Info on manufacturer?

[Kovas]

Hello all,

I'm new to powerboating and am starting to look around for an inexpensive boat to purchase. I'm especially interested in center console fishing boats of an easily-trailerable size. I found one I really liked, but have never heard of the manufacturer and can't seem to find out anything about them.

The boat is 17'-18', built in 1992 or 1993 and has the name "Offshore Power Boats, Clearwater" on the side. I live in St Petersburg, so would love to buy a locally produced boat, but also want more info before taking the plunge.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Kovas

[SailDesign]

Kovas,
If you can provide the HIN (from the transom corner, probably) then it is no great job to find the manufacturer's name, and follow up to see if he's still in business. I have to admit drawing a blank with Google.
Steve

[PAR]

Take a drive up Gulf Boulevard (I know it sucks, but other wise you have to go through Largo and around the back door) over the bridge and stop at the foot of the (Gulf to Bay I think) causeway where there is a marine railway. Back in there is an industrial area full of builders, restorer's and boat happy folks. They'll know the builder, if they still exist and what type of boats they built (not the styles, but the reputation)

The name rings a bell (probably drank with a few of their employees down at the Fife and Drum) but I can't remember anything else (everything gets kind of hazy at my age)

The USCG can help ID the manufacture and get you an address once you use the HIN found in the upper right hand corner of the transom. You only need the first 3 digits of this number for the manufacture, the rest of the number will help the manufacture pin down the boat itself.

[Kovas]

Thanks for the info. I talked to a marine surveyor last night and he said that they've been out of business for about a dozen years. Apparently they weren't very successful. It's a nice looking boat and priced right for me, so I might pursue it a bit.