170 restore project

[aquanaught]

Thanks for the site and this is my first post.

I recently purchased a 1980 170.  I had a couple of questions regarding the replacement of the fuel tank.  I have heard plastic and aluminum the drawback on the plastic was the wear factor inside the finished hold and did not know if that was accurate or not.

The other question is did these models ever have a bilge port leading out of the boat?  Mine shows no sign of one and I really want one.  

I will post photos as soon as my son shows me how.  He is 12 and I am very techno NOT!

[RickK]

Welcome aboard aquanaught  :!:  :!:
Another 170 owner - HUGE 170 family here.

I'll let someone else respond on the fuel tank - mine is aluminum and above the sole under the console.

As for the bilge, typically these boats did not have a factory bilge or pump - the sole was totally sealed and watertight thus water shouldn't be able to get into the bilge and they're supposed to be self-bailing.  You can cut an access hatch in front of the motor and put one in, the only problem is piping the exhaust out. That's where it gets ugly.

Here is a link that shows you how to post pix. Read the 2nd post ONLY please.
If you have any questions we are here to help.

[Marcq]

Hey welcome  aquanaught   You will love that boat.

About the tank, forget plastic if you want it in its original location, because you won't find any that will fit there but you could have a plastic tank on the sole under the console,  I would go for a custom made alu tank if I was you

About  the bilge pump, mine had one when I got her two years ago with a bilge port on the port side of the boat, not sure if it's original , if not, wonder why they didn't fill the bilge with foam  

Marc..

[Jay170V]

Welcome Aquanaught,
I just recently purchased a 1981 Osprey 170 which I've been working on. My 170 is like others designed to be self bailing, but mine also had an access hatch with bilge and plumbed for drain.  It looks to be factory or a really professional install.  Since I'm going back with new wiring, fuel lines and plumbing I also included a new bilge. The fuel tank is good which is aluminum (26 gallon) below hatch under the center console. I should finish all this by the end of the weekend and hope to start on the cosmetics next week.  I hope your project is as exciting as mine.  You will get alot of information and good advice from this site...it's great.  I've also decided to power it with a 115 Yamaha.  You will receive alot of different views on that topic.

Jay170V

[aquanaught]

Thanks to all that replied to my posts a couple of months ago.  I'm sorry to be so late in the response from my end.  I have been doing some serious work on the outer hull and was going to prime and paint yesterday but my painter got called away to work.  I got the tip on posting the photos and I sure have a few trying to document the entire process.  Thanks for that as well.

I spoke to a mechanic regarding the engine for this boat.  He said he had a 170 years ago and originally powered with a 115.  He changed out to a 90 and said although he lost a few mph, the ride was ahuge improvement.  still making up my mind and past experiences from you all out there would be greatly appreciated.  

Enjoy your vessels this summer.