Guys, I am looking for some info on an older model (early 90's) Skeeter SX1700 (I think that is the right model). I know it is a center console design. It has a Mercury XR4 150HP. My brother has a friend that wants to sell his to get a new boat, and he will sell it to us for $3500.00 Obvioulsy it is an older boat, and normally I would be leary, but I know this guy takes real good care of his stuff (home,truck, other boat, motorcycle) so the boat is is in fairly decent shape for being older. Anyway, if anyone knows anything about this particular model please let me know. Thanks!

Im not a pro by any means but, this holds true to about 95% of everything.

If a guy/gal takes care of their stuff, it's usually "taken care of" being old, I can't see that havenig any weight in the sale unless you want up to date tech. of fish finders/depth finders trolling motors ect... If the thing will crank and run w/o a glitch and all teh lights work w/o flickering. Boat trailer lights all work and are clean (film) carpet (if any) is all good and taken care of.
Just a few things to look at, I don't think "old" means "bad" just outdated, but for poor guys like me thats all we have, lol..

I say get it and have a blast!

Mine is not the same model, but I've got an 89 Skeeter that is still solid as a rock. I'm the second owner and the first owner took care of it religously. that is the key.

have a shop check it out. Floors, transom, compression, and then all the normal stuff that Joshua said.

Good luck and I hope it turns out good for you.

I try to refrain from dogging anyones equipment, but I have to jump on this one.

That boat is one of the worst running and performing designs ever. Before you buy it, take it to the water and fill the livewells, and see how long it takes to get on plane. Then by all means, make some simple turns at various speeds. Hopefully the wind will be blowing a little so you can judge how smooth and especially dry the ride is.

Then report back.

PG, your a saleman for Basscat and others right?

I have not ridden in the boat, but my brother has and says it runs well...but I will do as you say and get the guy to let me take it out and see....

That is the smartest thing to do, I found out that some of the boats I thought would be "just right" were not, after the test ride.

Rick

I am no longer in the boat selling business, but I am flattered you remembered.

Certainly don't have a dog in this fight, but there's a reason they only built that particular boat a short time. Which is why I'm pushing you to demo it before you get to attached.

i don't think pat would try to give you bad advice. his opinions are very respected and appreciated around here.

I did not say PG was giving me bad advice, I just thougth I remembered his name from my living out there. I know it may not be the best boat in the world but it could be something for my brother and I to go fishing out of for some fun, and most importantly to take his son fishing.( I will do whatever I can to take that boy hunting/fishing to keep him from getting messed up with what kids do these days!)

Why ask about handling or if anyone knows anything bad? It sounds like you like the price and you've already talked yourself into the boat, no matter what... Are you really getting a deal or is that all that boat would bring on the open market?
I'm not tring to be negative but a $500.00 bass hunter can get you on some great waters to take a kid fishing.
I'm looking for a 10' bass hunter so I can take my kids to the new Pflugerville lake and leave the big rig at the house!
I'd say shop around. My uncle purchased a really nice Ranger with a 150 Fast Strike for $4300.00.

Good luck!
Shane

Ok, so much for being kind, here's what you're looking at.

*IF* I was still in the boat business, and IF everything checked out (XR4 has it's own set of issues) AT BEST it's a $2,000 trade in.

Now, if you're thinking about investing your money into something, the advice I gave is still the advice I'll give you again. Take it to the lake. Drive it. If you're competent, do a compression test, by all means check the lower unit for damage, external and especially internal. If you like it, then by all means buy it. But, if you come back here in a month asking for advice on setting up that boat so it'll perform correctly, I get to lay a huge "told you so" on you.

Every boat company has built some "oops" hulls. You just happened to find one is all.

Shane(Hav2fish)...do you know who you are talking to here? LMAO How is that new lake in Pville coming? And no I have not talked myself into the boat, I am the one trying to figure if the boat is worth the price and if its any good to start with.

PatG...not sure what caused you to take the gloves off,to stop "being kind", I certainly dont think I said anything to ruffle your feathers. I appreciate your comments, thats why I asked.

I knew who I was talking to! :p
The lake has some water, but still needs some more! 5 minutes from the house, I'm getting some kind of small boat!
Pat's.... just Pat! He tells it like it is, gloves or no gloves! I've known Pat for about 19 years now and I don' think I've ever heard him sugar coat anything!

TXBass,

I will take some of the light off Pat for a moment.

Skeeter only made that boat for one year. They made the SK 1700, and the SK 2000 model.

I fished out of one of these boats for years since a buddy of mine had one.

Let me just tell you what I think Pat was trying to say.

The boat does have an interesting layout and has plenty of deck space. That is the ONLY good thing about this boat.

Put the boat in gear and get ready for the hole shot. (The steering wheel is on the port side of the console rather than the starboard like most boats). Put your left leg against the side of the hull, because when you give it throttle, the boat will lean horribly to the left. As you start to break over, turn the steering wheel 45 degrees to the right, this will cause the boat to right itself.

From then on, it is just like driving any other boat, with a few exceptions!

Guys, I appreciate ALL the comments, I wanted to know thats why I asked.

One further question, I made a mistake, it is not an "SX" model, it is the "SK1700"...does that make a difference or do ya'll still know what boat I am talking about?