Graham Nash Posted May 20, 2011 Report Share Posted May 20, 2011 (edited) Hi, I advertised this little boat a while ago but had no interest, It really does need to go so someone make me a silly offer. I bought this 17ft boat with the intention of using it on my own in the evenings but as my main boat can be launched at any time by the boatyard I doubt I will use this one enough to keep it so it might as well go. I am pretty sure it was a microplus 501 in its earlier days but the cabin was cut back by the previous owners giving MUCH more deck space but probably much less strength. (Having said that, I have used it a few times and it seems perfectly ok to me). I used it last year as a "safety boat" when the kayak lads went for a paddle to Old Harry. I put a large engine on it when I first got it but the transom started creaking so I removed the engine and re-inforced the transome. There is no engine with the boat, but I used a 15hp that pushed it along fine for one or two of us. I have a fibreglass thing in the middle that I used as my cutting board/seat but it can be removed very easily if required. There is a heavy duty auxillary bracket, very small fold away anchor with about 80m rope and a couple of buoyancy aid jackets. Trailer looks and tows perfect and the whole setup can easily be launched and retrieved by one person at Baiter. I really could be doing with my factory back so offers around Edited August 10, 2011 by Graham Nash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Nash Posted August 10, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 10, 2011 bump .... going extremely cheap ..... the trailer is probably worth the price alone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petesnr Posted August 11, 2011 Report Share Posted August 11, 2011 Definitely looks like a Microplus 501. I used to have one myself and also moved the cabin bulkhead forward to create more cockpit space. The hull's of these boats are made of a sandwich of endgrain balsa between inner and outer skins of GRP. This makes them extremely light but also very strong as long as the balsa remains sealed and dry. The removal of the cabin bulkhead on this craft should not adversely affect the strength of the hull as the rigidity is in the deck. I had a 55HP Mariner on the back of mine and it flew at over 30knots. The hull has a tendency to slam in a short sea which can reduce speed dramatically if you want to retain the health of your kidneys! Surprisingly seaworthy and fun. I fished up to 10 miles out in mine and got home in some really snotty conditions without being too scared! Petesnr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Nash Posted August 11, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2011 I have been out of the harbour myself Peter and the boat seems perfectly capable in favourable conditions. The low sides put me off going out in anything other than perfect tho (although I have seen lots of MUCH smaller and MUCH lower boats out in conditions that I would not even consider). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petesnr Posted August 11, 2011 Report Share Posted August 11, 2011 Looking at the photos again not only did they cut out the bulkhead they also cut off the sides of the cabin. These extended downwards towards the stern and raised the height of the gunwhales considerably. I can understand that with this particular conversion one might feel a little exposed!! On mine I cut back the cabin roof, moved the bulkhead forward to retain a lockable cabin but I left the sides intact so retaining good height on the sides. I must dig out some photos..... Petesnr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Hall Posted May 7, 2012 Report Share Posted May 7, 2012 has this boat sold ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Nash Posted May 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 (edited) yes. (although SOLD is probably an exageration!!) It went to a very nice chap in Devon who gave me a very few pounds for it ..... considerably less than the trailer was worth!! Just another one of my boating investments over the years Anyway, yes it's gone. Edited May 8, 2012 by Graham Nash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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