gambler 209 te and outlaw

[sasquitch]

Hello everone, I am a new member and have a few question about Gambler boats. I am thinking of buying a gambler bass boat from 1994-1999. I really like the 209 te . What are problems to look for in a older 209 gambler boat? I have read about problems with cracks in the stringers, transom and other places. Was this a problem with certian production year or model ? Thanks very much for any help. Brad

[low slung cruiser]

My buddy and I both owned 99 model 209's...both have crack's in the transom...KEEP IN MIND, both were used when bought, therefor who KNOWS the abuse the prior owner put them through...
Now i've got a 2003 1900, my dad has a 2001 Intimidator 2000, and my other buddy Matt has a 2002 Intimidator 2000....NONE HAVE ANY CRACKS, and we use them EVERY WEEKEND IN TOURNAMENTS on KERR AND GASTON lake which do get rough...Also, ALL of these were PREOWNED TOO....

[gambler209]

i have a 94 209te boat is still solid i bought it used in 99 the only problem i had was the top cap worked loose in one corner of the offset of the transom by the motor they use rivets to hold the two pieces together and not much fiberglass to go through so they work loose i removed the rub rail and run #10 x 1 1/4 stainless screws and she has never worked loose again in fact i repowerd this year with a later modle motor so i will fish maybe two more years out of it and then pass it down to my son plan on owning a new sterling for next boat


Modified by gambler209 at 9:36 AM 12/1/2010

[sivlersnake]

I own a '96 209GE and am very happy with the boat. Other than normal wear and tear I have no issues with the boat. The transom and hull, aside from a few scratches from previous owner, are in great shape.
Great boats to fish from!!

[CRIMSONGAMBLER]

97-209, no problems. Had it for about three years now.

[sasquitch]

Thanks everyone for the info. I just agreed to buy a 1995 209 TE. with a 200 prov yamaha. I will post some pictures after I pick up the boat saturday. I have only had mercury motors, not real sure about the yamaha ? I do have several friends with yamaha motors and they love them. OH yea, I would like to buy the windshields does anyone know where I can get a pair? Thanks again for all the help. Brad

[bull30]

Gambler sells the windshields. If they don't have yours, they will have it made for you for about $120.00.

Good luck

[sasquitch]

Thanks bull30, I will call gambler monday about the windshields. I did buy the 1995 209 TE. It looks and runs great. I could not see any cracks transom. Could someone explain the serial # ? MY boats # is soeus12hf495. I did notice some silicone under the rub rail in the transom area. The silicone looks factory? ( maybe just a neat job ? ). It has a yamaha 200hp pro v motor. It also has all yamaha gauges. The working hour meter reads 143.5 hrs. That seems low for a 1995 model motor. I am new to Gambler boats as well as yamaha motors. Any advice would be great. Thanks, Brad

[sueybass]

My top cap on my '95 209 seperated over at stockton lake. Not a good place to be at night in a storm. We done the same thing that gambler209 done and have had no more porblems. I used some methylcrylate adhesive after bolting together. Boat always leaked a little, now it doesn't leak at all.

.

[sasquitch]

Thanks everyone. I am not sure but I think the silicone is from the factory. Do you have any pictures of the repair or the damage. Thanks, Brad

[gamblerjewell]

Send that Yamaha to Hydrotec and they will wake it up for you.

[sasquitch]

Hey gamblerjewell. I looked at hydrotec's web site. I would love to have some of that stuff. Is there any known problems I should check for of my, new to me Yamaha PROV . Thanks for any help. Brad

[gamblerjewell]

They are great Motors. The only thing bad is that they are a little short on is torque because they are a small block but that is normal with any of the small blocks no matter what the brand. Prop it to run 6,000 rpm. The limiter is 6150. I disconected my limiter the only bad thing bout it is it diables the rpm reduction on alarms like low oil or overheat, but it will still sound the alarm. I would just back out of it if it sounds. With the HT additions I have my peak HP is around 6400 rpm and these motors love the higher RPMs when they are built up especially with some exhaust port work done to them. Witih my motors speed abilities I found it loved the highest Jack Plate settings possible which in turn required a LWP from Bob's to get best performance. When you start getting into the mid 70's you will find you will need hydraulic steering to control it. let us know how it runs and Pics would be great.


Modified by gamblerjewell at 6:25 PM 12/14/2010

[gamblerjewell]

I also found that the lower unit on the Pro-v would blow out at 75ish which is scarry especially without hydraulic steering, so be carefull. That also prompted me to get the nose cone from Bob's Machine shop. Many will tell you a nose cone is not needed unless you are going over 80. That may be the case with the mercs but the Pro-v's will blow out at 75 mph. Be safe and have fun hope this info helps, and let the guys at HT know I gave them the good word They are great guys especially John he was a great help.