Thanks all for answering my questions on a Supercat 17. Do you think $1500-2000 is a reasonable price for one (with sail #4) with main and jib in good condition, but no other upgrades other than some mainsheet traveler system. No trailer, but a couple harnesses and a cover included, and only been used a couple weeks a year at a summer lake. Located in upstate NY near Rochester. I'm only moderately interested, so let me know if you're dying for one.

To upgrade the boat with sails ($1400+700) and trampoline ($600) would easily cost more than the boat. Would it be worth it considering a new boat is over $12,000?

Friends have owned them.

If the boat fits your needs, I'd say it's worth it.

They're a descent boat. Uh-oh, I think I hear Bill R. coming this way.............

If it's has only been used a couple of weeks a year...it sounds like you might have found a cream puff...look on the transom and see what the serial number is...that should tell you what year it was built...it is encoded in the number...if everything is in good shape you could have a great cat on your hands.

Think of the Supercat 17 as an SUV of the cat world...race or just for fun... one up/two up/small family... true beach cat...no boards, yet tacks and goes to windward surprisingly well... equally at home on the ocean or lake... loves rough water... built nearly bomb proof without being excessively heavy (325 lb. I believe)...Probably the most pitch pole resistant 17 foot cat ever made...LOL.

I had a 1981 (or was it 82?) Supercat 17 built by Boston Whaler that served me faithfully for years. As far as I know, the hull itself (other than bringing the construction materials up to contemporary standards, and then some..)is identical to the new ARC17. Even with the old style sails the boat is no slouch.

Seems like the only complaint I read about this boat is that its P.N. is too high for as fast as it is...LOL...more boats wish they had that problem .

Regards,
Bob

I've seen Supercats upgraded to racing conditions from almost nothing - hulls, beams, mast and bad rudders. At that price yours could be a bargain.

Take a good look at the rudders to check if the blades rotate easily, they get tight with age. To verify if the hull was abused, look at the keel, the beam/hull attachments and the gudgeons - mainly.

Good luck,
Luiz

Don't forget:
Good trailer - $1000 ~ $1500
Cat trax - $500 ~ $600
sail box - $800

jbs24,

I ran across an old brochure that was for the Supercat 17 made by Boston Whaler. I'll e-mail you a copy if you're interested.

The cat jbs is talking about is now up for auction on ebay. It starts at $500 and closes 8/18/04. See it for yourself at:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...1&item=2486865248&category=63729

If that boat were within my range of travel I,d make an offer on it right now. New York is too far from Florida.

The only negative I have heard (but I can't confirm) is that the 17's rear beam has a tendancy to catch waves as they pass below. Possibly because of the great bouyancy up front?

It is a gem, buy it!

Did you see the final selling price - $3450.00. Two buyers fought it out to the bitter end. It almost makes me think about selling my 19.

I had a supercat 17 for 4 years and it was an excellent boat. The one thing that I would look out for are indentions on the bottom of the boat caused by being on rollers. After about a year I had my left hull crack from the keel straight up to the front crossbar. The hull is not very thick at the seam on the bottom and it broke like a big toothpick while I was out on the wire. I repaired it and sailed it for several seasons. If you would like to see the repair I have lots of pictures...
I would also like to mention that the supercat17 sails the best with the bow low in the water. If the rear crossbeam hits excessively it's because the crew is far to aft.
The boat is a real pleasure to sail. I liked it so much I bought a supercat 19 brand new...