Decision Time

[Hills Bay]

I have a 87 Tournament 19 with a 140 Johnson. I am getting all of the little signs that it's time to either sell, repower or strip the hull down and rebuild from the sole up. I'm in the mid Chesapeake Bay and 90% of the time the hull and motor do just what the Admiral and I want. However a white knuckle trip on Christmas eve across the Bay in 4-5' waves with a smoking engine made me re-think if she's the right boat.

My budget is $15k. For this can I get a new gas tank, re-wire, new dash, cushions and a newer 4 cycle? OR, sell her as is and go for a 22' tournament with newer equipment? OR learn to stay out of big waves in a smaller boat?

Thanks,
Hills Bay

 

[ahill]

Waves happen no matter what size boat.
If you are willing to spend that kind of money on an old boat, I would opt for newer & bigger esp in this market.

 

[cobrapowersys]

I think she needs to retire and you need a bigger boat. Indeed waves will happen no matter what but with that budget I wouldnt spend 2 cents on that old boat. You can very easily find a newer 22' with upwards of 150hp for that dough. Sell sell sell and don't look back.

 

[GulfSea]

I have a 87 Tournament 19 with a 140 Johnson. I am getting all of the little signs that it's time to either sell, repower or strip the hull down and rebuild from the sole up. I'm in the mid Chesapeake Bay and 90% of the time the hull and motor do just what the Admiral and I want. However a white knuckle trip on Christmas eve across the Bay in 4-5' waves with a smoking engine made me re-think if she's the right boat.

My budget is $15k. For this can I get a new gas tank, re-wire, new dash, cushions and a newer 4 cycle? OR, sell her as is and go for a 22' tournament with newer equipment? OR learn to stay out of big waves in a smaller boat?

Thanks,
Hills Bay

After a white knuckle experience like that and the question is whether to upgrade or rebuild rather than quit, I would say upgrade to the 22'. If you get this stuff in your blood, staying away from big waves just isn't likely to happen. :mrgreen:

 

[Off doody]

Go for a newer upgrade. There are plenty of deals out there. A complete tear down could expose underlying and expensive issues. Good luck.