CEE BEE Avenger Rebuild: Still Goin' Strong!

[croSSed]

Hi All,
It's been awhile since I posted here. I thought I'd repost a link to the resto I did on the boat I presently own over the Winter/Spring of '06-'07. I've made a couple changes to the rig since I last posted. I put a jack plate on (total set-back about 7"), SeaStar Pro hydraulic steering, and an '87 Merc. XR2 150. This boat is now capable of 70+ mph, though I haven't had it that fast yet. Need to play with props and get used to the handling at that speed. I post again because I'm an amateur boat restorer that had excellent results in the rebuild of this boat. Were there things I would do differently were I to do it again? Absolutely! But that's why I'm here. If you are considering restoring a similar boat I would love to give you what advice I can, and steer you in the right direction as much as possible.

Be safe, and have fun out there!
TG

http://s110.photobucket.com/albums/n103/tadpoleig/

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: CEE BEE Avenger Rebuild: Still Goin' Strong!

I remember that boat. So you dumped the inline and went with a 150. Still looks great

 

[croSSed]

Re: CEE BEE Avenger Rebuild: Still Goin' Strong!

Long story on that in-line. LOVED that motor! Ran perfect, and NOTHING sounds like one of them. Really, I ended up getting that 150 with no money out of pocket, and it's perfect. I wanted more hole shot, because that 115, even with a 20P High Five would barely pull me out of deep water slalom skiing. But I'm a big dude (240lbs). I was perfectly content to keep the 115, because it WOULD pull me up, but this deal for the XR2 was way to good to pass up.

TG

 

[Chris1956]

Re: CEE BEE Avenger Rebuild: Still Goin' Strong!

Looks good. I too had to repower my Avenger from a Merc 1500 to a Merc 135HPV6. The bottom power is much better, and the top end is likely better as well, althought I have never actually ran at full speed due fear and rough water.

As you probably already know, if you hit a wave at 50MPH, you will go airborne. I call it "takeoff speed". Watch for chine walking at speed, and hold her real steady. Keep the open side up!