Recent Aristocraft owner - 9teen

[hws1776]

Hey everyone. As you can see, I am not only a new owner of a 1971 Aristocraft 9teen but am also new to posting.

I was looking for any feedback (good or bad) about these boats as I have read both in many forums.

So far, I have dumped $1100.00 into the MC 1 only to have the upper gear shred on me. I just found a complete used outdrive for $200 and installed it yesterday. So far so good..

 

[180shabah]

Re: Recent Aristocraft owner - 9teen

Welcome aboard!

I always thougth those old aristocrafts were pretty sweet lookin'

$1300 on the old drive sure sucks - coulda had a brand new one for that....

 

[hws1776]

Re: Recent Aristocraft owner - 9teen

Tell me about and thanks. After much reading, I am begining to think that maybe I had a bent prop shaft and that caused the damage to the upper gears. When I bought this boat, I was a complete rookie but since buying, I feel like a mercrusier mechanic (a broke one). The prop that was on the boat had a bent blade and the other two were pretty dinged up. The shop failed to mention what type of damage this would cause but I now see that it will cause plenty.

The drive was the original and they had to use marine-tec as the lower coupler for the seal busted and when attempting removal. I'm not thinking they did a lot of inspection on the shaft.

What started as a seal and water pump (then reinstall) turned into a 3 week 1100 dollar ordeal and NOW, I am strating to feel as though I have gotten royally screwed over!!!

I have the new drive installed and I need to get another prop while my SS prop is being repaired. I am going to tear apart the lower off the other drive and check the prop shaft.

One thing is for sure, I will be doing all repairs myself.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Recent Aristocraft owner - 9teen

One thing is for sure, I will be doing all repairs myself.

You shoud head over to the I/O forum and click on the "adults only" sticky (very first thread on the page). There is A LOT of good information there AND downloadable factory manuals.

As for being screwed - no good dwelling on the subject - get that thing in the water and you'll forget all about the $$$

 

[hws1776]

Re: Recent Aristocraft owner - 9teen

I hear you on forgetting about it once in the water. I also live by the old standard as there is no such thing as a mistake, as long as you learn from it. No matter what it cost.

Thanks for the info.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Recent Aristocraft owner - 9teen

...and one of my favorite TV quotes

"there are no stupid questions, only stupid people" Makes me laugh every time.

 

[nextdoor]

Re: Recent Aristocraft owner - 9teen

I purchased my 8teen (1967) some years ago for $1300. That was the beginning of many years of use and many more dollars to come. I had a shop winterize the boat. Everything froze and cracked. I went back to see then and they had gone out of business...wonder why. It sat for several years waiting for me to decide what to do. Finally my brother came to the rescue and offered to rebuild and etc. What we thought would be $1,000 turned into a new 140 engine and manifold. Spend $3500 in parts alone. Everyone said I was crazy to spent that much on an old boat, but I love it so. It has Blue hull with White top and turns heads here a tablerock lake everytime it hits the water. (which is all to seldom) I turely hope you enjoy yours as much as I love mine. My boat was made with 1966 parts,mine 1st sold in1968, so this has made finding parts some what more difficult. Reverse latch hook was discontinued in 1966....I think after years of a flying rev. prop, it may latch down with my new found old part. LOL.

Have a great time, Nextdoor PS hope to see more of us on the water.