gw204
Well-known member
Well, I never thought I would be in this predicament, but I am...
Before I bought my current Aquasport 170, I was looking for a Mako 17'. I never could find on within reasonable driving distance, so I expanded my search of other makes/models. Shortly thereafter, I stumbled upon the Aquasport in NC and made a day trip out of picking it up.
But as luck would have it, a '81 Mako 171 just popped up less than three miles from my house. I looked at it last night, and it would be much less of a project from my Aquasport. It comes with a nicer trailer and '81 Merc. 115 that I suspect would run fine with a little TLD. I could probably be on the water in less than a year whereas the Aquasport (a total project) is realistically 3+ years from getting wet....and it needs a new trailer and new power.
Anyway, I'm looking for feedback/opinions on the two boats. I know they are extremely similar, but I just can't see to make up my mind. LOA is the same, 2" of difference in beam, transom height is the same, the Mako is 300 lbs. heavier and is rated for like 5 more HP but the Aquasport appears to maintain more deadrise toward the bow so I suspect it might cut the chop a bit better.
I already got the OK from Mrs. GW204 to pull the trigger on the Mako if I want, but I first need to decide if it's really the right thing to do. I really like both but I'de have to get rid of the Aquasport if I bring the Mako home....
What do you guys think? This really sucks....
Before I bought my current Aquasport 170, I was looking for a Mako 17'. I never could find on within reasonable driving distance, so I expanded my search of other makes/models. Shortly thereafter, I stumbled upon the Aquasport in NC and made a day trip out of picking it up.
But as luck would have it, a '81 Mako 171 just popped up less than three miles from my house. I looked at it last night, and it would be much less of a project from my Aquasport. It comes with a nicer trailer and '81 Merc. 115 that I suspect would run fine with a little TLD. I could probably be on the water in less than a year whereas the Aquasport (a total project) is realistically 3+ years from getting wet....and it needs a new trailer and new power.
Anyway, I'm looking for feedback/opinions on the two boats. I know they are extremely similar, but I just can't see to make up my mind. LOA is the same, 2" of difference in beam, transom height is the same, the Mako is 300 lbs. heavier and is rated for like 5 more HP but the Aquasport appears to maintain more deadrise toward the bow so I suspect it might cut the chop a bit better.
I already got the OK from Mrs. GW204 to pull the trigger on the Mako if I want, but I first need to decide if it's really the right thing to do. I really like both but I'de have to get rid of the Aquasport if I bring the Mako home....
What do you guys think? This really sucks....
