New member to the "1" fraternity
 

I'm a new member to the "1" fraternity. *After owning five boats including an Excalibur, a Carrera, a Sonic and two center consoles I've made the jump over to a Cigarette. * She's a Cafe Racer project boat that I got a really good deal on.

*Here is my to do list for the next few months.*

Clean up
Remove TRS'
Fix any fiberglass or serious issues.
New paint*
New upholstery
New powder coat
New gauges*
New dash
New gps
New motors*(merc 525's or 502's N/A)*
Bravo XR's
New hydrolic steering
New throttles/shifters
New trailer

Will be posting pics as soon as she delivered to my buddy's shop in South Florida. *The restore will be done there before shipping down to the Caribbean.*

Any contact info or advice on power and drive dealers etc. will be greatly appreciated.*

Congrats! Welcome to the club!
Looking forward to seein the project!

Congrats - welcome to the fold. You'll like the Cafe.

That is a HEFTY list you have there. I woudl expect 70ish with that power

Congrats! You will love it in big water. Can't go wrong with a "1" on the side!

Congrats! I've got a few power packages for sale that would go great in that 454s 509s and may have a set of 572s in a couple weeks

Welcome and good luck with the project I just did the same Less XR's
-Mike

Not only do you have a 1 on the side you have the most beautiful water to cruise around on.

Congrats

Before I would go to all the expense of changing from TRS's to XR's, I would convert to Konrads. It would be a LOT less work, less money, and you would have a better set up. Board member "Biggus" could provide you with all of the specifics as well as whatever you need to do the switch.

Roger

Welcome to the Club... I agree with Rodger 1 about the Konrads.. I have had them on my boat for the last few years and they have worked out well.. Good Luck with your restoration..

Lets see some before pix. i love these threads

Welcome to the club. Is the weather nice enough to boat year round?

+1

Thanks for all the warm words of welcome and ideas.

The boat will be delivered to Miami on the 10th and I'll be flying up a few days after that to evaluate and make some decisions.

I'll post some "before" pics soon after that and then after each "milestone".

I'm already excited about getting down here in the land and seas of endless summer!

The water has been really great all week. See pics in the Caribbean Forum.

Congrats.....Now you have to get it done by May!

Finally started on this project
 

Here are some "Before" pictures.

Looking forward to the build process. Please take lots of pictures and update often.

Congrats on the purchase....

Working on that List
 

Clean up - Done!
Remove TRS' - Done! (FOR SALE!!)
Fix any fiberglass or serious issues.
New paint*
New upholstery
New powder coat
New gauges*
New dash
New gps
New motors*(merc 525's or 502's N/A)*
Bravo XR's
New hydrolic steering
New throttles/shifters
New trailer

Waiting On the next step
 

:party-smiley-004:

I agree with roger on the konrads.

What CC's have you owned and why did you make the switch from CC to the cafe? Just curious because I've thought about switching to a CC myself.

Congrats on the purchase.

Love project threads! Who doesn't?

Looks like it's going to be a very nice cafe when it's all said and done.

Who's grey Cafe next to yours? I love the solid color on the sides like that and if that is going to be the color, it looks like a great start!

I would def. suggest a set of 525EFI's. Great motor that will push that boat to mid 70s. Also, while the bildge is empty I highly recommend painting it white. That red was an early 90's/mid 90's thing and immediately dates the boat upon popping the hatch.

I'd also keep the bellhousings to the TRS's and buy a set of Konrads. Bravo's will be a weak link and a constant worry.

My Carrera was a CC, I had a Powerplay and I'm currently running in a 03 Avance. All CC's.

As for why I made the switch, it’s not really a switch it’s more like an addition. I've always wanted to be rolling with a "1" on the side and I was holding out of a T/S Gun but this one came along at a price I couldn't let slide. I also had a 83 33' Sonic SS which is a much heavier boat than all the CC's I’ve had and that's what my wife compares the ride to now and there is really no comparison the sonic was like a Cadillac. I figured the Top Gun will be something she'll be happy in if we're out and the seas pick up.

My first plan for the Cafe was to get it and flip it but after I saw the potential with the Grey one sitting next to it I'm reconsidering. But as they say everything is for sale. If someone likes it when I'm done I'll sell and look for the Gun.

Was that the Cafe down just outside of Houston?

That would be the one! Dickinson I think it was. Do you know the History on it?

I only know what was told to me over the phone. i was looking at it back when i was looking for a TG or Cafe. Talked to the place selling it (hotheadz marine) & just didnt get a good feeling from the dealer. Wouldnt tell me anything about the engines other than all the parts were there, just needed to be put together. We couldnt come together on a price & i really didnt want a true project boat. so i passed.

i really liked everything i seen in the pics. i preferred it to the one i bought. its just the engines gave me an uneasy feeling since im dangerous w/ tools in my hand.

Congrats & cant wait to see your updates

That's what I was told also but from a different broker. Apparently it was listed for quite a while and this guy was really motivated to sell. We came to an agreement and then this thread started. It's in descent condition structually but will be quite a project to get it where I want it.

Good
Fast
Cheap

I was told I get 2 of the three. Lol.

Very nice! Can't wait to see the finished product.

Congrats! Can't wait to see it when it's done. I dream of owning a Cig one day too...

Tomba, the '90 Cafe I picked up in October has the same paint job (less the Hawk), slightly diff colors. I'd never seen that before. Looking forward to changing mine as mine's got "Miami Vice" colors.

Good luck with your new Cafe!

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/a...1&d=1328903812

Twins :lolhit: minus the ugly engine scoops on mine.

Have you started on any upgrades or mods yet?