1975 23’ Sceptre to CC Conversion

Boonie23 · #1 10-05-2020, 10:03 AM

Hey guys I just got me a new project. 1975 23 Sceptre that I will be converting into a center console. First Seacraft and going to be a big project but I’m excited for it. So far previous owner had cut out the deck and closed in the transom. I’m going to be cutting the front cuddy off and making the whole boat a single level flat deck. Haven’t decided yet but might end up trying to make the cap myself or have Wildfire Marine build me a cap in Florida. I’ll try to update this thread as best as I can and appreciate in advance any and all insight.

Boonie23 · #2 10-05-2020, 10:05 AM

Got the tent up and shrink wrapped ready to get to work.

Boonie23 · #3 10-05-2020, 10:08 AM

Cap removed, forward deck next.

Boonie23 · #4 10-06-2020, 11:59 AM

Got the forward deck cut out and everything ground flat. Going to extend my stringers forward towards the bow as I’m going with a flat deck, no step up casting platform.
Anyone have any tips for extending my stringers forward? Would greatly appreciate it.
Also looking to hear from people that have ditched the liner on a 23. Thinking of getting rid of the liner and coring the hull sides maybe with divinycell?

I am going to raise the stringers probably 1.5” to 2” and then a 3/4” Coosa deck on top of that. I’m worried about the toe kick compared to the top cap. Don’t want to be falling forward when fighting a fish on the bow. Would removing the liner help?

Also if anyone wants a 23 Sceptre cap or forward deck let me know. If not it’ll get cut up and put in the garbage but would love if someone has a use for it.

Boonie23 · #5 10-06-2020, 12:01 PM

Top cap and forward deck if anyone wants them.

kmoose · #6 10-06-2020, 12:43 PM

That cap would be good for someone that wants to disect the windshield header for a build like mine.

Boonie23 · #7 10-28-2020, 12:17 PM

It’s been a while but I have gone a completely different route on the boat. Cut all the original stringers out because we found wet foam and now we are going to do Four 1” Coosa stringers with 3/4” transverse bulkheads. Should be very strong and light. Deck will be 3/4” Coosa. Here’s where I’m at now.

Boonie23 · #8 10-28-2020, 01:44 PM

Started glassing in the stringers. 2 layers of 1708 on both sides to the hull then once I router the top edges I will wrap two layers of 1708 over the top and overlap the side sections of glass and should be nice and strong.
Stringers were bedded into place with thickened polyester resin with silica (West system 406)

captsuperfly · #9 10-28-2020, 08:12 PM

looks good. how're the temps treating you? those are long layups. Gonna be a cold LI weekend.

Boonie23 · #10 10-29-2020, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captsuperfly

looks good. how're the temps treating you? those are long layups. Gonna be a cold LI weekend.

Mike, haven't had an issue with temp yet. I have a nice space heater in the tent and I turn it on for about 15 minutes every so often and it brings the tent up easily into the mid 70s. So far so good!
STBD side came out mint, port side I'm going to have grind down and redo most of it as I didn't grind down enough when I first started and it has alot of air under the glass due to the hull being not smooth. Every step is a learning process!