New member looking at a 17- Help-

[BoniB]

Brand new to the site and looking for some advice.

I'm looking at a 1985 17' with a 2002 75hp Merc. The engine seems clean as it should being an 02' but the steering cable is frozen in the engine tube. The deck hatch that is over the fuel tank has been replaced with a piece of plywood which has to be redone. The over all condition of the hull is "rough" as is the trailer.

The boat is not in the water yet, so this would all be pending seeing it run. One thing the owner said that caught my attention is that he puts the plugs in the scuppers or water will come in at rest when he's in it. Is this common for this hull?

The owner is asking $2,000. I was thinking of offering $1200. It seems like a nice project boat.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

-John

[RickK]

Brand new to the site and looking for some advice.

Welcome aboard BoniB  :!:  :!:

I'm looking at a 1985 17' with a 2002 75hp Merc. The engine seems clean as it should being an 02' but the steering cable is frozen in the engine tube. The deck hatch that is over the fuel tank has been replaced with a piece of plywood which has to be redone. The over all condition of the hull is "rough" as is the trailer.

You might be able to heat the tube to get the cable out. That's too bad about the hatch.  Sounds like you have some work ahead of you.

The boat is not in the water yet, so this would all be pending seeing it run. One thing the owner said that caught my attention is that he puts the plugs in the scuppers or water will come in at rest when he's in it. Is this common for this hull?

The key is "when he's in it" and probably standing in the back of the boat - this is normal and you can read a lot of posts recently with people talking about the same thing.

[striper 17]

Welcome Bonib I have a 1987 17ft These are great boats,As far as the price just go with instinct if it feels right go for it. My boat has a 2006 125 so I also use plugs in my scuppers. I didnt choose this large of a motor its what was on it when I baught it. A 75 should be good, If you need help with the repairs there is plenty of help on this site, just check the fuel tank if you buy it, if it hasent been replaced you might need to replace it. The best thing I like about mine is I can fish shallow water and I can go out a few miles to deeper water and still feel safe all around I think these are really good boats. Good luck on a purchase and if you do lets see some pictures.

[striper 17]

I forgot to mention the steering tube you should be able to free up just loosen the nuts on the end and spray some lubricant in there grease the fittngs on top and just keep playing with it. The merc on mine did the same thing it happens when they sit fora long time.

[billfish33]

Brand new to the site and looking for some advice.

I'm looking at a 1985 17' with a 2002 75hp Merc. The engine seems clean as it should being an 02' but the steering cable is frozen in the engine tube. The deck hatch that is over the fuel tank has been replaced with a piece of plywood which has to be redone. The over all condition of the hull is "rough" as is the trailer.

The boat is not in the water yet, so this would all be pending seeing it run. One thing the owner said that caught my attention is that he puts the plugs in the scuppers or water will come in at rest when he's in it. Is this common for this hull?

The owner is asking $2,000. I was thinking of offering $1200. It seems like a nice project boat.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

-John

Welcome John,
I'm also new to the site !,lots of great advice, and the people are very helpful/freindly.I'm new to having a boat {larger than a 14' johnboat   },and I've learned so much the past few weeks !

good luck on your purchase !
Bill

[BoniB]

Thanks guys, this site seems loaded with info and great members looking to share it.

When the weather breaks up here in NY I'll post some pics before I make an offer.