Is it only a matter of time for leaks?

AussieB

Seaman Apprentice
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Mar 23, 2018
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49
Supersports are great boats. Simple and sweet. A decent 70's hull could maybe be a slight advantage not having any pour in foam to water log and/or rip out if you end up opening it up to buck and or gluvit the inside. Great stuff for stopping as well as preventing leaks in a riveted hull.

I like knowing it's all been cleaned and inspected by me under there so not the worst thing to open the floor if you can. I wouldn't avoid a newer hull just bc of the foam difference though. I'd say get the sub 5k boat since you're better off knowing her inside and out and spend the savings on nice new plywood, brand new sump pumps + hoses, fresh marine wire, etc. for the critical under floor areas and know it's all new and sealed up good down there. 5k I'd want to see pics of this work having already been done but that's unlikely.
That all makes sense and I would prefer to know it's been done correctly.
 

redneck joe

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Mar 18, 2009
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While I think i prefer the 72, iirc the push-button is electric shift l. We had one when I was a kid and I think I remember seeing on forums over the years there can be issues with them. Not sure if can replace with mechanical or not. I do recall the motor we had was a 115 of the same era and only problem we ever had was the tnt. Don't remember what it was but I think ice on some part of it on the outside of the transom . That of course was the 70s and I've don't many things since then that have affected my memory...
 

AussieB

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Mar 23, 2018
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While I think i prefer the 72, iirc the push-button is electric shift l. We had one when I was a kid and I think I remember seeing on forums over the years there can be issues with them. Not sure if can replace with mechanical or not. I do recall the motor we had was a 115 of the same era and only problem we ever had was the tnt. Don't remember what it was but I think ice on some part of it on the outside of the transom . That of course was the 70s and I've don't many things since then that have affected my memory...
I have read of some issues as well but also read that if they are maintained properly that they are good. That one certainly looks well maintained. Though there is no trim/tilt from what I've read and I would like to have that feature.

I prefer the 72 as well, love all the period correct finishes etc.
 

redneck joe

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Mar 18, 2009
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Changed my mind, id go for the 85 as long as water tested well. Forgot I like open bow, especially as I have gotten older.

Of course, compression test as well.

Vinyl appears to be original. Any, and I mean any, soft spots it will be new floor. I had one smaller than my foot when I did tear out for leaks it was much worse but was bring supported by the foam so not easily detected.
 

BWR1953

Admiral
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Jan 23, 2009
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6,428
I'm more a fan of the SS. It's more versatile. And I'm a big fan of red, white and blue. :sneaky:

Running engines are good to have.
Worried about waterlogged foam? Get the boat/trailer/motor weighed. There are specs on what each should weigh and if they're significantly heavier, there's water there.
 

redneck joe

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Mar 18, 2009
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Oh and as a member of this forum it is requred that you have to let us know which one you ended up with, even if not one of these two. Check the rules, it's in there I'm sure.












So we can tell you that it was the wrong choice.... :)
 

IslandExplorer

Chief Petty Officer
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Oct 21, 2019
Messages
539
I'd agree with the Super Sport vote, amazingly versatile and convenient layout. That bow area is not to be underestimated!

Motors- Power trim and tilt, in my opinion, is an absolute necessity for boats over 14 foot. Ive gone without and eventually learned my lesson. Had a 85hp V4 Evinrude on a Starchief 18 without trim. The fuel economy increases and lack of splashing and abuse on the hull in waves on a properly trimmed boat is extremely valuable. It performed drastically better with a 70 hp that had power trim.
 

AussieB

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Mar 23, 2018
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49
Like I stated earlier, I'm just in the early stages of research so I'm not rushing out to buy a boat. All the ducks need to be in a row. I do appreciate all the enthusiasm though :) and appreciate everyones insights.

Whilst I can see some benefits of the open bow I'm not sure they are all positives for me. We only have 1 daughter who is starting high school and before I know it will be away at college and then starting her life. I like the idea of a warm/dry cockpit without having to rig covers or closing off the walkway somehow.

I also think the holidays look better than the SS due to the placement of the windshield. We don't fish so not worried about the space upfront. Will just be for cruising around and doing some wakeboarding. Also to get out to a small island in a local bay that is good to kite board, on any wind direction.

But either style boat would be fine and have some plus/minus.

From spending too many hours on this forum (wifes words) I think I'm going to keep my eyes out for the holy grail V5. It will no doubt cost me a premium to get into the boat but I will be spending the same amount of cash doing work to/restoring etc than I would a non V5. I figure it will sell quicker down the line and for a better price.
 

redneck joe

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I have a center console so by default an open bow and since 99% of the time i launch by myself not having to navigate the bow and the skinny walks space to get past the window to step onto a seat to get into the boat is a big positive. I am 59 and aging exponentially so these things matter. If this is 'the boat' to carry your forward for many years you should think about things like that. (Same for your house plan... now what you need when you are old and implement them before you need them)

As far as closing off the bow and helm from weather as needed, a snap on bow cover and close the win
 
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redneck joe

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Couple other thoughts, high school girl mewn high school girl and boyfriends, open bow let's them have a cool place to be rather than sitting in main area with the folks plus with boyfriends you have eyes on them at all times.

If did go this route with a snap on cover make sure to put a zipper down the middle so you can snap the edges down easily then zip closed as you walk back to the helm.

Or just do a canvas for the walkway but if you do the whole bow that can also be storage for when you don't need room for boyfriends.

OK, I'm prob (not) done...
 

AussieB

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Mar 23, 2018
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Couple other thoughts, high school girl mewn high school girl and boyfriends, open bow let's them have a cool place to be rather than sitting in main area with the folks plus with boyfriends you have eyes on them at all times.

If did go this route with a snap on cover make sure to put a zipper down the middle so you can snap the edges down easily then zip closed as you walk back to the helm.

Or just do a canvas for the walkway but if you do the whole bow that can also be storage for when you don't need room for boyfriends.

OK, I'm prob (not) done...
Those are all good points, on both post's.

I saw this and had thoughts of turning into a bow rider with twin consoles from a junk boat. Mainly due to the engine, which on paper looks like a good deal. And figured seeing the floor would be coming up that it wouldn't be too much more work.

 
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