Advice on what to do first?

[whelchel86]

So it's Thursday at 2am and I am selling a Stratos fish 'n ski in the morning, then picking up a 91 Sunsport on Saturday. So as I am sure many of you would understand, I can't quit thinking about what I am going to do to this bone-stock Supra. Of course I only have a short time before it is too cold out to even enjoy floating and drinking beer on the local river due to the temperatures this time of year. So this winter I definitely want to make some upgrades to the boat while it is out of service. There are a lot of things that I want to do but I know I won't do all of those because I would be better off to just buy a way newer boat that had all of the options. So I am trying to decide what projects to complete during the winter. Keep in mind, this boat is in spectacular condition but is completely stock/factory. That being said, for next season I would like to have a new stereo (to include a new deck, 4 speakers, a 4 channel amp, a sub and another amp for it), a tower(I really like the Aerials and Krypts or maybe the TL) or possibly just an extended pylon, some sacs and pumps, a bimini top, tint on the windshield, newer graphics and striping (no wrap), new trailer rims and tires (bling bling), LED's for the interior, and possibly transfer perfect pass from my mother's Ski Brendella since she no longer skis competition. So what project/projects does everyone recommend that I try to complete this off-season? I know that I am a little ahead of myself but I can't stop thinking about it as I am sure some of you understand. Some of you have been in my situation but this is my first time upgrading a boat like this so that's why I am asking the guys that have done it before. If you have read this far, please at least respond with your 2 cents! I will be on a Budget of about $1500 or so for upgrades and the boat needs absolutely nothing as far as repairs. So what else should I consider and what order do you all recommend I do it in?

Thanks guys. I know it is a little soon for all this and I do have an idea of what I want to do but I was wanting some outside input on the subject.

Thanks in advance, David

[Okie Boarder]

Your budget is going to limit you a bit. A tower is going to eat up around $1000. If it were me, I'd focus on the tower and the tunes first, then go from there.

[Kma4444]

Great looking boat. Sounds like Okie is on the right advise track to me

[jaywidhalm]

I also agree with Okie. Could do a pump and sacs if you plan on wakeboarding or surfing a lot and want the bigger wake, say over a subwoofer and amp or something.

[wotan2525]

Function over fashion.... if you plan on surfing, invest in some good sacs and pumps. If you're going to wakeboard -- tower + sacs. If you're going to drink beer and party cove, stereo + tower.

It's all up to what you want to use it for.

And... if it were me? I'd make sure I had a little bit in reserve for repairs. I know you don't think you need any... but.... you will!!

[mapleleaf]

Great looking boat... I'm with Okie and Wotan, especially that last part!!!

[DAFF]

Keep you eye open for some used equipment this winter. With a limited budget it is always nice to save some coin... This way you can add two or three things for half the price of new!!!

In the winter it is a buyers market so enjoy!!

[Kip]

I would go with a tower and board racks. Also a bimini if you are going to be out during the day a lot. Since these items would probably deplete the budget you can remove the old stickers and detail the boat out for little to no cost.

Congratulations on the new boat.

[edgewater1]

i dont know how much you are in love with TL, or krypt audio, but i would build my system out of these speakers, and one sub, a 15' under the driver console.
Look up Hifonics audio,: http://www.hifonics.com/Hifonics_Triton_Speakers.html
http://www.hifonics.com/Hifonics_Brutus_BRZ_Subwoofers.html

EGDE

[jet]

Yep..go with what makes your boat a better wakeboarding boat (except stereo, a must have) tower FIRST!! you can buy used sacs and then go to work on the stereo. Always start off with function bigger wake, PROP!!, p-pass, nice line, tune up...then hit the cool stuff to look good for the ladies..I mean wife. :D Man that boat is pretty. MORE PICS!! Jet

[Jester]

I recommend that you watch for a tower on ebay this fall/winter. They tend to go for a much lower price than if you were to buy in the spring or summer. I remember seeing a couple of the Aerial Airborne towers selling to the highest bidder for around $650 last year.

**I just checked ebay on the Airborne towers and they have a buy it now price of $599 for another couple of days!**

[SupraTamu]

If you are on a tight budget, I would make sure you take the boat out quite a few times to make sure everything is working good and that you don't run into any mechanical issues before you start adding upgrades to the boat. All boats have issues at some point. Once you feel the boat is running good then start adding some upgrades but also as somone mentioned earlier I would keep some money in reserve for incidental repairs.

[Memmer99]

If it were me I would make sure I can get the boat to the water safely first. Check your trailer, you mentioned something about new wheels so I'm guessing you see something you don't like about the old ones. Are the wheels rusty? If so you will want to check the brakes, wheel bearings, and bearing buddies.

Then I would go tower, tunes, then fat sacs. Sacs are cheap and easy to throw in at the last minute.

[whelchel86]

Well guys, I think I have the plan in place. Not much of a plan but it's still a plan. And just like some of you said, first thing that I have even done is general repairs. I had to replace the starter and the relay/solenoid after it stuck and the drive gear for the starter busted into pieces the first time I went to put it in my local river last weekend (just my luck, same thing happened with my last boat). And also the trailer has required a few things so far and still needs a new winch, some guides, rollers, and a new brake actuator/coupler. I have some new speakers, 4-channel amp, and a head unit for the interior just to get the stereo started for now but everything else is just going to have to wait until I can find it on the off-season sale price. And JET, some more pics upon your request but i don't really have any good ones yet.

thanks again guys for all the input

[jaywidhalm]

Nice pics...looks like a nice clean find. Congrats and enjoy!

[jet]

Thats PRETTY..lots of potential. : )

[Okie Boarder]

Looks pretty good!

[87SunSportMikeyD]

Love the boat she looks gorgeous!!! She will treat you well. IMO I would get the tower first, then fat sacs.

[Blackntan90]

I'll trade you my '90 Mariah, with a monster tower!! She looks really good! I like how much room the Sunsports have under the seats, and the swivel captians chair!

[DKJBama92Mariah]

That's a beautiful boat David. Congrats. Where you spend your money on upgrades depends on how you plan to use the boat. Are you looking for general on the water fun or a dedicated wakeboard boat?

Regardless of use, if the prop is the original OJ Legend 3-blade, a swap to a new CNC 4-blade wheel from ACME or OJ would be first on my list. Props have come a long way in 20 years, and keeping the old one as a spare can be a day-saver.