Cig 28SS - What to do?
 

I recently bought a really nice, original, 1976 28SS, with winter coming I'm trying to decide what projects to plan, do I...

Finish restoration of the original small blocks/TRS, electrics, and teak, etc....

Rip out the TRS's and replace with new engines and Bravo's, etc. basically making a "new" boat out of what is arguably a classic...

Which would be more desireable when I go to sell or trade?

Re: Cig 28SS - What to do?
 

Restore it to original.

Re: Cig 28SS - What to do?
 

Put a set of Konrad drives on it and you will not have to replace the transom assembly and change out the windshield with an aluminum fairing. That's what I would do. If you still wanted to go Bravo, Stellings makes an extension box that converts from a TRS set up to a Bravo without any fiberglass modifications. Either way you will see an improvement in performance. I would think that the TRS drives would eventually hurt the resale sense Mercruiser is stopping production of replacement parts.

Re: Cig 28SS - What to do?
 

How long will you keep it?
If you aren't worried about getting your money back, turn it into a "new" older boat, that would be great.

It will help the resale with newer driveline components, but not enough to recoup your cost. If that is not a concern, build it the way you want it and enjoy the hell out of it!
Those are sweet boats by the way!

Re: Cig 28SS - What to do?
 

do ya run that boat in lake travis? i remember seeing one like that when we went to go pick up our topgun. i would do all the modifications ya want but leave that paint job on it. i love those old ss

donz jr mike

Re: Cig 28SS - What to do?
 

It go for a new engine/drive package, either going to Konrads or B1 variety. Strip off the old school accesories like all that metal off the bow, and the teak platform. Go for a sleek flat bow, with flush hatches if possible, or maybe Bomar slim hatches. Install an aluminum swim platform. Rip out the old school shifters/throttles, and go for new school. Rip out the old school guages and go for new top of the line Gaffrigs.

It would be a radical old school ride with a new school update. Good luck.

Re: Cig 28SS - What to do?
 

I think its pretty hot looking as is.
Do the konrads, you wont have to move the engines back either.
Maybe upgrade the dash. Board member Sean knows how to do this, his old 28 he redid came out real nice.

Re: Cig 28SS - What to do?
 

keep it original...

a drive/engine swap at this point will cost a bundle and you'll never get your money back out of it...trust me...I've been there and done that with my 28ss. I put a little over 60k into mine, doing much of the work myself...and sold the boat for half that...not a good investment.

btw, does that have the merctrans or borg warner geears?

do some minor cosmetics to update it. as metioned above, do a faring, get rid of the teak and cleats...put in pull-up cleats and leave it at that...you'll have a nice looking orginal boat...that looks updated and more modern.

Re: Cig 28SS - What to do?
 

Mike, yes, and I remember seeing your TG on the lake that day... ...I loved the sound of that thing going by!

Re: Cig 28SS - What to do?
 

If your not going to keep it original and spend all that money, why not just buy a newer boat to begin with? I still say all original.

Its like putting leather corvette seats in a 72 chevelle ss. buy a vette or restore a chevelle