Venture 17

[duperwader]

Greeting Sailors!

I just acquired a free '1975' V17 from a guy that got frustrated over never using it. He was unable to produce any paperwork aside from the out of state registration form signed over to his daughter (she bought it for him). Fortunately, I was able to locate an old owners manual online. The last year it was registered was 2003 and I found it to be uncovered and nose down on the trailer. Naturally, water poured out over the several back roads I took home; thankfully, it cleaned up well with a deliberate power-washing. All the exterior wood will need to be replaced, but I don't see that as a big deal (options besides teak?) The interior paint will need a detailed scraping or a light sand blasting and a couple boards definitely need to be replaced. Now the questions:

It is registered as a 1975 Venture 17, but isn't 1974 the last year they were made?
The boat is without a boom. Where can I find a replacement? Can one make their own?
It appears a U-shaped motor mount was included (with wood attached). I am guessing you remove the ladder and place the mount in the same holes(?)
The keel appears cracked and have seen others on this forum remove and refurbish them. Is it fiberglas or metal?
I would like to see if she floats. There are two drain plugs in the stern. Do I plug both or is the higher one left open to allow the deck to drain?
What is the hp limit for the motor mount?
I don't really understand the keel setup. Is it possible for water to come up the keel cable hole on the deck? Will that then drain out the back open hole?

My wife is excited to have her placed in the water to see what it's like. We would not attempt to sail it right away; rather, we would navigate with a kicker motor first.

I appreciate any helpful advice or comments.

[mastreb]

You can certainly make your own boom from pre-made aluminum extrusion that is pretty inexpensive. Check out http://www.dwyermast.com/families.asp?c ... Name=Booms. Great resource for anyone building their own masts, booms, or spars.

The boat won't make useful speed with anything beyond a 9.9 horse motor, and likely a 6hp will get you to hull speed. Even a 4hp would do fine for motoring.

[Catigale]

Before you put effort into it, you had better make sure you can register it for use with a motor. In the current era of DHS, unregistered boats are high on the list of 'suspects' Fines are substantial.

[Freedom77]

Boom is a Sparcraft S-104 or equivalent. Check with local dealers for ideas. Also check with bluewater marine in Seattle Phone #800-688-8626. I think the two drains you refer to in the stern are the cockpit drains. One in the cockpit and one in the hull. Don't plug 'em. this is how water drains out. Is keel covered in fiberglass or is it cast iron? Water will usually not come in into cabin through keel winch hole. If so you need to put plastic tubing around keel cable. Yeah water can come into cockpit through keel winch hole but will drain out. Anything bigger that a 4hp outboard is overkill. Hope this helps. Fair Winds and Full Sails....

[Doug91mac26s]

It is registered as a 1975 Venture 17, but isn't 1974 the last year they were made?

The Venture 17 was produced through 1975.

Here's some helpful links that will likely answer a lot of your questions.

http://oday.sailboatowners.com/componen ... 9&cf_id=24

http://macgregor.sailboatowners.com/ind ... Itemid=170

http://sbo.sailboatowners.com/index.php ... &bmodel=17

http://www.wadler.org/boat-mac/production_years.php