Newbie's first post. Aquasport 170

[sunflats]

Hello all !
First of all thanks for such a great site with so much valuable information. I've learned a lot in the last few months. I'm the proud owner of a 1976 170.
It is my first boat and I love it. It has a 1985 85hp evinrude and so far is been working fine (a little temperamental but fine).  The boat is pretty much stock, the transom is in good shape, the outside is a little faded and it has some dents and scratches but nothing major. Definitely a good hull for a rebuild project. All I need is the time, the space and the money. My motto is to take good care of it, regular maintenance, use it as-is and keep playing the Lotto.
Next on my project list is to 1) work on the trailer to make it as easy as possible when at the ramp. The bunks were replaced and something doesn't seem right. I think it needs some adjustments. 2) I'd like to re-paint the bottom. The boat is kept on a trailer and I think some good quality paint will do it. Perhaps something I can do myself. Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks again,
Norbert

[RickK]

Welcome aboard Norbert  :!:  :!:
Another addition to our HUGE 170 family.  8)
Congrats on your purchase.  The 170 is such a sweet boat in that it doesn't require anything big to tow it around, it's easy to launch and retrieve single handedly, and it's a pure pleasure to take out on the water being a nimble, quick and stable bay boat.  When the water gets a little rough they are not the driest boats by any means but they get the job done for sure.

Whats is up with the trailer?  Too much tongue weight?  Too little?

Bottom paint - it's easiest to have someone else do it for you since it has to be lifted off the trailer so they can get to 100% of the bottom.  Trying to do it yourself is frustrating working around the trailer.

Again, welcome aboard!!

[sunflats]

Not sure if you can appreciate it on the picture but the keel is very close to the trailer (tongue) below.  I was thinking about maybe trying to raise the bunks a couple inches in the front and add a keel roller or something.
Number two, is tuff for me to keep the boat straight when loading it on the trailer.  I think it has to do with the keel touching the trailer in the front doesn't allow it to go straight up (besides I'm a rookie). I've seen some trailers that have like a "V" that serves as a guide (not sure how that's called).

Thanks for your reply, I'll take closer pictures as soon as I have a chance.

Norbert