1987 red 24 Skater on Offshore Only

**Nitro21** · 09-17-2014, 07:57 PM

Kevlar boat with twin Bridgeports. I have been talking with owner and was wondering if anyone knows this boat? I believe he has owned it for 20 years. Nice guy for sure but I was wondering if the Kevlar hulls had tank problems. At the moment there two different lowers on it, a Sporty and a CLE. Would like to have it but the tank problem bugs me.

**JPEROG** · 09-17-2014, 09:01 PM

The Vinyl Ester is not supposed to be an issue with our lovely corn fuel. We run an 88 32 footer that's Kevlar and the tanks are still hard. My 97 24 was bad and I had Doug Wright build some composite tanks for it that added a lot of structural integrity to the boat but its not a cheap option. You can pull the inspection covers and tell if they are softened.

Joe

**Nitro21** · 09-17-2014, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by JPEROG

The Vinyl Ester is not supposed to be an issue with our lovely corn fuel. We run an 88 32 footer that's Kevlar and the tanks are still hard. My 97 24 was bad and I had Doug Wright build some composite tanks for it that added a lot of structural integrity to the boat but its not a cheap option. You can pull the inspection covers and tell if they are softened.

Joe

Going to go look at it. Hopefully he won't mind pulling the inspection covers and letting me get a look.

**JPEROG** · 09-17-2014, 09:47 PM

The one for sale on the West Coast has a set of tanks that Doug built as well. (looks like a very nice boat with promax's)

The inspection plates have a rubber gasket under them-you could call Mike at skater and get a couple 2nd day aired to you before you go (in case they tear when you pull them).

Good luck they are cool old boats-

Joe

**RobF** · 09-18-2014, 06:13 AM

An older 24 may not have the large inspection plates. Check with the owner before you order gaskets. If it does have the plates Usually you have to take the fuel lines off to access all the bolts so have those tools on hand as well.
if no plates you can always look through the fuel sender, bring a flashlight.

**Mr. Action** · 09-18-2014, 06:57 AM

Just make sure u stay away from the other red 24 on there the so. Called king of miami

not sure how or why they call it that it went 120.3 with spray n melted all the pistons in that run

The real king of MIAMI was bling n Todd with diamond power that went 123 in front of numerous people n stayed together to finish a day of boating

**Onetime** · 09-18-2014, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by Mr. Action

Just make sure u stay away from the other red 24 on there the so. Called king of miami

not sure how or why they call it that it

Self proclaimed??

**RFCB** · 09-18-2014, 11:36 AM

I have seen the red boat in it's current condition a few years ago. It looked good at that time. It is a full race model. I believe it was the old Tuff-N-Uff race boat from the early 90's.

**Nitro21** · 09-18-2014, 03:46 PM

There's also small surge tanks to worry about. Looks like a line in at the top and out on the bottom, don't know how you would check that. Original Hynautic steering set up also, going on 27 years old. Boat looks beautiful in the pictures but a little risky.

**Brad Zastrow** · 09-18-2014, 08:33 PM

Most Skaters have or will have tank issues. Even Skaters that have been repaired are having issues years later. The new gas is really eating the tanks. I have seen damage on at least 3 Skaters and 2 Motions with so called repaired tanks or tanks that were supposed to be OK. Do not assume your boat is not going to have issues. As for the 2.4 Bridgeports......junk....

**Nitro21** · 09-19-2014, 05:28 AM

Originally Posted by Brad Zastrow

Most Skaters have or will have tank issues. Even Skaters that have been repaired are having issues years later. The new gas is really eating the tanks. I have seen damage on at least 3 Skaters and 2 Motions with so called repaired tanks or tanks that were supposed to be OK. Do not assume your boat is not going to have issues. As for the 2.4 Bridgeports......junk....

Does the Boat being made from Kevlar make a difference?

**Onetime** · 09-19-2014, 07:25 AM

The Kevlar really has no influence on the tank issue. It's the resin that gets attacked by the fuel.

**RFCB** · 09-19-2014, 07:31 AM

The majority of marine fuel up here is non ethanol so the tanks should be good. I have been led to believe that the pre 1990 hulls should be OK. Peter from Skater would be the guy to talk to. I have a 1988 and have not had issues, but I do not run ethanol fuel.

BTW, I still run the original Hynautic steering and have not had any issues with it either.