Does it sit too low? or is it heavy?

[jimleigh]

Hello to all. I'm a new member since the purchase of project 1975 17' center console. This boat seems heavy or perhaps it's designed to sit low. Any info about what I might expect from this project would be great.

Thanks Jim

[JimCt]

Hi Jim!

If you can, post pictures of the boat in the water at rest... a profile shot and a stern shot.  That will help in seeing if the boat has a problem or not.

[jimleigh]

Thanks for the reply Jim. The boats in the water now. I'm getting photos together and will send. Also, when I picked up the boat it was filty. I cleaned it up and got it running. I drive it after work and it seems solid. While cleaning the bildge I found lots of old wet foam. I removed as much as possible but am concerned that without foam this boat could sink if swamped. I plan a complete restoration over the winter but plan to use it around the house for the rest of the season. I will post the progress. In addition I am an Electrician and HVAC Contractor over twenty years, so if I can assit anyone with information it would be my pleasure.
Thanks again
Jim Leigh

[GoneFission]

The wet foam could be why your boat seems heavy.  Waterlogged foam can add a LOT of weight to your boat!  Get as much out as you can and it will lighten your boat.  

If you are planning a rebuild, you can re-foam with new stuff and properly seal it so it will not become waterlogged in the future.  Check out the rebuild area and you can see how others have done this.  

Welcome to the site and good luck!

[JimCt]

Ditto's to what GF said...

A good number of the group who've re-built their boats have found soggy foam.  Goes with the territory.  170's are wonderful boats, suited well for single handed launching & hauling and a manageable size for an over-winter project.

[ddd222]

the boys are right on the $ w/ the wet boat idea, but u didn't expand on what kinda power is sitting on the transom. I think u mentioned 74'? If thats the case the hull is almost guarateed(flotation foam and likely transom) to be very wet.
     If after real evaluation not too wet some fiberglass mod's on the transom and raising the original scuppers slightly should help. If ur gonna rip open the deck and deal w/ deck, tank, etc, it might be a good idea to raise scuppers for more contemporary motors weighing more

[jimleigh]

Thanks guys. I forgot to mention the power. This boat is 1975 17' the motor is an 85hp merc. looks like it might be original with this vessel. I ran the #s and found the motor to be 1975 also. I was able to get this motor running very strong, and after a water pump kit it seems fine. Although the solenoid for the choke is missing so cold starts require taking off the cover to spary starting fluid. After that it runs okay. A friend in the business has a 3 year old 115 evinrude 4 cyl. 4-stroke w/new powerhead and all controls that he will sell for $4000 w/ 2yr. warranty and he will remove old and install and fit new. The pics will be posted by Monday evening. For now the dog and I are on the way to the beach with HIS Aquasport.
Thanks again
Jim

[jimleigh]

But the way I saw a need for emblems for use in molds. I have port and starboard that are in darn good shape. I could send them if I drill rivits which is no biggy. If you need them let me know. Again this is 75 17'

[RickK]

If the motor runs strong and you can fix the choke for cheap - "run it 'til it drops" - might save you some money.  I had a '86 'Rude 110 on my 170 and the wiring was falling apart, so I swapped it out for a rebuilt 115.  If it had been ok, it'd still be on the boat.

[MJB]

Jim,

I have the same concern, check the other post on projects forum -- "1976 Aquasport 170".