 17 footer. If I could find just one negative, it's the console that I find a bit big

Marc..

[fnichols]

Thanks, do you find that you can still run in fairly shallow water even without a jack plate?

What do you think one is worth in fair condition, one small soft spot, 2000 70HP Johnson/2 stroke with Alum trailer?

NADA says around 1500 for the motor, 1200 for the hull, and 700 for the trailer= $3400

Is that about right?

[RickK]

The boat will float in less than a foot - you may need to walk to the front if the boat is heavy on one end when trying to drift over some real skinny stuff.  The 70hp engine is what these boats were initially designed for so the weight will be perfect and the scuppers might actually work as designed.  I know that the boats are rated for more than the 70 in the year you're looking at but the 70-90 range is perfect for weight distribution. I have a 115 on mine (because I could) although I'm not sure it was rated for that much back then - and it certainly shows the weight in the back now.  I like the extra oomph the bigger motor adds to the performance.
The 170 is a great inshore boat that is very nimble, easy to handle and easy to launch/retrieve singlehanded.
Price is a touchy subject - the boat is worth what someone is willing to pay for it - I think that the price quoted is a reasonable starting point.

[Marcq]

Do you have any pictures ? It would help telling you if the price is right or not

Marc..

[fnichols]

These are the only pictures that I have seen.  Oh and my buddy said the owner says it is a 77 not a 78 like I first thought.  We are going to test the boat Saturday.  I'm excited to think that my buddy may join the Aquasport family.  Keep the comments and suggestions coming.

[Capt. Bob]

Hard to tell from the pics but it "looks" in good shape.
The owner at least keeps it covered.  

Good luck.