Switzer boat

[Papafluff]

Hi everyone
I'm looking at buying a 1980 16' super hugger switzer boat. The boat is in pristine condition and was kept indoors it's entire life. The boat is powered by a 1982 mercury 115 TOP
The motor is also like new. This rig has been used very little and very well cared for. I would like to get people's input on this rig for I know very little about them. What is this rig worth? What kind of performance can I expect? Is there anything I should be looking for? As always I thank you all for any advice and info you send my way. The knowledge you can tap into on this site is priceless
Also there is no windshield on this boat. Does anyone know where I would begin to look for one? There was never one on it because there are no mounting holes

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Switzer boat

Well....... Probably worth $1200-$2000 depending on the season (Prices are up right now). The old TOP motors are now for people who like them and are normally avoided since MANY mechanics will not work on 30 year old outboards. If you are not savvy with the old Merc's I would advise against the motor. This is a HUGE issue.

Performance would be in the high 40's maybe touching the low 50's.

Forget a windshield unless you can find an old one and have new plexy/lexan installed. Windshield prices will cause you a heart attack and you might never find one. They came with windshields and someone may have filled the holes and did a gel coat repair and you would not see it.

I am restoring an old Sidewinder 16' SS and doubt I will ever see a return on my investment but it is something to do

 

[Papafluff]

Re: Switzer boat

Thanks for the input Bob
I really appreciate it. The guy is asking 3500.00 I believe I could get it for 3000 but even that seems to high from what your telling me. I just had no clue what this rig was actually worth. As far as the motor I currently own a 1988 115 tower and have no problem doing any repair and maintenance myself. In fact I love working on the old girls. The guy says the boat has no prob hitting 60mph gps with 2 adults again from what your telling me he's stretching it again lol. I really appreciate your input and thank you again. I love boats but am no expert so drawing on knowledge from people like yourself is priceless to me

 

[Watermann]

Re: Switzer boat

I say if your serious ask him to take her out on the lake for a test drive so you can see what your wanting to buy. Another thing to remember, it's a 34 year old boat so no matter how it was kept everything in it is still going to have that age along with the feel and smell of age. Old everything has a way of degrading too once being put to use after being stored. Personally an original 34 year old 16 foot glass boat isn't what I would shell out 3500 on unless we're talking about one that has been restored with new.