need Cafe Advice
 

I am going to pick up my first Cig(94 Cafe with 502 EFI'S) this weekend. Survey came in excellent in every category.Nothing was mentioned about him checking for water in the hull. What kindof speed should I get. Any advice you guys can give me would be great. It has been in some salt. Thanks

Let's see some pics

I would estimate in the mid 60's with that power.

I would say VB is right. My freinds 89 Cafe with 420's & TRS's only ran a little over 60. It is a great boat, I can't wait for warm weather so I can get mine out.

Congratulations on you new ride.

I like your name....Where is this boat coming from? Im sure someone on this board knows the boat, and could give you some history on it. Mr. Wonderful

advce
 

The boat is in San Antonio, Texas, before that it was in Maryland and before that I think it came from Florida. The color is teal,Purple,blue, and that pinkish color they did 10 years ago.The graphics are the two lines down the side with the little squiggly mark at the back. It has the same lines down each side of the bow.Boats name has been Distraction. Will post pictures later. What props are people running. It comes with a 3 blade and a 4 blade , dont know the pitch. Will want to upgrade exhaust too.

hey slum, any thing you can ask, these guys can answer. is your boat from a private seller or is it from a broker. the're a few guys with cafe racers on this board, and many that had them on their way to a gun or a tiger. i run a 4 blade, with trs drives. tell us more about what the rig has, im sure someone knows the boat.

Advice
 

The boat has newer bravos. I am buying from an individual. The motors have both been rebuilt. We are going for the test drive in a couple of days. the surveyor will then do a compression check. Any advice on what else to look for.The boat is in excellent shape. How do I check to see if there has been water in the hull.

I think I remember seeing that boat for sale. What drives are on the boat? A 94 most likely has Bravo1 drives.

Re: Advice
 

Looks like you answered my question on the drives before I posted it. A surveyor should be able to check the moisture content with a variety of different methods. Various hand tools and meters. I WOULD NOT buy a boat that had not been tested for moisture content. If the surveyor can't do that, find another surveyor. Water damage can turn into a nightmare to fix and there are several people on this board who can attest to that.

Once you get a good survey everything should be great. Good luck on your purchase!!! I love Cafe's...they really represent the classic offshore lines that I have always liked :) :cool:

I had a 94 Cafe with 2000 502 Mag MPI's (415hp at the prop) and 2000 Bravos. Here are my numbers;

All this is in fresh water.
When I got the boat it had 23" Bravo 3 blade props. It was delicate to get on plane and would hit the rev limiter set at 5050, the boat toped out at 64.8 mph GPS.

I got a pair of Spenelli Labbed 24" props, it resolved the blowing out when getting on plane problem and got a top speed of 67.8MPH GPS around 5000rpm never hitting the rev limiter.

Hope this helps. Same year, same engines, same drives should be close... How is it propped?

Congrats and good luck.

Here:

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/6/2/47967762.htm

I had my cafe survyed. And was given a clean bill of health. (Structually sound.) But when I got her home. I realized I had bought a boat with a rotted transom and port engine stringer. My advise to you is make 110% sure she is dry. It has cost me a lot to fix.

It comes with mirage 13x23 SS 4 blade props. It Does not have hydraulic steering. Will this be something I want to add later. What do you guys recommend for after market exhaust. I heard some people have had problems with water coming back up thru the headers.

Hey SKRAMER, Where did the survey go wrong, How did he miss it and what can I tell my surveyor to do different. I talked to him a little while ago and he said he has the meter to test for that. Is that not going to be good enough. Is this more common on certain year boats or does it mean the boat has taken on water

I have a thead on it in the general section. There is some good advice in it . Go check it out. I'm not sure where the survyer when wrong. She just missed it. Then told me there was no way she could've found it. B S!!!! The fiberglass shop said I would be suprised at how many people have a rotted transom and don't even know about it. Now is the time to find out if yours does. Before you end up like me. Good luck!

slumlord I put that thead at the top of the general threads for you. if you want to look at it.

transoms with water in them are not as uncommn as you might think. In fact, just about every transom has some degree of water in it. It's the levels that determine whether it is acceptable or not.

Surveyors have tools which can detect water concentrations...either as simple as a plastic hammer and knowledge of how to use it or a meter which can detect moisture...

And if you think you have recourse against a poor survey...think again...they have more disclaimers than and insurance company.:rolleyes:

i love all this cafe talk, makes me feel all warm inside.....

Dispite all my problems. I love my cafe.

I had a 96 with 500 hp's and I ran 72 all day at 5100 with 25 three blades. You will love the boat. NK

skramer...sweet boat! never seen that one before.

i got a call from a guy yesterday asking me questions about mine. he's in connecticut with a cafe that has the 90mph paint job. it think the boat is a 89 or so with TRS drives.

told him to come here and post pics of it...

Skramer thanks for all the info. Atleast now I know a little about this and I can make sure he does a thorough job because I will have printed out all this info for him to read also. Iwill let you know how it goes.What year is your boat . It looks great

1989 twin 502's carberated, with bravo 1's, She'll run 69.8 with 26 pitch 4 blades. at 4900 rpm. I figure the engines to be about 500 hp. Never dynoed. She's still in the fiberglass shop. Hoping to get her back soon.

Make sure the warmth stays inside. :D

Parnell save us time and just post pictures of boat models you have "NOT" owned!

skramer that's pretty good...I'm spinning 26s on mine with the TRS drives...at about 5100. think you might be making more horsepower? we're gonna crank em up this year... :)

Make sure you check the gimbal rings with no hydraulic steering. Was common for 502's with no hydraulic steering at that time. Most manufacturers now put hydraulic steering on that power package with twins.

Best advice :confused:

Buy a Gun:)

L.S.

hey slum, here is my cafe...572s 600hp at the 4 blade props.. she'll do over 80 at 5600. not real sure of the top speed yet..

Stecz20

Is that a platinum series?

L.S.

Drop the right tab---Quick!!!!!!

How about my first high performance ride? 260 volvo, ran 50:D

dont think so lucky strike...how would i know...it does not say so anywhere on the boat.....

I sold my Cafe' and purchased a Top Gun. Me and everybody who has been in both miss the Cafe'.

I got the outboard thing out of my blood early.
Glastron 168 with 125hp.

expresscat, your saying even with having a top gun you miss your cafe racer.. did you like your cafe racer better, or just miss it?

Slumlord
I went to look at that boat a few months ago when it was in Austin at Brystar
Check your PM's and call asap

Dan

Hey Stecz, you may want to consult a doctor about your worm problem.:eek: