Hello all,
Family of 3 looking to upgrade from a 16 foot RiverOx Side Console Fiberglass fishing boat. I have had the OX for 5 years and learned to fish the land locked Stripers and Spotted bass in Lake Lanier, Ga. I LOVE this boat.......but............. It is all of 16 feet with a 6 foot beam and really cramped with 3 people and even a bit tight with 2. We are looking at a new used boat and I have found some late 1990s Sunbird 170 F/S rigs that look to fit our bill. Wife wants to suntan, swim, tube. 17 year old daughter wants the same. I want to fish. Mostly for Spots and Stripes. Occasional Cats. Trolling motor is a necessity. Live well as a bait tank also needed. This boat will also be towed to the Carolina OBX for some ICW and near shore fishing.
I have seen several 170 F/S rigged with 88 HP Evinrudes and 90 HP Johnson OBs. I am wondering if that power is sufficient. 4-5 people is the MAX the boat will see. Most often 4 or less. Just want to be sure it will get out of it's own way while pulling a tube or 2.
Is this an all fiberglass boat? I have seen some conflicting reports on waterlogged stringers and cross beams
What do I look for in the bilge? Not just water but stains? Scales?
Beyond a water test, how do I inspect? Most of the boats I have found are at least 200 miles from home. Can I just call a marina and ask for an inspection. Most sellers OK with that? What does that sort of inspection cover and what does it normally cost?
Many people mention spider cracks and waterlogged hulls ( in general not just Sunbirds ). How do I know if the hull is waterlogged? Can spider cracks be seen? Felt?
Basically, I am looking for affirmation that these boats are worth while to pursue as a 50/50 Fish, ski platform.
Owners past and present, please let me know your experiences. Any input will be appreciated. Even the kind I do not want to hear . LOL.
Family of 3 looking to upgrade from a 16 foot RiverOx Side Console Fiberglass fishing boat. I have had the OX for 5 years and learned to fish the land locked Stripers and Spotted bass in Lake Lanier, Ga. I LOVE this boat.......but............. It is all of 16 feet with a 6 foot beam and really cramped with 3 people and even a bit tight with 2. We are looking at a new used boat and I have found some late 1990s Sunbird 170 F/S rigs that look to fit our bill. Wife wants to suntan, swim, tube. 17 year old daughter wants the same. I want to fish. Mostly for Spots and Stripes. Occasional Cats. Trolling motor is a necessity. Live well as a bait tank also needed. This boat will also be towed to the Carolina OBX for some ICW and near shore fishing.
I have seen several 170 F/S rigged with 88 HP Evinrudes and 90 HP Johnson OBs. I am wondering if that power is sufficient. 4-5 people is the MAX the boat will see. Most often 4 or less. Just want to be sure it will get out of it's own way while pulling a tube or 2.
Is this an all fiberglass boat? I have seen some conflicting reports on waterlogged stringers and cross beams
What do I look for in the bilge? Not just water but stains? Scales?
Beyond a water test, how do I inspect? Most of the boats I have found are at least 200 miles from home. Can I just call a marina and ask for an inspection. Most sellers OK with that? What does that sort of inspection cover and what does it normally cost?
Many people mention spider cracks and waterlogged hulls ( in general not just Sunbirds ). How do I know if the hull is waterlogged? Can spider cracks be seen? Felt?
Basically, I am looking for affirmation that these boats are worth while to pursue as a 50/50 Fish, ski platform.
Owners past and present, please let me know your experiences. Any input will be appreciated. Even the kind I do not want to hear . LOL.
