Help buying a boat 1995 Spectrum 17 PRO Avenger SC

randee

Cadet
Joined
Aug 28, 2016
Messages
25
Looking at buying this boat. I just re-read the "For New Members Needing help buying a boat. A Buyer's Checklist" very helpful.

If the seller gets back to me I am hoping to view it this week. I read what I could find on this boat and motor. I read some horror stories about "Spectrum" but apparently in the 1994-1996 range they were still built well, at least from what I have been able to find. Regarding the FORCE 70HP motor, I also have read plenty of bad reviews of the FORCE engine. I hope to keep it running for as long as I can, and if I need to I can repower at a later time.

Of course, it's hard to find a boat in my price range around $3000 that is perfect so I am trying to find something that will get my family on the river safely.

Any other advice anyone would have for me about this specific combo while I am looking it over?

Thanks for any input!
Randy
 

Attachments

  • 17757462_983660971764304_2084534717457652853_n.jpg
    17757462_983660971764304_2084534717457652853_n.jpg
    76.9 KB · Views: 4
  • 17554583_983660968430971_9087934092914002546_n.jpg
    17554583_983660968430971_9087934092914002546_n.jpg
    72.6 KB · Views: 5
  • 17757313_983660961764305_7982923514426592472_n.jpg
    17757313_983660961764305_7982923514426592472_n.jpg
    89.3 KB · Views: 6
  • 17626338_983660975097637_8512985988917944817_n.jpg
    17626338_983660975097637_8512985988917944817_n.jpg
    82.1 KB · Views: 6
  • 17634298_983660958430972_7980610947775426301_n.jpg
    17634298_983660958430972_7980610947775426301_n.jpg
    85.7 KB · Views: 7
  • 17554514_983660965097638_7198380064420500229_n.jpg
    17554514_983660965097638_7198380064420500229_n.jpg
    88.3 KB · Views: 5
  • 17951615_994904397306628_6370346262099661713_n.jpg
    17951615_994904397306628_6370346262099661713_n.jpg
    117.8 KB · Views: 6
  • 17973809_994904553973279_4535221598092431985_o.jpg
    17973809_994904553973279_4535221598092431985_o.jpg
    270.9 KB · Views: 5
  • 17971998_994904820639919_2871953289836222132_o.jpg
    17971998_994904820639919_2871953289836222132_o.jpg
    315.6 KB · Views: 5

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,842
No Title

I had the slightly smaller version, 16'8" Avenger, with the same motor.

The motor is one of the better Force motors.
Easy to work on. Always ran well.
Never fouled plugs.

I geeked out 37 mph with an empty gas tank and no gear.
Normal speed with fishing gear and fuel was about 32.
The 17 Pro is a bit bigger, wider, and definitely heavier, you might get 28 mph.

I was not terribly impressed with the hull, tended to slide through turns at speed, but what do you expect from a smooth hull with no external ribs to grip the water. Mine tended to be stern heavy, but the extra bulk of the 17 Pro should keep it from porpoising. Just don't expect a rocket ship.

Decent boat, not a Starcraft or Alumacraft.

I suggest you take it for a test drive. Check compression.

Check for soft floor and transom.
It looks like there is some weather damage to the carpet, so make sure it is solid underneath.

Mine originally came out of Fox Harbor as well.
 

Attachments

  • photo265157.jpg
    photo265157.jpg
    138.3 KB · Views: 0

harleyman1975

Ensign
Joined
May 12, 2003
Messages
959
My Brother in law has an 18 ft spectrum with a 135 force on it and he loves it! runs strong and is very stable. he paid around $2400 for his from a family member.
 
Top