New boat - Can I stay? '87 Mid Ocean 26

[Keven]

Weighed the options on restoring my 1973 22' and the numbers didn't make sense. Then this thing popped up and it seemed like a good deal so I jumped on it. It's a 1987, 26' without including the bracket. 200 gallons of fuel, unbelievable amounts of storage and ultra clean. The hull is a splash off the 23' Sea Craft and stretched 3'. Boat was stored covered, in a covered high and dry on a freshwater river by a an owner that lived outside the country. Hopefully I can stick around?

[brando]

Of course lol

Boat looks like its really stern heavy. She ride good?

[ChuckB]

Cool looking ride. Congrats. SOB's (some other boat) always welcomed.

[Keven]

quote:

---

Originally posted by brando


Of course lol

Boat looks like its really stern heavy. She ride good?

---

I think she is a bit heavy in the back. Haven't used her much yet so I'll defer ride comments until then. Something high on my priority list is to move the batteries and oil tanks under the console from the transom. That and a 110 quart yeti filled with fish and ice under the front hatch should help.

[ssfishx]

are you sure the bracket isn't full of water?

[Sailor]

Boat looks pretty good with some shiny gel coat and yup SOBs allowed. [] Looks like you have plenty of room to either change to a bracket with more flotation or add to the one you have...if you wanted.

[snappergapper]

Man where do you guys find these things. That looks like a sweet rig with a large single on the back.

[Keven]

The bracket isn't full of water, at least when the boat is out of the water. I'll check next time I use it. I didn't think about adding to the bracket but that kind of makes sense. I guess I need to talk to a welder about that?

As for the boat, it was a craigslist find. I was searching for whitewater 28s but this popped up for almost 1/3 what a Whitewater would go for. I thought I would be able to take my time with it being that it's an off brand but although I was the first to reach out to the guy, I didn't drive the 4 hours to see it right away and it went under contract that night. I kept bugging him and eventually he said he was sick of people blowing up his phone and the first one with cash gets it. I showed up and the rest is history. He showed me his phone and he must have had 30-40 calls and texts. I don't think I got a screaming deal but maybe I did.

I'll do a follow up post with more pictures but here is what I've found for history. The company was in business for only a few years in the late 80's. They built a 21, 26 and a 40 center console. Hasn't been confirmed but after stalking some facebook pages it appears the company had some involvement with the drug trade which may explain the 200 gallons of fuel and massive storage! Here is a pic of the 40'

[Sailor]

Cool history. Maybe ask Brett in the Q&A thread and see if he remembers them - he did grow up around that time. Might also want to check ALL the holds very carefully for any left over packages! []

[231Mike]

Very cool boat, she appears to be in immaculate condition. It immediately reminded me of my uncles seacraft I grew up fishing on, same color scheme and all. Like others have said it does look stern heavy.

That 40 has to be one of the first outboard powered center consoles of its size ever designed/built. The (lack of) fuel economy from 4-5 carbed 2 strokes has to be daunting.

[thejeepguy87]

SO I will ask, what is to happen to the 22?

[Keven]

Technically it's my Dad's. I'd love to restore it one day and get it back on the water one day but it needs a cap off restore. If you're interested I can put you in touch.