Hello Everybody

[SpruceDeuce]

Hey guys, I'm Cliff from Fort Myers.  Just wanted to introduce myself and let you guys know my situation.

I own two 17's- one is a 2000 and I am in the process of figuring out what to do with the '76 that I blew the motor on.

I have some options but just can't decide whether or not to re-do the 17 a little bit (seems solid enough, no soft spots or flex in transom).  I re-painted the top deck, bought a leaning post for it, etc and then blew the motor (top and bottom are blown on the '96 oceanrunner)  So I'm thinking of buying a used or rebuilt engine and just making that a fishing machine and selling it to someone who will use it.  I don't think I can get much for just the hull and trailer without putting more work into her.  She needs a few small things filled where I've bumped stuff with the nose and a coat of paint and she would be awesome.

I like the 2000, but it doesn't ride as nice as the '76.  There is a '00 johnson 115 on that boat, which I promptly blew the lower unit on within 2-3 weeks of buying it.  Just got that all fixed up courtesy of SEI, to the tune of about $1200 bucks.

Maybe I just need trim tabs on the newer boat to dig that nose in on the chop and keep me from bobbing.  The '76 didn't ever do that.  I understand the deadrise is slightly different (maybe from 15 deg on the 76 to 12 deg on the newer one?)  The '76 certainly rides nicer.

[dburr]

Key word is OWN...

If sitting in the yard both boats cost you nothing, and you have the space for them, unless you are in dire need of the money that you would get for one of the hulls, like 1-3k depending on the buyer, then don' get rid of either...

Spend some time looking at the set up of both. Power, tank size and hull form.  You said you like the ride of the 76 better.. Overhaul the hull at a reasonable, affordable pace while you still have the 2000 to use.  When the overhaul is complete, swap motors if you have not found a good deal along the road and now you have a new boat with the ride you like.  By that time you will either want to do the same with the 2000 and keep it as a backup  or will have already made up your mind that it needs to go to a new home.

My wife has put up with my boat problem since 1983 and every now and then she let's me know that we have 5 1/2 boats in the fleet.  (for the signifacant other over the shoulder readers she has cool stuff too ) Your GF will either accept/ compromise/enable your boat affliction because it is in your blood, or try and change it and then that is a thread for a different area of the forum...

Good luck!

[gran398]

Keep the '76, sell the 2000.

Buy the GF some bling.

Who said money can't buy happiness?

 

[slvrlng]

Talk to gran398 about the bling!  

[SpruceDeuce]

I found a 2000 115, the guy wants 1700.  Might work out, but it's been sitting for 6 mos.  I told him I'd give him that if he gets it running for me.

All of my stuff is that same v-4 gear case Johnson/Evinrude, so I have some good parts on my blown motor in case I need them.

[Circle Hooked]

The ride of the 76 may have something to do with more weight, water weight over the years, i would guess if you rebuilt the whole thing the ride would be similar to the 2000, just a thought  

[SpruceDeuce]

I was riding in some pretty nasty stuff yesterday while I was being critical of how much the bow was moving going into 15mph winds...and I'm sure that the old girl has some extra water weight over the years......I would say much like how a grill or cast iron skillet gets seasoned, right???  I'm kidding....that's definitely why.  I guess I just like it.

I've heard that the lenco tabs are pretty cheap and are easy to install....I've also heard it makes a considerable difference.

[wingtime]

I'd let it sit and keep an eye out for a motor.  Fixing it up and putting an engine on it is probably a loosing proposition.  Buying a motor and hanging it on the hull is a bunch of work and $$$$$.  I doubt if you add the money for motor, materials and labor on top of what you can get for the hull as is now you will be able to get more $$$ than that for it.   Lets say the hull and trailer are worth $1500 now.  You put a $1700 motor on it, $200 in materials etc can you really get $3,400 for it?

[SpruceDeuce]

I'm thinking if I paint it with easypoxy and make it look good that I can get close to $4500.  She's in real good shape.

I have a BRAND new leaning post on it too, still has the $500 tag on it, so there's also that.  It has a bimini, anchor, two batteries, etc.  I think the right guy would pay it once he sees the shape of the boat.  Heck, even 4 would be good.  The labor isn't a problem.  I already have all of the controls and rigging on the boat, just has to all be connected.

[seabob4]

I was riding in some pretty nasty stuff yesterday while I was being critical of how much the bow was moving going into 15mph winds...and I'm sure that the old girl has some extra water weight over the years......I would say much like how a grill or cast iron skillet gets seasoned, right???  I'm kidding....that's definitely why.  I guess I just like it.

I've heard that the lenco tabs are pretty cheap and are easy to install....I've also heard it makes a considerable difference.

IF you go the Lenco route, nix on the control box and get the switch similar to Bennetts.  But I'd go with Bennetts, as the Lenco actuators can still crap out...

[RickK]

Sell the 2000.
Of course I'm a little biased (see sig).

[gran398]

That's two votes to sell the 2000, keep the Hialeah.

[seabob4]

That's two votes to sell the 2000, keep the Hialeah.

Yeah, but 5 votes to keep both and sayanara to the GF!

[Blue Agave]

That's two votes to sell the 2000, keep the Hialeah.

Yeah, but 5 votes to keep both and sayanara to the GF!

Bob, time to get those eyes checked.  It says, "keep both, and get killed by the GF".

[gran398]

Hey, since its been put to vote....let's see the two hulls and the GF