Hi everyone, I recently found an abandoned 1989 cafe racer that has been lying in a warehouse for 15 years. I would love to get some additional info on the cig in order to make a decision as to buy it or not. what are the tell tale signs of hull conditions, besides stringers and fuel tanks? what materials were used in this type of fabrication (any wood involved?). If the boat is in ok shape, I plan on restoring the hull and putting in 2 502 engines rated at 550ish each with 0 hours I have been building for my Formula 311. will this power be enough to make the cafe racer hit 70mph?

Any advice as to what to look for in the boat when purchasing and most common problems or flaws with this type of hull would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Got any pics? I'm not a surveyor but I do know they did use wood in them. However, so did pretty much everyone back in the day. If you don't think you will pick it up, how's about posting it up here for someone to check out. If the boat's been in a warehouse for 15 years, it should be in better than average condition, but I would get a survey done.

Cigarettes in those years were heavy, wave crushing machines. Because of this, they required alot of power to get high speeds. I would think 550hp a side would get you between 70 and 73 with proper prop selection.

IMHO, you can't go wrong with a Cig!

Here's the pic of the boat in the warehouse. any idea how i can get any info on this particuar hull? It is located in Panama, the country. thnx

I bet that boat has a history! You can get the hull ID number off the transom for starters. That will give you some info to start searching. With the hawk on the side, it probably came with hot engines from the factory, especially if it has speedmaster drives.

According to a 1988 brochure I have, if it had 330's, 370's, or 420's it came with TRS drives. If it had hawk motors, it came with speedmasters. However, Cigs have always been true custom boats, so someone could order one with any engine/drive combo.

Thanks for the info hollowpoint. i will get the s/n off the transome and update

Is that boat posted the the Cafe thread?

Go the s/n off the transome, and some pictures of the drives. Can anyone tell me if they are bravos or others? I know they arent trs.

is there anyway to pull up the boats history with the s/n?

Looks like whipped bravos with nose cones

I "think" they are bravos.

The tanks are aluminum, there is definitely wood in the Transom and Stringers. If you are worried about moisture you can get a meter to test it. The only "problem" area in cafes were a few instances where the hole drilled for the K-Planes went into the stringer and could possibly cause water to get in and cause some moisture problems. I think it was some of the earlier ones.

550hp should put you in the low 70's with a set of 4 blade 26's.

In considering an offer Do NOT underestimate what it will cost to refresh drives, add hydraulic steering, reupholster the cabin and cockpit, update the helms/guages, etc... to make in to the boat you are envisioning.

need a swim platform.... any recomendations??