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  1. #1
    Member totalbeverage's Avatar
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    Look what I found! 1980 ChampioN I will restore for a friend

    There is going to be a story behind this upcoming restoration.....I have know this family since the mid 80's. Their son played football and wrestled with me all through 8 to 12th grade. Dad (Jay) was always the guy that helped in any way with the sports programs sometimes going without so a kid could have something to help him succeed in sports. I was once the receiver of this mans kind heart.

    Growing up we were poor and I mean poor, my Dad worked two jobs and my Mom also worked and we barely got by... barely. My parents never once had the time to watch me play any sports nada..nothing and I understand they were trying to keep food on the plate to feed us kids. We once went "camping" for three months as Mom and Dad said but we were actually homeless

    Anyway, I'm rambling.. to make a long story short my parents told me that I couldn't play any sports cause they didn't have the extra gas money or time to get me back and forth plus the extra money it would take for anything extra needed to play those sports. I was pulled up from 9th grade and played with the varsity kids in football which switched practice from morning to the evening and no buss ride home. I knew I had to tell the coach that after practice I couldn't play anymore

    Jay was at practice and he could see I was upset and thought I may have been hurt cause of the he asked whats going on Tank (I was the original Frank the Tank ) Told him the story and he said "don't worry about it..I'll take care of it....also Tank do you have any other shoes...I mean that are for football" no I said "I'll take care of that too" know more that five minutes later a senior said hey "Tank" I got your ride today....I was overwhelmed that he did "take care" of it that quick of a matter. The very next day when I walked into the locker there sat a brand new pair of Nike hightops football cleats I asked the coach about the shoes and he said "somebody took care of it" I never will forget what he "took care of" throughout my high school years.

    Well this is Jays boat, and I told him "I'll take care of it" This one will be FUN

    1980 ChampioN 16'7" with a 115 Mercury
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  2. Member
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    #2

    Re: Look what I found! 1980 ChampioN I will restore for a friend (totalbeverage)

    Way to "pay it forward" so to speak

  3. Member AstroJoe's Avatar
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    Jacksonville, Fl.
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    #3

    Re: Look what I found! 1980 ChampioN I will restore for a friend (totalbeverage)

    What a great story! It's nice too see people care that much about others. You do great work, can't wait to see the finished product... Good luck and keep us posted.


  4. Member
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    #4

    Re: Look what I found! 1980 ChampioN I will restore for a friend (totalbeverage)

    Way to go Frank!! Sounds like this friend needs a classy boat......and you`re just the man! Keep us informed of the progress and if there`s some stuff we can help with....well, just post it and let`s see.............................................

    these are for you:


    [i]LAND OF THE SLEEPING GIANT

  5. Hawg Catcher!! Big Bass Man's Avatar
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    #5

    Re: Look what I found! 1980 ChampioN I will restore for a friend (totalbeverage)

    Thats Great of you Frank, cant wait to see it finished, I know the guy you are doing it for will be AMAZED

  6. Member
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    #6

    Re: Look what I found! 1980 ChampioN I will restore for a friend (Big Bass Man)

    you sir are a stand above, a class act!!!!

  7. Member ep72's Avatar
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    #7

    Re: Look what I found! 1980 ChampioN I will restore for a friend (totalbeverage)

    Awesome story, and those old boats are so cool!!!
    Stroker 21
    Mercury 250 PRO XB

    TN Bluewater dealer/rep.
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  8. Member
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    #8

    Re: Look what I found! 1980 ChampioN I will restore for a friend (totalbeverage)

    I can't wait to see the results of this labor of love!

  9. Member
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    #9

    Re: Look what I found! 1980 ChampioN I will restore for a friend (totalbeverage)

    I can NOT wait to see this one!!!! Wish we lived closer, I'd come give you some free labor.

  10. Problem Child Ckfishin's Avatar
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    #10

    Re: Look what I found! 1980 ChampioN I will restore for a friend (Marooned)



    You sound like a stand up guy...
    2019 BassCat Lynx 2019 250 Pro XS 4 Stroke - 2B573410
    "Reality Is Often Disappointing."

  11. Moderator Luke's Avatar
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    #11

    Re: Look what I found! 1980 ChampioN I will restore for a friend (Ckfishin)

    very cool story Frank...cant wait to see this one

  12. Member
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    #12

    Re: Look what I found! 1980 ChampioN I will restore for a friend (totalbeverage)

    Thats great man...Its awesome to see things come "back around" after a lot of years..cant wait to see some pics of progress!

    94 Statos 284
    95 Mercury 150 Black Max

  13. Member bigfish1259's Avatar
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    #13

    Re: Look what I found! 1980 ChampioN I will restore for a friend (totalbeverage)

    Got a gut feeling this one's gonna be good!!!



  14. Member MMosher's Avatar
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    #14
    Can't wait to watch. By the way that's a 16'8 Champion.

  15. Banned
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    #15

    Re: (MMosher)

    A laobor of love.

    Look at that tower of power!!! Whoohoo!!

  16. Member Razorbass P3's Avatar
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    #16

    Re: Look what I found! 1980 ChampioN ... (canadian bassman)

    <table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by canadian bassman &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">you sir are a stand above, a class act!!!!</td></tr></table>

    +1 This one is going to be special!!
    First member of Kawasaki Outboard Prostaff

  17. Member
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    #17
    I can't wait to see how you re-pay him :-)

  18. Member FlyinSooner's Avatar
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    #18

    Re: (RockvilleMDAngler)

    Thats AWESOME Frank!!!


    One heluva "Mean 15" too!!! Can't wait to see this one come together.
    1995 Bass Cat P2
    1995 Mercury 175XRi

  19. Member Nickk's Avatar
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    #19
    very cool

  20. Member
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    #20

    Re: (Nickk)

    Great story. Can't wait to see the progress. Are you going to let him see it periodically or just the finished product?
    Redneck's Famous Last Words - "Watch This"

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