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This is an extremely rare Australian built Haines Signature 1700s (17ft); the smallest in a range of 3 sports performance models namely 1700s, 1900s, and 2100s (Internet search Australian boating legend John Haines or check out the videos on Youtube – exceptionally well designed and built performance boats with a superb reputation). Shetland sold these boats under license in the UK as a Shetland Signature 1700SS. I am unsure how many were brought into the UK, but I have certainly never seen another – this boat was brought in to Northern Ireland as a demonstrator (along with a 1900SS) brand new in 1990, and fitted with a then 2 year old 1988 Mercury 150hp V6 ELPTO 2 stroke oil injected outboard with 21 pitch stainless steel Laser II prop (sounds superb). It has a circa 110 litre in bow fuel tank and oil tank to the rear (oil injection working perfectly). It has hydraulic steering, rev counter, speedo, fuel gauge, temp gauge and voltometer (all working). It comes on a Hallmark Roller coaster II trailer, which is unbraked and plated to 750kgs. It tows very well. It was used by the original owner (whom I know well) from 1990 until 2000, at which point it was stored in a double glazed, heated garage until I purchased it in 2014 due to the original owners impending house move, and recommissioned the boat. The boat was always stored in the garage and never outside hence the amazing lack of corrosion and weathering to the trailer etc. Since recommissioning I have used the boat a handful of times each season on Lough Erne – it is without doubt a very accomplished speed boat – a very solid double skinned boat with exceptional stability at speed, ride/handling/turn in and absolutely zero cavitation or catching in the water, capable of 63 mph on the speedo trimmed out at the full 6000 rpm with a 21 pitch stainless steel prop (so scope for a higher top end with a higher pitch prop though I prefer the acceleration of the 21p). Unlike most 17ft boats these boats were designed to run this size of outboard and it does so very safely and manage-ably (there are many examples for sale in Australia running 175/200hp outboards and pulling closer to 70 mph), it is not a boat for a novice, with no boating experience unless you have a sensible head. Much more rewarding to any modern equivalent, and yet it is a very suitable ski boat and equally surprising comfortable for cruising about on a nice day with great front seats, sitting at 35/40 mph with no effort. The hull is double skinned and much more stable and weighty than the likes of a Fletcher. Obviously the boat and outboard have a few marks here and there and small chips to the gel coat; it is 1990 after all, but it is in exceptional order throughout – I would not compare it to any other boat of this age as it was stored for so many years, and I am very particular. It runs without fault and comes with everything required to start using it immediately including ropes/fenders. It was winterised by Stitt Marine, Islandmagee in Dec 2016 and has not been run since (has been in dry storage with trickle charger on battery). I have spent well over £2000 on this boat with minimal use since including…. Work to outboard/boat: Stator assembly Impellor Spark plugs Switch block Fuel filter Carburettor removed and cleaned, pipes replaced Oil tank cap New battery Winterised after each season New ski mirror and speedo New rubber gaitors. New custom made grey canvas Tonneau cover and orange prop bag. (also comes with big original fitted overall cover not pictured). Rear seats recovered and repairs to front seats. 12v ‘cigarette lighter’ power socket fitted. Work to trailer: New wheel bearings, new proper trailer tyres. New winch strap. New ratchet straps. New lightboard. New jockey wheel. PLEASE NOTE: In response to some queries so far – I can provide further photos or video of the boat to seriously interested parties (search Shetland Lough Erne on Youtube – its on there). I will not split engine from boat. I am willing to facilitate serious mainland buyers where possible, as I know the boat will not disappoint. I am happy to run the outboard using muffs, but I am not willing to go on a pleasure cruise/test run with you – its not a £40k boat and I do not have time etc 🙂 The boat will not disappoint you when you get it in the water.***I love this boat and have storage space for it, so am not interested in low offers or time-wasters. No text messages, time-wasters or trades please***
Current Price: £4450.00
This 1990 Shetland Signature 1700ss 17ft Retro Power/speed Boat – 150hp Mercury! boat is located in Lisburn, BT275LS and is being sold on eBay by mattc0_0.