1978 17' Mckee offshoreman - opinions

[djm3801]

Hello. Have a chance to get a 1978 mckee offshoreman. 17 foot. Hull supposedly solid but I have a fellow going to check it out - I am not in Florida at the moment and the boat is. Anyone have any experience with this make / model / year? Supposedly like a whaler but heavier. Anything especially good or bad about this year and model? Planned use is freshwater and in Florida intercoastal. It has a 125 Force on it which will likely need to be replaced. Probably $2000 for the package.

any guidance appreciated.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: 1978 17' Mckee offshoreman - opinions

That's a 30 plus year old boat with a obsolete (debatable) outboard. Unless it's pristine, and most are not, I think that's quite a bit of $$. I don't have experience with the style or brand but $2K for a boat, (you didn't mention trailer) is quite a bit of $$. I'm sure detailed pictures would tell you and us more.

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1978 17' Mckee offshoreman - opinions

I would agree with the above ^^^ sounds like too much for a old boat with a motor that will likely need to be replaced.

 

[djm3801]

Re: 1978 17' Mckee offshoreman - opinions



This is about the best photo I have of it. Trailer is included. But I post the question to get responses from folks with more knowledge than I have and to ignore it is wasting everones time. I have not seen this in person as I am not in Florida at present but was sending a friend who has a lot of knowledge. That said, I do not want to waste his time. I had heard McKee's are quite solid - anything can be turned into garbage with poor upkeep. I know Force engines are less than desirable. Looking to the happy medium type of craft to carry 4 people for a few hours on the water in the Indian River / Intercoastal while being able to handle it myself for inland Florida bass fishing.

Thanks for your comments.

 

[MikDee]

Re: 1978 17' Mckee offshoreman - opinions

The McKee craft, is a good boat, possibly better then a Whaler. The Force motor is a simple basic design, no frills, but works fine if taken care of. I had a 125hp on my 19' Bayliner bowrider ski-boat, it impressed me. If I'd have kept the boat, I would have put a 150 Force on it, but it was so low, I got tired of kneeling! I'd go for this boat, if I was in Fla. Not a bad price, but if you can get it for less, I'd say it's a deal, providing it is in good shape all around!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 1978 17' Mckee offshoreman - opinions

I would not be afraid of that hull; they are almost bullet proof. if it has problems, they will be obvious. They are nothing like the boats with bilges that rot out, so forget that frame of reference.

 

[djm3801]

Re: 1978 17' Mckee offshoreman - opinions

INteresting responses thus far.

I have heard comparisons to Whalers. I am not going to be pounding waves with this - I am 66 and my speed demon days are over even in my car - I am NOT a boater, but I will be looking to fish with it along with my kid. Also if the wife and daughter in law want to go for a ride on a nice day, need something capable of intercoastal use.. Have heard these run rough but also that they are pretty stable platforms. While I was there - left last week - I had a line on a 15' whaler but, while I like it, there is no way the wife would be able to feel comfortable on it. Not to say that the McKee is a yacht, but more room to work on some suitable seating.

Will keep an eye on responses and thanks to those who have assisted.

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1978 17' Mckee offshoreman - opinions

...It has a 125 Force on it which will likely need to be replaced...

Do you know that the outboard is no good, or are you just thinking ahead that it's a Force and all the bad "juju" about it will soon come true?

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: 1978 17' Mckee offshoreman - opinions

McKee Craft made fantastic boats. Your only concern is how it was treated and stored. They are indestructible but the foam can become waterlogged if totally abused. Yes, better than a Whaler..... I had an '04 17' McKee that did great in the ICW and out to 10 miles on a good day.

 

[djm3801]

Re: 1978 17' Mckee offshoreman - opinions

On the motor question...bad juju.

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1978 17' Mckee offshoreman - opinions

On the motor question...bad juju.

In that case - it's about condition. If the boat is in decent shape (not perfect, but good), and the Force runs pretty well (it's solid), then $2k may be not so bad. May not be the best price, but you probably won't have gotten hosed either.

Force isn't on my top ten list at all, but if it looks to have been cared for and runs well it wouldn't be the creepiest thing in the world.

If you've not looked though THIS it's a very good compilation of things you need to look at.

 

[djm3801]

Re: 1978 17' Mckee offshoreman - opinions

Thanks for all the info. Going to ask my friend to take a look at it.

 

[djm3801]

Re: 1978 17' Mckee offshoreman - opinions

Decision - posted to info those good enough to comment on this - will pass on this one but intent on a 17' McKee. Between age of hull, trailer condition, and the Force engine, too many potential issues. I have done a lot of work on car motors but I am no sailor and want a more well regarded power plant. I am reading up on outboards. May buy a "parts" motor to take apart for the hell of it.

Thank you all.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: 1978 17' Mckee offshoreman - opinions

Dec 2012 I sold an '04 McKee Backwater 172 with a 90 Yamaha on a reconditioned '96 trailer for $7000. It was December and I only had 2 slips so 1 boat had to go quickly.

 

[djm3801]

Re: 1978 17' Mckee offshoreman - opinions

I frankly had to rely on folks in Fla. I think the hull was a decent deal. Age is a small factor in these boats. Probably ought to just wait till I go back there to look myself. The folks I have there are likely going to be conservative in judging on my behalf.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 1978 17' Mckee offshoreman - opinions

buy it only if you are ready to replace the motor tomorrow. The hull is not the issue and its age is irrelevant. trailers are easy.