IMP Boats Information

[gilbert pierce]

I just came across this site by accident. I have owned this IMP Cherokee since 1969. I ordered this boat from the Factory. I wanted it solid white. It was the first one they made solid white. I still have the boat, Restored it in about 1998. Replaced the Chevy Four engine with the inline Chevy Truck 250 cu. in. engine. It hasn't been in the water for several years. I intend to get it out and de-winterize it and starting get it ready for the lake.

[edjunior]

Wow Gilbert, that's a pretty cool looking boat. It's pretty incredible that you've had it all this time and it look that good, restoration or not! Welcome to the IMP club.

[moeller87]

love the cherokee, my dad had one when i was rowing up, looked for one for the past 5 years, settled foe a beat up pawnee, needs a lot of work but its at least the style i wanted

[gilbert pierce]

I've got orginal brochures from IMP for 1969 and 1971 with price lists. If anyone is interested I will scan them and post them.

The Pawnee list price in 1972 was $3335 plus $2850 for the OMC 155 with power tilt. The stern drive prices varied between $2520. for the 120hp Mercrusier with Power Trim to $3365 for OMC 235 HP with power lift.
The tandem axle trailer was $550.

Wonder what it would cost to buy a new one today? When I bought mine in 1969 I remeber filling the gas tank the first time for $0.30 per gallon.

[arnoldstl]

New here but I'll jump right in.
I've recently been offered a '77 IMP Clawson Aztec with trailer for $600. First I've not seen any mention of the "Clawson" anywhere but the word Aztec is on the "glove" box. Now the caveat, it belongs to a coworker who needs it gone to be in compliance with an ordinance, which means part of the deal would be to rid him of a second boat. I'm told the 351 Windsor in the IMP needs some considerable work however the other boat has a small block 350 which appears to be in pristine shape (no rust, good hoses, new belts). I'm hoping to swap the motors and restore the IMP but am unable to determine its true value. Short of needing new carpet and upholstery she and the trailer seem to be in remarkable shape. In short I need any possible information that may be available and whether or not this is even an endeavour worth taking.

Thanks for your time and your thoughts

[IMP-ish]

The 351W was a bit stronger engine that the 350 chevy, but who cares if the 350 is pristine and the windsor has seen better days. The little unforeseen parts you replace when doing a project like this always seem to add up, but if you've got the time and can do the motor swap, I say have fun and restore a classic! Check the transom and stringers before you jump in. Is the same drive spline on the boat with the 350?

[arnoldstl]

Surprisingly the boat is in good shape structurally, cosmetically is another story. I'm not positive since I haven't measured but the motor mounts are extremely close if not the same in any case I'm sure they could be moved. I have not gone so far as to check the spline but I believe the necessary parts could be acquired. We haven't ruled out rebuilding the 351 as of yet though. Going further I'm curious if anyone out there knows anything more about the boat itself (I'm told it may actually be a '76 instead of a '77).

As of now I know this much '76 or '77 IMP (Clawson?) Aztec.

Thanks!

[SAXPHON]

New here - found this site through Google. My father bought an 18' 9" IMP tri-hull in the summer of 1971. It has an 85 hpr Evinrude motor (outboard). Very little hours on this craft - used the first 10 yrs in Lake Tahoe (CA) maybe 5 / 6 weekends a year, and then only less than 8 hours each day. Since 1984, it has been stored in a garage.
I have a lot of fond memories, fishing with my Mom and Dad and just 'bobing' around on the lake. However, times are tough now and I need to sell the boat. I have no idea what this craft would be worth. There are no scratches or damage to the boat and the trailer is in great shape as well.
Anyone out there that might have some thoughts on it's value, I'd love to hear them. Thanks for your help.

[edjunior]

Well, you can always go to www.nada.com and check the value there. For IMP's, it only goes back to 1977 though, but it could give you a rough idea. And that motor sitting for so long, will need some work to get back to running condition. Good luck.

[Boat69]

Here are the pics of my 1969 IMP. The dash says that it is a vacationer, but I have absolutly no info on the boat. She is going in next march for a full remodel. I am looking for the original seat layouts and paint schemes. If any one has any info it would be extreamly helpful.

[gilbert pierce]

I have brochures for all of the 1969 IMP's but do not have that one in my catalog. That boat is not included in my brochures. In the early 70's when they were owned by APECO Corporation they also had some family cruisers and house boats but I do not have literature on those.

[Boat69]

The funny thing is, even when I registered it at the DOT office, they didn't have any clue either. They had to ask me what I thought the capacity was. I want to put new seats in and flooring, but I don't want to take away from the original style. I was amazed at how little is on the internet about boats, that is unless you want to buy one.

[edjunior]

Those front cabin boats are some goofy looking things, but at the same time, they have a certain great appeal. And they sure open up the back of the boat! What kind of outdrive is that?

[IMP-ish]

Looks like a merc alpha with pre-alpha trim cylinders and the skeg chipped off.

[zoom240]

Thanks to everyone for the posts on IMP's. This thread gave me the courage to buy a 73 IMP Inca when I bought a lakehouse this summer. The boat has pretty much spent it's life on a lift on my dock. The previous owner bought it when it was 5 yrs old and kept it here ever since.

The boat worked fine for a week, although the engine probably needs a tuneup. Problem I experienced is that we ripped the engine out of it's mounts towing my nephew on a tube. First time anything like that's happened to me.

I haven't shopped it around too much, but one of the local marina's said it would cost $2000-2500 to cut out the old stripping and fiberglass new strips in for the motor mounts. In general, the boat is in pretty good repair otherwise.

What should I check for in order to decide whether the boat is worth the repair? Is there some cheaper alternative to replacing the stripping?

Wish I had pictures of the boat - they are still on the camera at the lake. All I've got are the motor/mount pics. The boat has good clean lines - got a lot of compliments in the short week we used it.

Thanks,

Dave