Aquasport 170 Restoration - Unique Twin Engine

[jbsails]

Pretty happy to be joining this group of Aquasport owners and fans.  I picked up a really nice one here and am about to embark on a partial restoration/upgrade.  It really is not in need of much except a good cleaning and some general love, new batteries, etc.

I gotta think the dual Johnson 55's are unique.  They may even be original to the boat.  I plan on checking vintage by the serial numbers.  They run great!

Looking forward to keeping all posted along the way.

[Capt. Bob]

 

Green rubrail and all.
The emblem is in excellent shape. Does the other one look that good?

That Bennett trim tab joy stick is a classic too.

Good luck.

[jbsails]

Thank you, Bob.  Yes, the port side logo is in similar condition.  I am now researching the Johnson 55's to see what vintage they are.  Really happy to have found this one.

[RickK]

Sweet boat - congrats!!  Have you had it in the water yet? I wonder how she sits with those engines on her?

[jbsails]

Thanks Rick...no, I have not had her in the water yet.  However, I have learned that the pair of Johnson Outboards are model EL79C's and are from 1979.  The boat was a 1978 model that may likely have been sold in 1979.  I am thinking these may have been the original motors set up from the dealer, making this a really original Aquasport example.

[boatnamesue]

30+ years of being surrounded by boats this is the 1st 17ft hull I've seen with twins.  Wicked. 

[RickK]

We have a member that had a 170 and wanted to/did put twin 70s on it and wanted to take it to the Bahamas from Fl.  It's about 50 miles (he said he did it in a small boston whaler already) and everybody warned him not to do it - we never heard from him again. I hope he made it ok.  The 170 just isn't a deep water boat - pick the right day and have buddy boat or 3 and it could be ok.

[jbsails]

So, just a week now of restoration of my 1978.  I pulled the fuel tank and found a pinhole leak which has now been repaired and re-installed.  Moreover the fuel hose seemed to be original and also had a leak.  All hoses have now been replaced.I have been doing a 3 stage compound and buff on the hull and am astonished at how good this hull looks for a 40 year old boat!  Really happy and I will add photos soon.  Now intending to go through the electrical systems and get it all squared away, add new batteries and re-locate them from the front shelf of the console (just behind the flip down storage/seat area) to the deck under the console.
I am also intending to add an anchor sprit.  Has anyone done this on a 17'?  I am having a bit of a challenge fitting it in at the Bow.

[RickK]

Cool - that's the way to get after it.

[jdupree]

That is a sweet rig right there

[mshugg]

The 170 is one of the sweetest little skiffs ever.  Love to see how she performs with the twin 55s.  Please give us a performance report when you splash her.

[xavier]

Very nice boat. I have a 1984 170 never seen a twin engine on a 170 pretty cool.

[jbsails]

I am really excited about this boat and my restoration is going well.  The hull has buffed out nicely...cannot even believe it is a 40 year old boat...amazing.  I had to replace a few bow rail bases, but polished up the rail itself and it came out terrific too.  I went through the electrical system and wiring.  It was a bit of a rats nest.  I also added a Simrad GO7 which matches up with my GO12 on my bigger boat.  I have ordered a custom leaning post which will replace the cooler "cushion" seat.I went ahead and pulled the lower units on the twin Johnsons and had them rebuilt...I am intent on keeping those twins because the setup is so unusual and thought this was a prudent investment.  I am also painting the motors with fresh Johnson white and ordered a set of new decals off eBay.  I pulled the fuel tank and cleaned out all the under hull channels and replace all the hoses.  I have sanded all the teak and have re-oiled and this week, I am painting the deck with Kiwi Grip non-skid in their blue color.  I will take more photos this week and will post along the way.  I think II will be ready to splash by the end of the week.

[jbsails]

The Aquasport restoration is complete.  Just finished paint and new decals on the Johnsons which have been fully tuned and run amazing.  New cushion on the front of helm bench.

I Have gone through the entire boat, new hoses, wiring cleaned up, new electronics, everything is in amazing condition.

I will be putting her up for sale this week.  PM me if interested.  I will be posting as soon as I have photos tomorrow...

This is an amazing Aquasport example...

[RickK]