Just picked up a really nice 1987 thompson cutlass 185. It has a 5.7 350 mercruiser with alpha one outdrive and is a closed bow. Just looking for feedback.
If you found a soft floor , Transom rot , then dig into stringers . Boats usually get rotted from bottom up and become B.O.A.T. Only place that ever got wet from me was one time flushing out underdeck , I left plug out and water would run down side of boat and leak in the engine vent loovers .
I currently have an '87 Cutlass 165 w/ the 3.0 4cyl. Merc in it. This is my first boat and have had it about 2 years.
Only one previous owner before me who took good care of it.
If you found a soft floor , Transom rot , then dig into stringers . Boats usually get rotted from bottom up and become B.O.A.T. Only place that ever got wet from me was one time flushing out underdeck , I left plug out and water would run down side of boat and leak in the engine vent loovers .
Floors and transom are all really solid. I did notice that the engine mount bolts on the starboard side were loose. After further inspection, thompson used 2 2x6's cased in a relatively thin layer of glass. Both 2x6's are dry, but one is cracked. I think the weight of the motor was overlooked with this design. It is still solid and I was able to drive 1/2" bolts in place of the 3/8" bolts.
I currently have an '87 Cutlass 165 w/ the 3.0 4cyl. Merc in it. This is my first boat and have had it about 2 years.
Only one previous owner before me who took good care of it.
