170 vs 175 - Specifically stern differences and Genmar Qual.

[wespants]

New member here and excited to be one! If my job holds out and things fall into place, I'll be shopping for a 17' CC this fall as a winter project. I am leaning towards AS over Mako b/c of the foredeck design. I like how the AS has lower deck that can be used to stand and fish OR can be fitted with a cushion as a place for the kids. I also like her lines, previously owned a '97 215 Explorer, and just have always really liked the brand in general.

My question is related to the difference in the 170 and 175, as well as to the difference in quality between pre- and post- Genmar boats. Normally, I would go for an older model 170 pre-Genmar AS not because I have any personal beef with Genmar, but because I like the idea of restoring a classic. However, it seems that with the 175 there is a different design in the stern that raises the transom on the sides and adds some storage compartments (which also seems to mask some rigging). I really like this feature because I don't think the wife/kids will feel as secure in the older design in a following sea. Also, there seems to be some issues with the scuppers being submerged when hanging a heavier (I'm planning on a 90hp 4-stroke) motor on the back with the vintage boats.

So my questions are:
1)Is the quality difference pre- and post- Genmar a fact? *I didn't have major issues with my Genmar-built 215, but I did find a few corners that had been cut in materials. I loved that boat BTW, but moved too far from the beach to keep her.
2) Does the 175 have more maintenance free materials (stringers/deck) which may save me some work down the road?

Assume the purchase cost is not an issue (of course it always is, but I want to do it right the first time if at all possible). Based on your response, and boarding both of these as soon as I have a chance, I hope to decide whether to buy a 170 and convert the stern myself (add spash shields that I saw on another person's ride here, and glass in some storage/bait prep), or buy a '90s model 175 and avoid all that work.

I really appreciate anyone who can share their personal experience or knowledge on these boats.

[Capt. Bob]

Wespants,
Welcome aboard.
I'm in (sort of) the same situation as you. My CCP is is a great boat and has supported a full transom bracket for over 13 years but I would like to get a WAC.
I've looked at both older models (express fisherman) and newer (explorer). I can't speak for the 93 and beyond models build quality (Seabob to the white phone please)
but as stated above, the old Hialeah hulls are pretty tough.

I believe the newer models have a composite transom but cannot support the type bracket I currently have. The older models are just that, old. Restoring them is a labor of love, time and money and not necessarily in that order. While my son and I enjoy the old CCP, it has it's limitations on fishability (transom space), protection and ride. I have looked hard at the 215 but a sticking point has been the "pregnant guppy" look. I'm leaning towards a 225 but costs are another factor. Seabob will be along (he worked at Genmar) to give you the opinion you seek.

Good luck and post some photos when you make your buy.

[wespants]

Thanks Capt. Bob for the reply. It sounds like I came to the right place and that there will be people here that can help me solve this puzzle.
As a previous 215 owner, I can try to help you answer any questions you may have about that boat. You're right; she isn't the prettiest belle at the ball and that bothered me a little bit when I would see the shapely Gradys and Makos of the same class pass by. She is however, a highly functional and practical boat. I'm embarassed to say that I've slept 4, count em, 4 ADULTS in the cabin on more than one occassion. There was some alcohol involved, but I digress. The cockpit is open and the padded coamings (spelling?) are nice. Mine had the original Ocean Pro Evinrude 200hp 2-stroke. I bought it with 200hrs and sold it with 450hrs two years later, and I never had a minute's trouble with the motor. A few minor issues I had were replacing a bilge pump and dealing with a lazy fishbox pump. You can always remove the screen cover and let the fishboxes drain into the bilge on that model. The hatch back by the motor was weak and would cave if anyone around 200lbs would step on it in the center. The fuseblock used auto-style fuses (don't know if this is usual or not), but it would be hit and miss on some fuses till I took them all out, cleaned everything, and coated them with dielectric grease. If you didn't pull the drain plug on the boat, of corse the pumps couldn't get all the water out. When you would come to a stoplight, nasty bilge water would run up into the cabin through the drain tube. A rubber stopped fixed this. I figured I could always yank the stopper if I breached the hull in that part of the boat. Last issue I can think of is the screw in the center of the windshield at the top was missing when I got it and everything wasn't quite flush with the frame. I dismantled the windshield frame, replaced with a new stainless screw, and it was fine. But one day soon after, while going out the inlet in 5+ steep seas (wind against tide) with 4 bodies, almost full fuel, and LOTS of scuba gear aboard, I plowed into a wave and that screw sheared off and the head flew out like a bullet! I just left it alone after that - very minor cosmetic issue for the frame not to line up.
Aside from those few somewhat nitpicky issues, it was a great boat. The ride was very good and she was DRY in my opinion. I would only get spray when the wind was coming hard from off of either side of the bow. Towed it - not easily - with a V6 4Runner.
Best of luck in your search too. I'm hoping mine goes well. Had more negotiations with the better half last night where I kept selling the 170/175 idea!

[slvrlng]

This one is still for sale. It is a 1975 170. He said he would take 1000.00 for it!




Its not in bad shape except for lots of blisters on sides and bottom. I talked to the guy that takes care of the motor and he says it runs great! PM me if you need his number.

[wespants]

Thanks Lewis. I think I'm a few months from purchase still, but I will keep it and you on my radar. Do you know where it is located? I'm just N of ATL, GA.

[slvrlng]

Its in Swords Ga. on the way to blue springs marina on lake Oconee. Get off at the Buckhead exit on I-20 and follow signs to blue springs when you get to swords look on the right. I'm in Lawrenceville but my boats in rockdale co.

[wespants]

Wow, that's pretty close to me, and so are you actually. I'll PM you to get that # so I can go see that boat sometime. Even though I'm not buying for a while, would do me some good to see the layout at least. And at that price, I might even be interested - the blisters SCARE me though. Sounds hard to fix.

[thill]

Wow, that sounds like a steal to me!  $600 for the boat, $400 for the trailer!

Please forward ME the information, if Wes doesn't jump on it!  I'm decent with fiberglass work, and blisters in the gel coat don't scare me a bit!   Nothing an angle grinder, a gallon of fresh gelcoat and some hard labor won't fix!   They call it sweat equity!

Wespants,
Buy the boat for the $1k, then put in a little at a time until she is the way you like.  I bet it will end up costing less than $3500 when she's done, if you are careful.  You need:

1.  Cooler seat - $200 (or less, on ebay or Craigslist)
2.  MAYBE gelcoat repairs. (If the blisters aren't cracking there probably isn't any reason to jump into the work right now.   Mine has a number of them that appear when it's cool, then vanish when it warms up.  The prev. owner said those have always been there, and I believe him, so why should I mess with them?)

Besides that, you might want:
3.  Windshield  ($60 -$150 on Ebay, I just installed a new one today)
4. Console windshield/grab rail ($50 on Ebay - I just installed mine today)
5.  Piece of Starboard to replace that plywood patch on the console. ($75-$125, depending on where you buy)

The rest looks like it's mainly cleanup.  Nice rides, these 17' Aquasports!

-TH

[wespants]

Thanks for the info TH. Slvrlng is going to send me the # when he finds it again, I'm sure he can send to you to or I can forward to you. I don't really mind doing the work or putting the $ into re-doing the hull, especially if the sole and transom is in good shape. My biggest issue, and the reason I may avoid such a project, is time (2yr old and 7mo old at home!). Also, I won't be financially ready until the fall to buy although with this deal I might could make an exception!
Even if I buy a newer hull, at least I plan to remove the graphics and repaint it. I really want an ice blue hull, and I don't think AS ever made one. And I only want the classic style aquasport logo on the sides @ the stern, that's it.
Thanks for the pricing info too. I've been starting to look ahead at that stuff too. I'm considering a leaning post with a cooler underneath instead of the cooler seat. Is that feasible on this size boat, or is it too tall? Anyone have an idea on that?

[thill]

Wow, congrats on the kids!  But that explains your situation very clearly.

You will have to find a leaning post that is very narrow@30-34" wide, otherwise getting safely around it to the back can become an issue, UNLESS you only boat in lakes where there isn't much chop.

Well, if nothing else, you can buy this boat on the cheap and USE it until you are ready to upgrade, since it's a running boat.

-TH

[wespants]

Hmmm, I think I may be better off with a cooler seat afterall. I found a pic of a 170 w/ a full size leaning post and it seemed a little big. Maybe a custom leaning post?

Anyway, I'm going to look at the boat above tomorrow. Thanks Slvrlng for posting it. Thill, if I don't buy it I'll forward you the contact info unless Slvrlng wants her. I've talked with my wife about it a lot today. We went on board a new 18' Century on our way to the lake today - just wanted her to see that size boat, not that I would lay down the $$$ on the new one. Anyway, she seemed optimistic. But then we spent the day on her parents cushy '05 Chapparall cruiser. She and the kids like that boat. I think we may not be able to reach a compromise that is practical, so we may end up with 2 boats (could be worse things). Anyway, if that is the case, then the 170 is perfect for MY boat.

Will let you guys know after I see it and negotiate with her for a couple more days what we will do. May be looking the sofa and rolling some coins later this week!  :P

[thill]

Oh boy.....  It's hard to compare a basic bones CC to a new, padded-to-the-gills cruiser!  My WIFE is how I went from buying a used Parker CC to a loaded to the gills Grady White WAC!  I must admit, I loved that Grady, but ten years later, what do I have?  A bare-bones CC and NO boat payment!

I just realized how far Swords, Ga is, and I'm probably out of the race.   This afternoon, I plan on picking up a 19' fixxer-upper for $500.   A guy pulled the floor out, and decided it was too much for him.  So he's selling the trailer, and the boat & motor are free.  

FREE always works out well.  Worse case, I strip the boat of engine and parts, dump the hull and sell the trailer. But I'm guessing I will do better dropping a floor in and selling her whole.

Hopefully, someone closer can give that 170 a home!

-TH

[wespants]

Well I checked out the boat today. She is a project. I would tackle it, but, the wife says we need a 19'. That 2 feet is a huge difference, I know. It goes from pulling comfortably with my van and straining my truck to straining my van and getting another truck. But I guess she is right, the 19 will give us and the kids more room and open up the possiblity of inviting some guests along. It is a blessing I suppose when your wife wants more boat instead of less; there are worse things.
Anyway, here is the rundown on that one anyone is interested:
Transom seems good - sounded solid and didn't flex when I pushed hard on the motor
Floor - soft in lots of places, needs replacement
Engine - Didn't try to start, looked OK at a glance - owner says needs impeller only
Hull - Blisters everwhere on topsides, some over 1" in dia
Trailer - nice but a small buckle in the top of the tounge behind the winch stand
Fuel tank - slight odor when opening rear inspection plate, but quickly vanished. I think the tank is OK.
I would say all wiring on boat and trailer needs a serious look. Boat is dirty and missing the seat but comes with the cool factory 170 badges, an Eagle GPS/FF, and what seems to be a good engine. If it were 2ft longer it might be in my back yard right now.
Thill, I saw your project boat - looks really good! By the way, I will PM you about that 19 you picked up. If you want this 17, maybe we can work something out.

Thanks all for your feedback on this thread. Will probably be posting some questions about a 19-6 someday!