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Fantastic sports boat that we’ve simply not used enough to justify. Was bought from a friend as lockdown ended in 2020, to use over the summer as travel further afield was prevented. Sadly, despite great intentions, we’re lucky if we’ve used it a handful of times preferring our smaller Dory for ease of trailering.
The boat is around 20ft long with a beam of 8ft. Being an SSL, its layout differs from the usually seen bowrider as the front deck is closed over providing a large carpeted hold for storing inflatables, life jackets and other boating paraphernalia. The official capacity of the boat is 6, with the high cockpit sides providing security and safety; access from the water is via the rear swim platform and drop-down swim ladder. The boat feels positive to pilot, and the steering position and general seating layout is reminiscent to driving a large car. It’s fast and comfortable, and tows an inflatable/waterskier without any difficulty.
The previous owner had purchased the boat as a bit of a project, and had a new ‘Sterndrive Solutions’ outdrive fitted, replacing the original Mercruiser Leg. We also gave the original trailer a refresh, with new tires, hitch, and a spare set of drums. We have also replaced the brake shoes, hub nuts, and brake cables (stainless) with Knott units, and fitted a new winch.
Cosmetically, the hull is in reasonable order with age related marks, but like most boats would probably benefit from a machine polish. Interior is good, with the rear seats, and engine cover being recovered in the past few years. The boat is presentable, and practical for an owner that wants to ‘use’ the boat without fretting over damage, that said, investing some time into a light recommissioning would have the boat looking at her best; given it’s age please don’t expect a pristine example.
At some point a stainless steel wake tower has been fitted, with plates being affixed to the gunwales. The actual ‘arch’ part is currently off the boat and can be included should the buyer wish, but it seems to be missing two tie bars. For the past two years the boat has been kept dry in the garage, and has always been stored on the trailer and washed after use. There is a heavy duty canvas cover that will go with the boat.
The engine is a 4.3 litre V6 Mercruiser (rated @ 175hp) unit that runs sweet and starts on the button. New automatic fire extinguishers were fitted summer 2020. Despite the lack of use we’ve periodically started and ran it on ‘flush muffs’. The original Mercruiser leg is present, and will be included in the sale for parts/observation. It would be remiss not to mention, that the buyer should be aware, that in 2020, we did smell fuel from the rear of the boat, and discovered that that the aluminium tank suffered from a pin hole. We had this welded and over-plated, and the tank externally sealed. Removal required part of rear deck to be cut, so was reconfigured to provide a hatch to enable the tank to be removed in future for replacement. All ply fitted was fibreglassed in and ‘flowcoated’ over.
We’re sorry to part with the boat, as it is quite a striking vessel that doesn’t really look its age, but sadly lack of use coupled with looking to downsize our car has lead to this decision. It’s really in excess for our needs and I’d rather let someone else have the enjoyment out of it. We may be open to part exchange with a smaller boat/rib/Classic car depending what’s offered. Any further questions and viewings are welcome so please get in touch.
Current Price: £5550.00
This Maxum Ssl (super Sports Limited) may be available on ebay