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.