Mako Observation

[Fletch170]

I've always liked the mako 25, and have looked around at ones available for a future restore. However, after doing some research they just do seem to hold up as well as the aquasport. I know the Makos are heavy as all hell, and their stringers were wood, not foam. From the factory, they were built like a brick shithouse, but over time they basically bashed themselfs to pieces.

The AS's seem to be a much much lighter boat, using much less wood.

So, what boat IYO aged better?

[Capt Matt]

I grew up running only Mako's, my dad had 4  a 17, 22, 23 GC edition and then another 17 that was built to the commercial grade as a police boat. The gulfcoast edition 23 was almost a flatback style boat with very little dead rise and ran very shallow. They where very strong boats and took a beating.
What is weird to me about the design at least on the good pre Bass Pro shop models is the deck did not touch the stringers. They had short stringers then where foam filled to support the deck. This massive amount of foam gave them a very solid feel yet held lots of water making them crazy heavy.
The older 25 deep V is a sweet riding hull and would be a great project/rebuild. I thing the deep V aquasports would give them a run for their money though
Nothing worse can happen to a good FL boat company than being bought by Bass Pro. Most of the new mako's look more like a Kenner.
What Bass Pro did to Silver King flatsboats broke my heart, I will never forgive them
Capt Matt

[sealion2288]

I'm pretty positive that the new inshore Makos are Kenners.

When boat manufacturers began to be bought up by outboard manufacturers, they all began to lose their individual identities.

[gran398]

Matt you're right about that old Mako 25. It ran real sweet in a heavy chop, pretty dry too. It would be a good rebuild prospect.

[seabob4]

My "soon to be project" for the Doc...http://s259.photobucket.com/albums/hh30 ... 7/?start=0

COMPLETE re-rig, bracket mounted 300 Zuke probably...that'll be fun!!  She's empty right now, 'cept for new fuel tank...257, if I'm not mistaken...

[wingtime]

When I had my cabin cruiser there was a 26' center console Mako in the covered slip next to mine.  I never saw it move in three or four years.  It had a reef growing on the bottom of it.  I used to drool over that boat.  It had twin small block Ford inboards in it with a small  hidden v-berth in the bow.  I'm guessing it was a early 70's model.  I had asked the marina owner for the name of the owners so I could ask them if they wanted to sell it.  He ( Walter Prior) would not give it up since they paid the slip rent like clockwork on the thing.   I'll bet that thing moved out with those twin small blocks.  I really wanted to get my hands on that thing.  I wonder if it's still there!  LOL

[Fletch170]

Bob,

That 25 is going to be awesome!!!! They just seem like ton more work to restore than the Aquasport. The ones out there seem to be BEAT, and people want way too much for them because they are a "Mako".

It is a shame how Bass pro shops killed brands.

My next project is a 20' Trojan center console. Prior to that, it was a "North American". Boat has the famous "Delta Conic" hull, not sure if you guys are familiar. Not too many around.

My Ideal restore would be a mid 80's 25 Hydra sport center console Kevlar Hull. Bullet proof, light and AMAZING riding boats.

We had the 21' growing up, my pops is restoring one right now, he can't wait to have it back.

[Fletch170]

Also, despite Yamaha owning Cobia before then dropping them on their a$$, they are now really awesome. New owners, COMPLETELY new molds. The fit and finish is really nice. SO, besides Yamaha killed the name, they are back.

[seabob4]

Bob,

That 25 is going to be awesome!!!! They just seem like ton more work to restore than the Aquasport. The ones out there seem to be BEAT, and people want way too much for them because they are a "Mako".

It is a shame how Bass pro shops killed brands.

My next project is a 20' Trojan center console. Prior to that, it was a "North American". Boat has the famous "Delta Conic" hull, not sure if you guys are familiar. Not too many around.

My Ideal restore would be a mid 80's 25 Hydra sport center console Kevlar Hull. Bullet proof, light and AMAZING riding boats.

We had the 21' growing up, my pops is restoring one right now, he can't wait to have it back.

Harry Schoell?

[Fletch170]

Can't get anything by you Bob! I've been waiting for the title to this 86 Trojan for almost a year. The owner abandoned it after it sank in the slip and the motor just wouldn't run right. Stiffed my mechanic for the bill. SO, there is a debt lien against the boat, and we are trying to get the title from the state. SOOOO....might be waiting one longa$$ time.

Apparently they ride really nice in tight chop. Following seas..that's a different story. Regardless, I like having something rare.

I really want a 25 Hydra.....they are hard to find, most are W/A.

[seabob4]

Funny, Fletch, I worked for H-S in '99 just before the OMC meltdown (got back to Sarasota just in time!).  The smaller Hydras were re-badged Sunbird Neptunes (re-named Sea Horse), and the bigger boats were today's versions of the Vector series (I was building the 3000 Vector).  Don't really know what happened to the mid-80s H-S's you covet...

BTW, your aluminum spacer is on the way...

[gran398]

Bob,

That 25 is going to be awesome!!!! They just seem like ton more work to restore than the Aquasport. The ones out there seem to be BEAT, and people want way too much for them because they are a "Mako".

It is a shame how Bass pro shops killed brands.

My next project is a 20' Trojan center console. Prior to that, it was a "North American". Boat has the famous "Delta Conic" hull, not sure if you guys are familiar. Not too many around.

My Ideal restore would be a mid 80's 25 Hydra sport center console Kevlar Hull. Bullet proof, light and AMAZING riding boats.

We had the 21' growing up, my pops is restoring one right now, he can't wait to have it back.

The 2100 CC Hydrasports Kevlar (the boat your dad has) is by far the best running boat for her size I've ever owned.

The 2400 CC was even better.

Downside: LOW freeboard, poorly designed hull-cap. Questionable bilge plumbing.

[Fletch170]

i'm not sure what happened to those boats either, never heard any chatter where the molds went. Apparently the ones in the 80's didnt sell in record numbers, as the Kevlar was EXPENSIVE.


Found this 20 trojan... this thing is much nicer!

http://cnj.craigslist.org/boa/2792508281.html

Thanks bob, you rule

[seabob4]

i'm not sure what happened to those boats either, never heard any chatter where the molds went. Apparently the ones in the 80's didnt sell in record numbers, as the Kevlar was EXPENSIVE.


Found this 20 trojan... this thing is much nicer!

http://cnj.craigslist.org/boa/2792508281.html

Thanks bob, you rule

The bow rail complements her, although looks to be pieced together Clean lines, the centered helm needs to me moved to port to accomodate a passenger at the helm...and a 200/225 would be a lot of fun over that 150!  Looks like the hull design can handle it...

Just my thoughts.  Love the foredeck, though...

[Capt. Bob]

Boat has the famous "Delta Conic" hull, not sure if you guys are familiar. Not too many around.

Aqua made them for a couple three (?) years.
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery ... 547/page/1