TOPIC: 1965 (?) Sea Ray SRV 170

Found this (free) on CL. The previous owner says it's a 1965, but I think it's a 1966 Sea Ray SRV 170 with a 1100 SS Mercury. The Merc is what I drove a couple of hours to get. It is claimed to have just over 100 hours on it, and should run. However, the gear box was snatched off the lower unit by a brother for his boat, so I need to find one. Anyone have one they would give up?

As for the boat, it's rough. the interior is all there, but shot. I am impressed with the quality of the brightwork on the boat. It clearly has not been kept indoors, and other than the horn, all the chrome is in pretty good shape. All of the metal trim is there. Even the chrome on the seat frames is there and in good condition. The boat is dirty. Small trees are growing out of the seats. I told the guy I was likely going to strip it and use the motor on my 1958 Skagit SeaMaster. He started in about how solid the boat is and just needs seats. I can't image the transom is any good after sitting outside.

He claims there is no wood in the floor or stringers. I have been lucky in that my Skagit and the Larson All American we are restoring have fiberglass stringers. However, I have never heard of a floor not being plywood.

Anyone know about the construction on these old Sea Rays?

As always, I have to decide this boat's fate. It is a sexy classic, and I'd hate to scrap it. Anyone ever had one of these that can steer me into keeping it?

No wood in the floor? I doubt it. My 1972 Sea Ray 190 SRV has plywood floors. I know because I had to rip it all out and replace it. However the transom is solid fiberglass. I don't know about 65 or 66 but if you drill a hole in the transom you should be able to tell.

Really?! A solid fiberglass transom would be cool!
Did your 1972 have fiberglass stringers?

Some potential peeking through after just a bit of elbow grease...

don't be tempted to keep it if you don't need it ?
Or you will end up like the rest of us ! A bunch of old boat hoarders. Ha-Ha-Ha !
Focus... think ..... you cleaned it up, and it looks great ! Take what you need. Sell the rest for some cash for your lower unit !!!

My opinion only

yep....old boats are alot easier to buy than they are to sell!!!

Fortunately, I have lots of space at my parents barn, so I'm in no rush to get rid of any of the boats yet. I think I'm up to 7?
Part of the fun (most of it at this point) is dreaming. Will I ever get around to doing this one? Who knows. Right now we are shopping for a lake home, and my dream is to have 4 classics at the dock at a time. Stupid, but fun to think about.

We are hoping to finish up my daughter's boat before Christmas. Then I can start on my old Skagit Ski Master 17, or maybe the Century Cheetah. But the Sea Ray is already here, I could just dig right in...
Yes, focus. But don't stop dreaming:)

from past posts ? you only have 2..... These are boat stories ! no pictures ? they don't exist ! Please show... We love pictures...
You're holding out on us !

For what it's worth. I have a 100 footer +/- of boats... end to end , Ha-Ha !

Ah, Chuck, but they do exist...
www.fiberglassics.com/glassic-forums/home/member-projects/1972-steury-runabout-project

www.fiberglassics.com/glassic-forums/home/main-forum/1970-seaking#125289

www.fiberglassics.com/glassic-forums/home/member-projects/larson-lapline-all-american/page-3#126301

www.fiberglassics.com/glassic-forums/home/main-forum/skagit-talk-me-out-of-this#121037

www.fiberglassics.com/glassic-forums/home/wood-boats/1959-dunphy-with-a-twist#117421

Can't seem to find my post on the Century Cheetah, but it is real too...

Sorry I didn't get back sooner. No my 72 Sea Ray did not have fiberglass stringers, wood wrapped in fiberglass. They rotted out. All had to be replaced see http://newboatbuilders.com/pages/SeaRay190.html

Drb007. Follow your dreams and ambitions. Keep thinking of that home on the lake with your classics, it's not stupid. It will come to pass. Those things don't come easy though. Step by step and before you know it you realize you have accomplished your dream.

I have a '65 Sea Ray 800 ( with outboard) plywood in floors, stringers and ...transom. I have replaced floors and stringers, trying to get up nerve to do transom. Afraid to take boat out until I do. Yours looks very similar to mine, a little different in the transom and motor well area. I used to use this boat every weekend, until I put it in storage at a friends house and it went downhill really fast. It s a well made boat, very worthy of restoration.

Your SRV 170 is worth saving. Mine started off worse than yours. The floor and transom were solid.

1967 SRV170

I have several lower units for a '66 +/- 1100 and its 90ci cousins.
Zap me a PM if you are still on the hunt for one.
doc Frankenmerc

My 66 SRV180 o/b for sure has wood in the floors and stringers
I lucked out and just had to do the floor

I've seen a few of these pop up recently on forums. I have had this blue '66 for some time with plans to restore it. I think they are one of the better-looking Sea Rays and are very stoutly built. Mine has a Mercruiser I/O which will be entirely replaced with a newer engine/outdrive. I looked into rebuilding the original, but I just can't justify keeping the old outdrive. This boat has never had power tilt/trim, so I'm anxious to see how it rides and handles with those benefits. The boat is otherwise nicely appointed with curved glass windscreen, full rails (including ladder), and original fold-down top. I'm unsure of the condition of the transom and stringers, but if they need replacing, I will do it because...just because!

- Jim in WA

Did you end up keeping this boat? I am very interested in its whereabouts. I sold the attached 1966 Sea Ray SRV 170 in Wisconsin in 1990 and have been looking for it. I do not believe that it is the same boat - but very similar - and in Wisconsin. Let me know please - I would love a project boat.