32 Skater in classifieds
 

Came across the 32 Skater in the classifieds for 38k, I am looking for some help from the Skater guys about the older Skaters. Whats the good, bad, anything I should look for? How they run with tripps, Just some input from the guys that know these boats best. Ive been in the market for a spectre or Motion but wouldnt mind doing this project. Kinda wondering if an old Skater is like an Old Apache, Worth the time and money to build. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Tom

Looks like a good boat for the $$ would be better with 2.5's versus the 2.4's.The center motor will eat gear cases on a tripple setup unless a pod is installed.I would buy the boat,sell the motors and re power with 2 300X or 300XS.And yes an old Skater is better than a lot of newer other brand Cats.

Did Skaters built in 1988 have ethanol problems with the gas tanks?

yes

I have a 1988 32 Classic and it is a Vinyl-ester / Kevlar lay-up and checked with the man ( Peter ) on that issue . Simply put any boat layed up with Vinyleter resin are not affected by todays fuel , epoxy and polyester resin have the problems . When they "fix the tanks" on affected boats they use Vinylester resin . My Skater is almost done

Gas Tanks
 

I figured the tanks would need to be replaced. What kind of cost is involved in that?

I was also thinking pull the 2.4's and repower with 300's. Any issues with transom's on these boats?

probably 7-9 k for the tanks .. the 2.4's aren't worth anything really 4k a motor, and the 32 really needs 3 2.5's or 300's to run decent

What type of speeds will this boat run with the trip 2.4s vs 2 300x?

They were not using Epoxy those years SO YOU DONT NEED TO REPLACE TANKS . Spend the 10k towards new real motors , 300 x or 300 xs

FYI, epoxy isnt the only resin or glass ethanol eats away at. If I bought any boat with fiberglass tanks I would have them done.

Your correct and as posted earlier Epoxy & Polyesterhave issues with fuel . Poly-ester is the real cheap stuff and was never used @ Skater as far as I know . You will find many other boat Mfg layed up with cheap stuff . V-E is twice the price of Polyester resin

Good question, - It's the one thing almost all buyers are going to ask - How fast will it go?

that particular boat runs 92. should be running 100-101

I think this boat is an excellent value. The current engines could probably be sold for around $4k each and re-rigged with twin Simon or STR engines. The buyer could potentialy have a 32' cat that would run triple digit speed for under $50k with trailer.

yeah, its a good deal.. 4k is probably alittle high for bridgeports and your not going to be able to buy 1 Simon 3 litre for 12k anyway.. the boat should run 102 - 103 w/ 2 Simon 335's

Check with Jim ruck up in Oshkosh wi, he might be able to bring those 2.4's back to life 920-233-3833
Does the boat have a center pod?
Might be the way to go to get a great running boat and save some cash at the same time.

Just got off the phone with Jim, he says they are good motors,and can be pepped up! I'd give him a call. He's the master when it comes to outboard work and mods.
He did some blueprinting on my 2.5's and they ran great!

I hope to see 105 with pair of STR 375 hp efi strokers on my 32

Your restoration thread was one of my favorite reads. Any chance we could get an update?

Thanks ! My Skater had old school hatch that was hinged @ rear so I decided to make a new hatch . The center section will be fixed with two smaller ( 22 " ) wide with built in cooler . Here are a few pics of mold , part was pulled a month ago but camera broke . Pics are from mold made from MDF then did body work , all radi are 3/8 and then used surfacer to make mold perfect . Next PVA then Gelcoat Vinylester , biax , balsa . Will post new pics soon

Larry

L,

lookin' soo awesome!!!


keep the pics coming :)

+ 1 :drink:

Just saw a 3212 Skater flat deck for sale.... 172mph,, 1100hps,,, Oh Boy,,, i'd get that one.... just my .02:drink:

There are other Skaters for a little more $$ all dialed in if tanks have to be replaced?:op:

Are you serious dude........ones 300+k and ones 40k. Do you know the difference? You don't have a clue about a thing.

Yeah but the fuel mileage of trip 2.4's vs twin XS's will keep the boat on the trailer:drink:

Dan :signs043::drink:

Originally Posted by stainless
Just got off the phone with Jim, he says they are good motors,and can be pepped up! I'd give him a call. He's the master when it comes to outboard work and mods.
He did some blueprinting on my 2.5's and they ran great!

Yeah but the fuel mileage of trip 2.4's vs twin XS's will keep the boat on the trailer


Yeah your right, trip's burn ALOT of fuel, especially trip bridgeports.. plus their reliability is very questionable.

Thanks for all the info guys. Any concerns with it being a ex race boat?

Where could I easily unload the dinosaurs on the back?

Ohh and abot tthe 32 with 1100's Im in as long as someone wants to lend me 200k. LOL.

The old motors would sell pretty fast on www.screamandfly.com

I agree! Most of the tank problems were with the 90s up 21s 24s, and 28s...if the unfinished area in the sponsons under dash, hatch, etc. are greenish color you will be good which it most likely be! The poly/epoxy will be yellowish... Al

The tank problems aren't limited to the 21 ,24 and 28's ...all the models are effected from late 1988 until the lamination was changed to prevent the ethanol damage..

Ya' your probably right..I never check history on the larger ones 'cause I'm an outboard guy!!! Al

Hey Kev, Do all the poly boats have Kevlar in them or was that a lightweight option?? Al