OLD Tri Hull Cheap Questions

[Bunnerrabbit]

Looking for any info year make model? It does not look that big in pic but was told (max HP is 250HP) I can get a possibly running early 80's 115HP Mercury. This motor has not run in years. Owner passes away and I understand it might not ever run again but then again it might and its free. This boat is 19ft and with the 250HP rating on the boat I am not sure what the 115 would do. I had to sell my 2002 Carolina skiff and just want to try to get something going on the cheap. Boat is $160 motor is free so would be a cheap start. Anyway just looking to put in local ramp would stay within 3-4 miles. If the Mercury could get it on plane I am sure it would be fast enough. With the short distance I would not need to carry a lot of fuel. Would possibly pull fuel tank and just run on 2 10 gallon plastic tanks. Just want to take the family to the beach. Gut the cabin and make a decent place the take a nap.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: OLD Tri Hull Cheap Questions

Looks like an older thunderbird cuddy tri hull. The 115 if you get it running properly and propped right should move that boat on plane.

 

[mthieme]

Re: OLD Tri Hull Cheap Questions

Yup, she's a T-Bird.
Never seen one with a cuddy. Neat.

 

[Bunnerrabbit]

Re: OLD Tri Hull Cheap Questions

Thought it was sold and lost interest and its now back up for sale. $150 is this a worthwhile project boat or should I look for something newer. I am unsure of year but really thinking its pre 1970. The hull design does not have the best reviews. As not good in choppy water. I will be using it in the sound and water out there isn't the best most of the time. It offers a lot of space being wider up front and I like that. Hope it would have more cuddy space as well. Not looking for a speed boat just something to ride to the beach in, do a little fishing, and ability to take a nap in. YES OR NO? MAX distance I will ever need to go is about 5 miles.

 

[redfury]

Re: OLD Tri Hull Cheap Questions

You are going to get beat up in it if you don't know how to drive it through the chop. The speed the 115 will get you to with it won't be too fast though. For the price, if the stringers and transom seem solid would be a good deal...particularly the motor...that alone you could sell for a $1000 running well.

 

[Bunnerrabbit]

Re: OLD Tri Hull Cheap Questions

Would the hull design go in shallower water than the same size V-Hull? My past 2 boats were a 17ft semi v Carolina Skiff almost a flat bottom and a 85 16ft Bass Tracker. In comparison speed for speed I got to imagine that the 19ft would run much smoother than both of those boat. Also any guessed on top speed with the 115? Would I be able to maintain 25+mph? Id love to get 30MPH but dont expect much.

 

[redfury]

Re: OLD Tri Hull Cheap Questions

Not too sure on speed or how much water you need to keep it floating off the bottom. There should be a Hull ID number on the transom stamped in, or some place like that that we could identify the year a little better. What does the lettering on the side of the boat say exactly? You could find out the weight of the boat if you have the year and model if you check the boat section of www.nada.com

 

[mthieme]

Re: OLD Tri Hull Cheap Questions

Would the hull design go in shallower water than the same size V-Hull? My past 2 boats were a 17ft semi v Carolina Skiff almost a flat bottom and a 85 16ft Bass Tracker. In comparison speed for speed I got to imagine that the 19ft would run much smoother than both of those boat. Also any guessed on top speed with the 115? Would I be able to maintain 25+mph? Id love to get 30MPH but dont expect much.

You should have no problem exceeding30 with a 115.
You're gonna want a couple feet of water under you.

 

[Bunnerrabbit]

Re: OLD Tri Hull Cheap Questions

Well, the boat sold a week ago ans new owner is getting transferred and put it back up for sale. I went and looked at it and agreed on $150 Wednesday. Going back to help get trailer ready for a 30 mile move. He did clean it up and removed the rest of the floor. There is some rot but its not to bad.

 

[eaglejim]

Re: OLD Tri Hull Cheap Questions

That will be a good boat for you,got mine a couple of years ago for 300 and put another 1000.00 in it, on the gps we did 31 with a 60 rude and it is a 15ft.A 115 should work out