Hello all this is my first post. Great forum.
I am thinking about purchasing a 1987 gambler as a winter project boat. Just seeing if anyone knew if this boat was all composite or if it had wood in it, mainly in the transom or floor?? It has a 87 175 merc on the back, it sounded okay when I cranked it, but you never know. I am getting a great deal on it, but It needs some gelcoat work, new interior, carpet, and the trailer needs to be redone.
thanks for any info,
Stephen
the boat does have wood..the floor around the drain, and where the hot foot is mounted are the place to look...the transoms are usually pretty solid...but i would look it over good too...
LD
Hey Guy's This is my first post as well but I have been following BBC for years. Well, at least two years because that how long i have been working on restoring my 86 GT183. I have been around Gamblers a long time, for some reason i have never broken out of the GT183 model, although i have had the means and opportunity to do so several times. There is something that appeals to me about having the first model(not year that was 85))but model of something. It's Like having a 53 vette or something like that, the original always has an aura about it. Anyway, about your question, Yes just like LD said the 87 does have wood, but the transoms are usually rock solid. Although if the transoms do go bad they start to soften on the underside of the transom set back. This area always seemed to hold some standing water. Flip the hatch open and look good behind the tank!!!!! They are great boats hope you get it. Hope to post some pics of my redone 86 soon.
guy..my first gambler was an 87 183gt...i ran that rig for 9 years..it still holds a special place in my heart...that was one awesome ride.....
LD
LD, i know what u mean! I saw my first Gambler when i was just a kid maybe 5 or 6, fishing out of my buddy's dad's jon boat in Lake Okeechobee(I'm from West Palm Beach,FL originally) and I told my buddy I gonna have one of the gambler boats some day he said yeah right! Since then I've have had an 86 an 88 and bought this last 86 from a great friend who bought it from the original owners who purchased it from Aqua Marine in Kissimee, FL. U would probably be the one to ask were they the first marine dealer to retail Gamblers? What was the first year u could purchase a GT183 from a dealer was it 86? Anyway always wondered that? The first time I got behind the wheel of a GT was unreal and the feeling has never left! I was real near buying a 2100 last year but didn't, even if i get one in the next year or so I won't be getting rid of my 86 it's to special!!! Love em' man!!!!!!
I love my 92 gt183. i dont think it is much different from the first ones.
yep...86 was the first year...there were other experimental gamblers before that...but the 183gt was born in 86....late...mine was actually built in 86..but i got it in january, so it was titled as an 87...the 183 started it all....and its also the reason gamblers get the bad rough water ride crap...it was really a 17 foot boat with a big setback transom..that made it 18'3"....the 21 and 22 with trim tabs, will ride with any rig on the water...and walk off and leave them...
LD
Yeah, i've been hearing about that rough water garbage ever since i got behind the wheel of one. Everyone just gets pi$$ed when i pass em! My boat is titled as an 86 and the last 2 digits of the hull ID say 86 but i always wondered how early of the originals it is. Do any of you guys know of anyone at gambler keeping any records from back then? Maybe someone could tell us early guys what production # we have? Probably not, but i was always curious about ringing someone up in Groveland with a wacky production question. Does anyone know of anybody at Gambler keeping one of the very first one's? That would be pretty sweet!!! It would be like seeing Adam or Eve!!!!
The GT183s are really nice,I"ve been working on one for a while.Reworked the transom new floor new carpet.Motor going back on next week.Soon be on the water for the test.My wife has already started asking what boat i will keep.i think it will be both.
2002 Gambler Outlaw
86 Gambler GT183
Rick
Gambler Outlaw/Merc 200 EFI
Cool, put some pics when you get finished, I have heard through numerous friends that I should stay away from the 183's due to the wood in the floor and transom, they claim that the 1900 outlaw or the Intimidators of the early to mid 90's are much better riding boats and are all composite. Is this true??
thanx
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