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Trying to decide what to do.

Just Say N2O

New member
I have a 1983 Predictor, metal flake blue and silver. I ran the boat in 2003/2004, and there would always be a little water in the bilge after being in the water for a couple of hours. Bilge pumped out "tea."

Transom was soaked, but still strong, no cracks. I don't like things not to be right, so I cut out the back of the transom and removed the wood, which turned out to be still super strong, just wet. Took forever to get it out.

So, the boat is sitting in my garage, transom ready for new wood, hull and deck are split (so I could most easily get the wood out).

I'm too busy to do the work right now, so I would have to hire it done.

The boat has a 1983 80 hp Mercury with trim/tilt, that runs great. When I first bought the boat, I replaced the trim pump, and control module for the engine ($1,100). Last time out the boat ran 40.6 GPS mph with me and a full tank (16 gal) of gas (White Lake Michigan, 570' elevation). It is not set up for speed. Standard mounting height, and has a "whale tail" mounted on the cavitation plate.

Trailer is not a looker, but pulls very well. I replaced the tires, hubs, wheel bearings, added Bearing Buddies, a new winch, winch strap, and bunks. Also added side guides to help with launching/retrieving.

The boat's windshield looks new. The upholstery is decent, carpet is about 5 years old. I replaced the bilge pump, added an hour meter (I ran the boat 72.0 hours the first two summers), speedometer, electric control panel, and moved the trim/tilt controls out from behind the steering wheel. Also replaced the "suitcase handle" style passenger grab rail with a stainless steel grab bar. Boat also has a removable stainless steel tripod ski tow.

We also had a custom cockpit cover made. The first 19 years of its life, the boat was used on a small lake outside Detroit, MI, and was in the water all summer.

We use it as a dingy for our 31 Express, and it was only in the water on weekends, and stored inside during the week, and all winter.

I am trying to decide whether or not to repair it, or just sell it as is. I was thinking of selling the boat/trailer as is for $550, and selling the 80 Mercury for $1,200.

I have pictures, but can't post them from here. Would be happy to e-mail them to anyone interested.

Any thoughts?
 
Oh, I didn't have any pictures of the Checkmate so the Avatar was my first "store bought" go fast. It is a yellow and metallic green (yummm) 1974 Switzer, with a short shaft 1976 Mercury I-6 150. In pre-GPS speak, it ran 58 mph.

I had a blast with that boat.
 
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