OT-boat advice anyone?-OT

[BILLANDLISA HORTON]

I am thinking of buying a 96 MAXUM model 1700 runabout boat w/120HP mercury force motor. Anyone know anything about these boats? Thanks:unsure:

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Rich has a sister site that pertains to boats specifically. Also, Rich has a great knowledge of boats, I am sure he will help you.



I also have much knowledge about boats (23 years in the Coast Guard).



Will respond later, I am on my PDA right now.

 

[Richard L]

Bill,

My advise is "Don't buy a boat" ! Boats are a hole in the water that you throw money into. :lol:



...Rich

 

[Rich Stern]

Bill and/or Lisa: Maxum is a Brunswick brand, sister to Bayliner and Sea Ray. Bayliner-Maxum-Sea Ray is to small power boats like Ford-Mercury-Linoln is to cars. In the 17 footer, the Maxum name gets you the same basic construction as the Bayliner with more fit and finish details topside.



With a mid-1990s era Brunswick boat, you need to be sure the boat is sound and well cared for. Nothing wrong with the boat as long as those two issues check out. Brunswick had a reputation for using untreated plywood in their structural laminates. Fine as long as no water ever intrudes, but one small hole from either a defect or an improperly sealed accessory installation, repair, etc., and the problems begin. You'll also find the wiring is a bit substandard in comparison to similar boats.



The Force 120 is a very basic, two stroke motor. Mercury acquired that brand from U.S. Marine in the early 1990s and updated them. It's a premix motor, meaning you have to mix the oil and gas. Given a choice between that motor and a Mercury or Johnson 115 of the same era, I'd choose the latter engines. The Force 120 had problems with starters, in particular. Some owners had great luck with them, others not so great. I had a Force 75 for a couple of years that ran like a top. Bit of a crapshoot.



If I was in the market for a 17 foot bowrider, the Maxum with a Force 120 would have to be a) in outstanding mechanical condition, and b) a very good deal.



It could be a gem of a boat/motor combo, or it could be a lot of work in the making. Make sure you check the boat out thoroughly.

 

[Nelson Atwell]

I tried to find Rich's boat site, but it is not listed in the "Other Forums" pulldown menu. Anyone know the URL?

 

[Larry Phillips]

Nelson, it's under "Check out our sister sites" on the main page.

 

[Pat Freeman]

BOAT: Break Out Another Thousand.

 

[Paul Maurer 2]

That boat should be super cheap- that engine technology is 4 generations old...