Questions RE our "new" '74 19'6"

[Jmac]

Hi All,

We just picked up a 74 19'6 and have a few questions for the experienced folks on the forum. We have a 72 170 that we have had for 3 years so we are working on a fleet! 

My main question is about flex on the 19' 6- When stepping on the gunnels we get a bit of flex and bounce that we don't have on the 17. They are parked next to one another in the yard and we haven't had her on the water yet.

Just trying to see whats normal on the new girl

Thanks

[RickK]

My 170 has a liner that includes the sidewalls up to the gunwale, so even with rod holder access cutouts, the sidewalls support the gunwales.  As I look through the catalogs of 196s I see that they are open from the gunwales down to the floor. Looks like the rod holders may be the only support for the gunwales.

[fitz73222]

Completely normal, the 19-6 and 22-2 had gunnel flex and the teak rod racks do support the gunnels and provide some stiffness. Despite the fact that the gunnels flex, I've not seen any spider cracking because of it. My '73 22-2 lived most of its life as an offshore boat and saw some pretty nasty duty for many years without any cracking at all. I kind of equate it too looking at commercial airliner wing while in flight and watching the wing tips flexing like crazy. If they were ridged, they would break off! Apples and oranges for sure, but some flexing is good!

[Jmac]

Thanks Guys- RickK, great to see the original ad. Fitz, glad to know- It makes perfect sense looking at it that way. BTW, the 19 6 have very minimal spider cracking at all and the 17 had a lot more in comparison.

Thanks again- I'll post some pic when I get the engine hung ( transferring the 03 90 Zuki 4stroke) and get her water ready.