Shetland Signature 1700SS 17ft Retro Powerboat - 150 Mercury Black Max!

This is an extremely rare Australian built Haines Signature 1700s; the smallest in a range of 3 sports performance models namely 1700s, 1900s, and 2100s (Internet search Australian boating legend John Haines or check out the videos on Youtube - exceptionally well designed and built performance boats with a superb reputation). Shetland sold these boats under license in the UK as a Shetland Signature 1700SS. I am unsure how many were brought into the UK, but I have certainly never seen another - this boat was brought in to Northern Ireland as a demonstrator (along with a 1900SS) brand new in 1990, and fitted with a then 2 year old 1988 Mercury 150hp V6 ELPTO 2 stroke oil injected outboard with 21 pitch stainless steel Laser II prop (sounds superb). It has a circa 110 litre in bow fuel tank and oil tank to the rear (oil injection working perfectly). It has hydraulic steering, rev counter, speedo, fuel gauge, temp gauge and voltometer (all working).

It comes on a Hallmark Roller coaster II trailer, which is unbraked and plated to 750kgs. It tows very well. It was used by the original owner from 1990 until 2000, at which point it was stored in a double glazed, heated garage until I purchased it in 2014 due to the original owners impending house move, and recommissioned the boat. Since recommissioning I have used the boat a handful of times each season on Lough Erne – it is without doubt the most accomplished speed boat I have ever driven – a very solid double skinned boat with exceptional stability at speed, ride/handling/turn in and absolutely zero cavitation or catching/bucking in the water, capable of 63 mph on the speedo trimmed out at the full 6000 rpm with a 21 pitch stainless steel prop (so scope for a higher top end with a higher pitch prop though I prefer the acceleration of the 21p). Unlike most British built 17ft boats these boats were designed to run this size of outboard and it does so very safely and manageably (there are many examples for sale in Australia running 175/200hp outboards and pulling closer to 70 mph), HOWEVER it is not a boat for a novice and I will not sell it to someone with no boating experience.

Much more rewarding to any modern equivilant, and yet it is a very suitable ski boat and equally surprising comfortable for cruising about on a nice day with great front seats, sitting at 35/40 mph with no effort. Obviously the boat and outboard have a few marks here and there and small chips to the gel coat; it is 1990 after all, but it is in exceptional order throughout - I would not compare it to any other boat of this age as it was stored for so many years, and I am very particular. It runs without fault and comes with everything required to start using it immediately including ropes/fenders. It was winterised by Stitt Marine, Islandmagee in Dec 2016 and has not been run since. I have spent well over £2000 on this boat with minimal use since including….

Work to outboard/boat: Stator assembly Impellor Spark plugs Switch block Fuel filter Carburettor removed and cleaned, pipes replaced Oil tank cap New battery Winterised after each season New ski mirror and speedo New rubber gaitors. New custom made grey canvas Tonneau cover and orange prop bag. (also comes with big original fitted overall cover not pictured). Rear seats recovered and repairs to front seats. 12v ‘cigarette lighter’ power socket fitted.

Work to trailer: New wheel bearings, new proper trailer tyres. New winch strap. New ratchet straps. New lightboard. New jockey wheel.

I am not dying to sell as I love it, and have storage space for it, so will not entertain low offers or timewasters. Having said that I have no real use for it therefore decided to test the water. I can provide further photos or videos of the boat to seriously interested parties. ***I am located in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, just 15 minutes from Belfast City Airport and the ferry terminal***