98 171 mako would you buy?

[high life]

Do any of you have any input good or bad on the 171 mako's? Looking at one I might purchase and have never owned a mako before. Are there bad years or certain things I need to pay attention to while looking at these models? How would you rate the ride and drieness of this particular hull? I understand it is only 17, but some are better than others. Thanks for any input you can share!!

high life

[Prop Blast]

high life,

THe 17' Mako is a classic hull -- I'm not sure there is such a thing as a bad one. The design/layout is so good, any problems are easily fixed.

The two most common engines to find on the transom are the 90 & 115hp. Get both the engine and hull checked out by a knowledgeable mechanic and enjoy.

Resale if necessary is usally instant -- they're sold before they go on the market.

Prop Blast

[CET3]

While there are many new brands that have appeared the venerable Mako 17 has been in constant production since the 1960's.

A great boat, newer ones hard to find, production lower than competitors and very high demand and resale. New they are very expensive when equipped with 4-stroke power but solid, well laid out. Slight redesign in 2001. 1998's have the 3 forward storage areas (including anchor storage).

Go for it. Sell it in 2-3 years for what you paid or more.

[high life]

Thanks for the response! I would have thought there were more 17 mako owners who would have spoke up, but oh well. Have performed a search and little is available on these hulls on this site.

high life

[ManasotaMako]

Sorry some of us long time Mako owners have been out playing with our boats and putting out fires. The 17 is a great hull.
Jim
Hi guys,,, Im Back

Jim & Martha "Ann Marie III" ManaSota Mako Owners Club Inc. http://www.manasotamako.com

[MakoMyDay]

Good hull--needs plenty of power like all other Makos do. Go 135-150 if 'ya can swing it.

[Phester]

I picked up a 1999 17 Mako about 4 months ago for the balance of the guys loan. It has been a spectacular boat, powered by a 90 Merc. I agonized over wich boat to get for about 9 months before I settled on the Mako and I have not been disapointed. As everyone on the board knows everything in boating involves some trade-off but so far I can say this:

1. The fuel economy is great
2. Cruise is about 30 kts (full fuel 2 180 lb guys, 50 lbs of gear)
3. The hull and accesories seem solid and easy to get to
4. the ride is good considering it is a 17
5. It has some neat things not found on other 17's (above the waterline live well, a console I can climb into to monkey with electrical stuff, ect.)
6. It trailers nice
7. It will float in a puddle of pee
8. I can take it out and fish by my self without any superhuman acts.

Last but not least it is a simple boat !

Don't think you will be dissapointed.