New owner: 1987 18SF

Bstnportsfan · #1 01-22-2015, 06:46 PM

I received a 1987 Seacraft for Christmas this year from my father-in-law. He bought it about 10 years ago but due to deteriating health has been unable to finish it.

A little about me...I have no clue what I am doing but fortunately my father-in-law does and although he is recovering from a lumbar fusion surgery I can pick his brain. As far as the condition of the boat...he replaced the floor and it only needs another couple of layers of fiberglass. The original teak pieces are all stored in the garage along with very nice cushions and the bimini top. The engine is a 1988 Johnson 140 which was purchased about 2 years ago from the original owner. We'll find out if it runs soon enough. It was on the original owner's boat when purchased. The seacraft was purchased without an engine.

When my FIL redid the floor, he ran the wires for the engine, lighting and bilge. I will purchase new bilge pumps and new lights but I can use the existing wires as a guide to run the new ones.

Here is what I had on Christmas day.

After we cleaning the boat:

Here is the dash piece which is original teak. Need to redo the layout but think I am going to keep the piece.

I have a teak engine partition, teak rod holders, teak swim platform and various teak trim pieces all beautifully finished.

The trailer is going to be replaced, probably with an Owen and Sons. The engine will be replace at some point probably with an etec 90 or 115...just don't know when. My plan is to pull the fuel tank as I don't know the condition of it and probably replace it. Then finish the floor, kiwigrip it, then new coat of bottom paint and wire it all up.

I will be learning as I go but I am excited for the project. The fuel tank from what I have read is a bear. The rest should be smooth sailing ;?

Electronics will be basic, just a Standard Horizon gx1700, a fishfinder from a friend and a gps. Nothing fancy. Looking forward to use the boat on the ICW and nearshore for cruising with the wife and puppy and a bit of fishing.

I have read about 75 pages of material on this site as well as been googling this site for answers to my questions. I figure 9/10 my question has been asked and rather than being repetitive and annoying, I just search for my answer.

Thanks all.

Terry England · #2 01-22-2015, 10:45 PM

Flip Flops and green flora on Christmas Day ain't Wisconsin! Looks like you are in Florida. You have all the right components for a good boat. Lot's of help on both coasts of the Sunshine State to help you fix up your ride. Give us a hint where you are Bro' or these guys will help you figure it out with a Nationwide Seacraft Think Tank. Your call.

Beaver · #3 01-22-2015, 11:08 PM

Lucky! What a nice Christmas present.

I'm looking forward to seeing your boat come back to life.

Rob

Bstnportsfan · #4 01-23-2015, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry England

Flip Flops and green flora on Christmas Day ain't Wisconsin! Looks like you are in Florida. You have all the right components for a good boat. Lot's of help on both coasts of the Sunshine State to help you fix up your ride. Give us a hint where you are Bro' or these guys will help you figure it out with a Nationwide Seacraft Think Tank. Your call.

HAha...somehow I missed the location when I registered. I'm down in Stuart, I think a bit south of you. I've been watching this boat sit in my FIL's yard for almost 10 years always saying if I had it I'd restore it back to its original beauty! Although who am I kidding?? I'm no craftsman but I'll do the best I can. As long it's clean and doesn't sink I'll be happy with my work.

Terry England · #5 01-23-2015, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bstnportsfan

HAha...somehow I missed the location when I registered. I'm down in Stuart, I think a bit south of you.

You are in the Epicenter of Seacraft Skill. You have Bushwacker, Sandman, Capt Chuck, Capt Lloyd, Shine and Dr. Green in your general neighborhood on the Gold Coast, to name a few.
If you take a peek at the Gatherings tab and scroll back to Cabbage Key / Cayo
Costa Event this past November, we had two beauitifully restored 18's show up. 78Scepter I believe, took some good pictures of them at the dock and posted 'em there.
They were "Gucci-fyed"

waterboy · #6 01-26-2015, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bstnportsfan

HAha...somehow I missed the location when I registered. I'm down in Stuart, I think a bit south of you. I've been watching this boat sit in my FIL's yard for almost 10 years always saying if I had it I'd restore it back to its original beauty! Although who am I kidding?? I'm no craftsman but I'll do the best I can. As long it's clean and doesn't sink I'll be happy with my work.

Nice Christmast present. Here is what I purchased for myself. 1972 20' SF SeaCraft. When you get yours up and running let me know. I have a buddy up that way we could do a raft up. He has a 27' Privateer. I live in Boca so it would be a bit of a tow. Any case looking forward to your rebuild.