Proud(!?) first-time owner!

[CaptCurt]

Hey guys.... I just joined the club and dropped $700 on a 1979 20' Master Angler (with trailer)!

Seems to be all original except the throttle control and a couple of little extras screwed on here and there. Has a 175 Merc with one bad cylinder. I am trying to decide whether to overhaul or replace it. The floor is real soft, so I am getting quotes on replacing that (I am not a fiberglass/wood guy by any stretch). The hull is in excellent shape... no scratches, dings, or cracks.

Here are some pics... let me know what you think.

[jorgeinmiami]

Nice find redo the floor and the engine and your in great shape

What I noticed on yours and mine and other that they palced the binnicle on the left hand side.
Most now are on the right, I wonder why

But great find

[strick]

What I noticed on yours and mine and other that they palced the binnicle on the left hand side.
Most now are on the right, I wonder why

Old factory set up was binnacle on the port and wheel on the starboard...opposite of a car. If you are a righty then you mostly use your left hand to steer and right to change the dial on the radio sip coffee back hand your kids etc... Most rightys like to steer with their left and control the throttle with their right. At least thats why I changed mine.

strick

[oldfielder]

Great deal on a sweet rig.
My steering is original and like that too.

[htillman]

Congradulations, you must be in S. TX. I have seen this boat several times. The hull is in great shape, just needs a floor and transom. I would investigate repairing the motor, but it is old, controller is outdated and the motor power head has been exposed to the weather.
Good luck and keep us posted.

[workinpr0gress]

Congrats, don't be so quick to toss the motor check into putting a new slug in it. These boats are so light the old 2 strokes don't do to bad if you can use restraint. It's no 4 stroke or efi, dfi but not what some people think.

[CaptCurt]

Thanks everyone. I am looking forward to it. I have been reading this forum for a while now, trying to educate myself a little before diving in. You guys are a wealth of knowledge.

Is anyone on here (other than et23) in the Houston area? I might want to get together and talk shop. The boat is down in Kemah right now at Gulf Coast Composite for a fiberglass quote. I'd like to get a recommendation on a engine shop that won't rake me over the coals on overhauling the Mercury. If there is such a beast.

[htillman]

Did you get the title straightened out with this boat? Nice boat, I wanted the console out of the boat.

[CaptCurt]

Yes, I got the title cleared up. The guy is going to be in Houston this weekend to sign the final paperwork. He lives in Corpus and gave it to his cousin, who sold it to the guy that I bought it from. No one ever transferred the title! He was very nice and there shouldn't be any issues.

[76Red18]

Good find! Even the bow rails still look to be in good shape. I'm sure there will be a Master Angler/Merc specialist chiming in on this one.