I just purchased a 17 foot 1981 Sea Sprite. I know.. I have'nt heard of it either.. Its a typical open bow tri hull runabout. I purchased it for $400 from my friends uncle. Its a real peice of work, let me tell you.
All of the interior is toast (looks like it was left outside for 20 years). The deck is soft and spongy. I am dreading what the hull looks like. The exterior is all chalky oxidized gel coating. However, it does not have one blemish on it, not even a trailer scratch or dock scrape.
Here is the best part.. Its got a 1967 60 horse Evinrude outboard motor. All Manual tilt and trim and whatnot. It appears to have been rebuilt (new heads, plugs, wires, coil, distributor, ect.)
Four reasons I purchased it. 1) The exterior is flawless (except its about as glossy as a chalkboard) 2) The motor starts first crank and its fresh (So, I think). 3) It was 400 dollars and 4) I am a broke college kid that has always wanted his own vessel.. I never had the privelege as a child to have access to one.
Ok, now... I have decided to restore this boat. I do not know alot about boats, so I am trying to learn as much as I can. And Since my boat is a no name 1981 - It is hard to find any information about the particular model. and since the motor is a little bit younger than my father... Its hard to find information on it as well. I am exremely familure with engines and autobody work. But, there is alot on this boat that I have questions about... thats for sure.
To start. This boat does not seem to have an adequate drainage system. The deck has weird forms in it on both sides under the steering wheel and under the port side glovebox. These weird forms collect water and sits there.
Is it normal to have no real drainage system? I have read on some sites that it was common on some boats, but im not sure, It seams a little retarded to design a boat with no drainage.
Next, the tilt and trim on the motor is all screwed up. It has two strut looking thinks on it (like what hold up a hatchback on a car except bigger) but it seems like they do not do anything. I have to physically lift the motor up by hand while I switch the brackets to set the tilt or trim. Is this normal? Or should it have a lever to raise and lower the motor without assistance from myself.
Also, there is a crack in the transom. When I move the motor back and forth it seems solid, But It doesnt look good. What do you think? Its in the picture below.
I will post pictures if I can figure it out. I have a million of them.
Please post any comments you may have about my situation. Thank you very much for your time and input, I truly apprciate it.
I am really excited about my new hobby, I just hope I dont lose steam from lack of boating knowledge.
Thanks again,
Chris
All of the interior is toast (looks like it was left outside for 20 years). The deck is soft and spongy. I am dreading what the hull looks like. The exterior is all chalky oxidized gel coating. However, it does not have one blemish on it, not even a trailer scratch or dock scrape.
Here is the best part.. Its got a 1967 60 horse Evinrude outboard motor. All Manual tilt and trim and whatnot. It appears to have been rebuilt (new heads, plugs, wires, coil, distributor, ect.)
Four reasons I purchased it. 1) The exterior is flawless (except its about as glossy as a chalkboard) 2) The motor starts first crank and its fresh (So, I think). 3) It was 400 dollars and 4) I am a broke college kid that has always wanted his own vessel.. I never had the privelege as a child to have access to one.
Ok, now... I have decided to restore this boat. I do not know alot about boats, so I am trying to learn as much as I can. And Since my boat is a no name 1981 - It is hard to find any information about the particular model. and since the motor is a little bit younger than my father... Its hard to find information on it as well. I am exremely familure with engines and autobody work. But, there is alot on this boat that I have questions about... thats for sure.
To start. This boat does not seem to have an adequate drainage system. The deck has weird forms in it on both sides under the steering wheel and under the port side glovebox. These weird forms collect water and sits there.
Is it normal to have no real drainage system? I have read on some sites that it was common on some boats, but im not sure, It seams a little retarded to design a boat with no drainage.
Next, the tilt and trim on the motor is all screwed up. It has two strut looking thinks on it (like what hold up a hatchback on a car except bigger) but it seems like they do not do anything. I have to physically lift the motor up by hand while I switch the brackets to set the tilt or trim. Is this normal? Or should it have a lever to raise and lower the motor without assistance from myself.
Also, there is a crack in the transom. When I move the motor back and forth it seems solid, But It doesnt look good. What do you think? Its in the picture below.
I will post pictures if I can figure it out. I have a million of them.
Please post any comments you may have about my situation. Thank you very much for your time and input, I truly apprciate it.
I am really excited about my new hobby, I just hope I dont lose steam from lack of boating knowledge.
Thanks again,
Chris