I’m really excited about our newest project in the shop. I’ve been asked to restore and repower a 1999 Key West 1900 center console Sportsman. It’s currently powered by a 1999 Mercury Mariner 135hp Optimax 2 stroke engine. We’ll be changing out the engine, replacing the push-pull cable steering with hydraulic, adding an automatic shallow water anchor, and updating the trolling motor. Also adding a bimini top, refurbishing the dashboard, and checking all electrical and plumbing systems.
The first task after picking the boat up was to check it’s weight. As you may know, Key West uses closed-cell foam to provide positive flotation for boating safety, filling almost every chamber in the hull. After 20 years, the foam can become saturated if there has been water intrusion. Happily, this boat weighed what it was supposed to–eliminating concern about water saturation.
So now we can turn to making her young again. Stay tuned as we step through the process during the coming weeks.
I was excited to stumble across this link as I also have a 1999 Key West Sportsman 1900. Is there anything further to this restoration and repowering? I don’t see it in your projects menu.
Hi Greg,
Indeed there is more! I don’t know why the project list is not updating. I’ll have to figure that out. But if you look in the Categories list in the right column of this page, you’ll see the Key West and that will bring up all the posts I have so far. You’ve also reminded me that I need to post a little more on this boat as I forgot to write about the new engine! I’ll remedy that soon. Meanwhile, if you subscribe to this blog, you’ll get an email notice anytime there’s a new post.
Thanks for your interest.