Totally New - A Few question - 1988 170 Striper

[HollyAqua]

Hi....Guys

I'm totally new to the forum.

I just bought a 1988 Aquasport 170 Striper for $650 including trailer. Primarlly because of this site and all the good things I read about this boat, plus the $650 I think is not a bad deal, for Hull Center Consul and Trailer

I drove back home around 60mph to 65 mph and the trailer did great, very smooth.

It needs alot of TLC and parts but its long project.  The floor & hull are solid.

I just have few questiong as a new guy.

1. Where doee the battery & Battery Switch go?
2. Where does the cap to fill the gas tank go?
3. Whats a good size Bilge Pump?
4. How do I hold in place the gas tank?
Finally
5. Is it fair/good deal for $650?

Thank for all you help and time.

I'm sure I will be posting my progress on the forum

Regards
Rudy

[Capt. Bob]

Welcome aboard HA

1. I would personally place it within the center console but some leave them in the stern up against the transom.
2. On the fill hose.  I had an 86  170 but it's been so long I don't remember where I filled it up from. Not to worry, there are a gaggle of 170 owners on board this Forum. They'll know.
3.The biggest one that will fit. Size definitely matters. You can never have one that is "too big".
4. I thought it was below deck. Check the rebuild Forum. You'll find many different views on securing the tank.
5. Only if you think so. "Sounds" OK. Free would be better.

6. This post is worthless without pics.

Show us what $650 buys now a days.

Good luck.

[Hi308]

Welcome aboard!

 If it's a project boat, I figure you can do what you want with it! I'm a relatively new user here too. My advice to you is to spend some time checking out the photo galleries. I was able to figure a whole lot just searching there, a picture is worth a thousand words, ya know! There is a user named "wingtime" who has a great set of fuel tank pics. Here is a link that may help with the fuel tank.
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm
 
Look forward to seeing some pics from you!

[RickK]

Welcome aboard HA  :!:  :!:
My 170 was made when fuel tanks sat under the console leaving no room for anything else.  :cry:

[Far67rar]

I have a 1980 and the fill for the gas was originally on the right hand side as you look foward about the midle of the front half of the boat, the tank is under the floor where the center consul sits, my fill has been relocated to the top of the center consul it was a pain in the butt when I had to stop at a gas station I would have to get inside to put gas in it. But now that it stays in the water it is easier to put gas in it.

[aquastriper]

It sounds like you got a great deal--I recently paid $2,000 for my '88 striper with trailer and a 90 hp johnson that needed rebuilding (now runs great).  The battery switch on mine is under the console.  The previous owner had two batteries, but I run only one presently (my 90 isn't hard to rope-start if needed).  It just depends on how much you use the bait tank circulation pump, radios, lights, etc. without running the motor.  The fuel filler on mine is on the starboard gunwale, by the raised deck section.  The fuel tank is under the console floor, in a molded "coffin" that barely holds the (new) 29 gallon tank.  Allowing the tank to touch anything that can hold water is a bad idea; I mounted mine on strips of "starboard" and sealed them to the tank with 5200 caulking.  It was necessary to trim the corner edge of the starboard because, as I mentioned, the tank barely fits.  The point is, it needs to be secured in a way that does not allow water to remain in contact with the aluminum tank.  In truth, however, mine corroded through the top, so be sure to seal the console to the deck section with marine-grade silicone or equivalent (to keep as much standing water off the tank top as possible).  Note: do not use 5200 to seal either the deck section above the tank or the console as you may someday wish to remove them.
     The tank itself is held down by stainless steel strips that run under the coffin floor and attach at the top of the tank.  If these are missing, find something similar to strap it in as you won't want the tank shifting around while crashing over waves (mine is a pretty tight fit, anyway).  FYI: I had to have my replacement tank constructed by a local business that specializes in marine tanks.  It was about $300.00, but worth it as I don't have to deal with tanks cluttering up the cockpit.  It also improves balance to have the tank underdeck.
       Enjoy with Your Aquasport!

[RickK]

Welcome aboard aquastriper  :!:  :!:

[Mike453]

Hi, Mike453 also new I,d also like to see pictures. I'm going to try to post mine later. good luck with the boat!