233 73 or 80?? Which is better?
 

Howdy,

Im restoring a 80 sportsman. In the process of finding a trailer I ended up buying another 233. Crazy, I know. The boat and trailer was cheaper than a trailer alone. And the boat is in pretty good shape considering. Its got a 350 with stringer electric shift. The stern drive has some issues which I've decided not worth investing in..
Oh, and the 80 had a 1996 5.7lx mercruiser with an alpha stern drive in very good shape. Runs strong. I pulled the engine and lower unit last weeked ( what a mission) Its not going back in though. Im going with an outboard.


The 80 was ridden hard and put away wet. Infested with termites
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=167826

The 73 lived its whole life on davits. One owner boat. Deck is pretty solid unlike the 80. I've grown attatch to the 80 since I've been working on it about 2-3 weeks and lusting after it for years. Now I have two! Geez.

The question is: Was tthe 73 built better than the 80. Meaning layup and what not. The hulls appear to be identicle externally. The upper portion, or top is a bit different. The 80 has more sweeped side glass than the 73. And the fiber cap is little different in design.

Comments?

Here's a pic of the 73. The 80 is located at the above link.

mbeyra

my buddy jsut bought a 233 with trailer for a song as well

he needs an engine and outdrive . he wants a small block for it
is yours 5.7 available, do you want to sell
Ramb

Yes, it is available for sale. 1996 5.7 lx w/ alpha drive. 188hrs according to the hour meter. ( I believe it) Good compression. Its a runner. The drive looks good too. No water in the lube. I've never had it in the water but have run it with muffs and sounds perfect.. Im in Key West, kinda far from you.

I have pics.

Michael