Re: Just purchased 1974 boat made by Invader..where can I get info on this boat comp
Well, my family purchased an Invader 16 ft tri-hull ski boat in 1973 and I still own it. I also have the original dealer brochure from that year and a bit of other stuff. When I go to the lake over the next month, I will gather up all the material and scan it and make it available here. And I'll verify the prefix code on the boat itself. This boat is I believe from the Giddings plant - that's where boats called Invader came from in that era. They have a black emblem which looks a bit like a crown - flat on bottom with 3 rounded peaks.
Our boat has been only used on the same lake for 36 yrs, on a boat lift, constantly covered when not in use and generally shaded otherwise. It's as close to perfect condition as a 36 yr old boat can be. One small seat vinyl separation and a nick in the original pebbly vinyl floor covering. And the usual bumps and such on the exterior hull.
My uncle's family owned the 19 ft inboard version of the Invader, I believe from the following year, but maybe 1973 also. It was sold more than 10 yrs ago.
We've been very happy with the boat over the years. We ordered it with the 85 hp Mercury outboard - called the model 850. The motor has had the usual problems with gas needing carb rebuilds a few times, but is still running fine. In response to a question here or in another thread about similar motors and performance, our 1973 85 Merc would move this lightweight boat along at close to 35 mph on its best days with the right prop, turning just over 5000 rpm. I'm looking to have one of its two props rebuilt soon and just spent about $1000 getting the motor running again, including a new interior wiring harness, sigh. It ran about 31 mph, showing on the original speedo, last weekend.
I'm going to be cleaning up the boat this weekend and putting a shine on it, so I'll take some photos. Ours is the bright green, I believe called Neon Green by Invader. These boats were available in several standard colors, varying by models, and also a few metal flake versions. (I read over the brochure a few weeks ago.) The Invader line brochure includes specs on the entire line, including colors, length, etc.. and I believe there's a chart with detailed info such as max hp rating, weight and more. This info should be useful to owners from nearby year boats.
Hope the info I've presented here helps some and I'll be posting more later.
Oh, if anyone can refer me to a thread concerning any advantages with registering a boat as a "antique" or "classic" in Texas I would appreciate it. I was thinking such a designation might help if the boat was ever damaged or stolen, when dealing with the insurance company, or it just might increase my rates!