Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Well guys, I got a call late today telling me that my 1978 SeaCraft had sunk behind our families' shore home. I just got down here and she is submerged on her side. It is a very sad sight. The engines are soaking in salt water.

I can't figure out what happened. The drain plug is still in.

Made the call to Boat US. They will be checking her out for me first thing tomorrow morning.

Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

What a Bummer. Sorry about that Peter. Could the thru hull copper tubes have failed ?

strick

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Sorry to hear the news. Hopefully all will work out ok. Keep us posted.

BA

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Dumb question Strick. What do you mean by failed? I have two scuppers in the stern (one in each corner). Due to the weight of the twin engines I put plugs in when I am using the boat, and pull the plugs out when she is back at the dock.

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

PeterB- I am sorry to read about your boat. I had the same experience with another boat of mine (not a SeaCraft). The gardener removed the shore power and and my shafts had a little drip, a day or two later the bildge pump killed the batteries and she went under. The good part was that we were able to repower her with diesels.

Hope all works out for you.

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Pete, sorry for the bad news.
How long, if you know was she down?
It might be possible to have them pickled.
The chances are good that the engines could be saved.
Next question, check your home owners policy or if you
had seperate insurance on the boat. It might be one way to get new engines.

Good luck, keep us posted.

See ya, Ken

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

I hate hearing thishttp://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/tr...smiley-034.gif
Please keep us all here at CSC informed. Best of Luck Peter in your recovery efforts.

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

My guess is that she went down some time early this afternoon. I am meeting with Boat US at 8am tomorrow.

I do have her insured with Boat US. It will be interesting.

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

im very sory to hear about this. lets hope alot can be recovered from the boat.

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Pete,

As soon as you get her up, pull the plugs, pump it full of fresh water. Pull the carbs as well, soak them in Kerosene.
Blow out all the fresh water you can, fill up the cyclinders with any good spray oil IE: LPS, 3/1, etc. keep rotating the fly wheel. Then get an oil pump can and fill it full of 10-40, 10-30, any good automotive oil.
If you are tight with a mechanic and have him there to
pull the powerheads tomorrow, there is a REAL good chance they can be saved. It is alot of work in a short amount of time. But if you can save the cranks from pitting your home free. I have seen it done before. Your wiring harness may
be compromised, but that is the least to worry about.
Keep us up. I know it is the worst feeling in the world.
Had a buddy last year his 31 Ocean Master was tied up at the
Anglers Club in New Smyrna. The dock attendant thought his lines were not good enough, so he re-tied. Yup, the tide went out , the tide came up and Ocean Master was under the
dock that night and on the bottom in the AM. Needless to say dock hand became unemployed. Sad thing was the boat had just been repowered the month before.

Hang-in there, Ken

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Sorry to hear about this, hopefully the insurance money will help you make her better than she was, the ultimate Seacraft.

Good luck.

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Peter - Sorry to hear this news. Hopefully you can get her out, cleaned and turned around with relatively little work.

What Strick means is that the brass tubes that line your rear thru-floor scuppers can potentially rot away and allow water to enter between the hull and floor, below your plugs, and fill the hull that way. They should have a putty/glass/wood surround that the brass tubes go through but they can break, and even shift and help compromise the tubes. There were a few threads here in the past on that possible problem.

Good luck

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Sorry PeterB

That boat of yours won’t “rest in peace”

She has just experienced a minor set back she will rise again better then before. You got a whole winter to make her better than before after all it’s getting to cold to fish till spring up there anyway.

Just check out the name of my Boat.

http://classicseacraft.com/fellowship/medium/0063.jpg



FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Peter my thoughts are with you.

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Pete - this is a major bummer - very sorry to hear -

If I can, at least it was at the dock, recoverable, and no risk to people. Just figure out why, deal with it, and you'll have a better, safer boat in the end.

take care, and please let us know what you find -

Bill

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

I agree with the rest, sorry for the news. :( However, when you get her up and running again (as I know you will) you can call her "The Phoenix"!

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

On the lighter side, After all this bad news.
Hey Fellowship, that pic must have been just after you
restored her. :D Way to clean and pretty.
No Blood, No Guts!!! :D
I even detect a "BOAT BRUSH" :eek:
See ya, Ken

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Ha NoBones

Ya you got that right. I have been putting together a list of re do projects I need to do AGAIN. Like new top for the t-top been looking at the pro trim stuff, new total boat custom cover mine is approx 5 years old and gone through one hurricane. Need to replace approx 3 rod holders, got a spot or two on the deck looking a little ruff, maybe the window shield on the CC. Poss trailer axels + rub rail and on and on and on.
If it wasn’t for Capt. Chuck and his FLAWLESS boat I wouldn’t have a bench mark around here to compare with BUT because of HIM I do, want to keep up with the Joneses.
I was out of the water for approx 1 year and promised myself never again. Soooo repair work works around the Weather report.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins :D

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Damn,sorry to hear about your boat.I know how your feeling.I had a little strip planked express boat when I first got my capt.license that I saved up for.After sitting on the hard for the winter,I fixed,painted and built on her for the upcomming charter season and the yard put her in the water and left her in the sling to swell up,but no one raised the sling overnight so when the tide came in she sank up over the engine boxes right in the sling.A heart dropping feeling when you see your boat full of water.However,the good news it all can be fixed.Good luck with her.

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Sorry to hear about your boat Peter. Sounds like some sort of thru-hull fitting let go, be it the scupper tubes, transducer, raw water pick-up, etc. If you have a livewell or washdown, do you have a seacock, and if so do you close it when not in use?

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night *DELETED*
 

Post deleted by PeterB

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Sorry Peter, that is a sad site :(

She will be back on top soon, keep the faith .... :rolleyes:

- Nick

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Well everyone, thanks for the great words of encouragement.

I had a suprise guest, over very own Finster, lead the TowBoat US team in terms of getting the the boat out of the water. They were great to deal with.

Here are some pictures.

These first several pictures are how the boat looked last night and early this morning before TowBoat US came.

[image]http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/sunk11.jpg[/image]

[image]http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/sunk2.jpg[/image]

This next picture is when the boat rolled over for Finster and his team. They were just about to put the hand winches on when this happen.

:D

[image]http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/sunk3.jpg[/image]

These next several pictures are of TowBoat US (Finster is guy with the red cap on) using winches and sump pumps to right the boat.

[image]http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/sunk4.jpg[/image]

[image]http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/sunk5.jpg[/image]

[image]http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/sunk6.jpg[/image]

As soon as they pumped the water out they towed it over to the local ramp. I then put the boat on my trailer and brought it to my ace marine mechanic. They started the pickling process.


My insurance company, Boat US, told me to get the engines pickled right away and to get a time and material estimate for restoring the boat to it's pre sunken condition.

I would greatly appreciate any one's experiences with this sort of thing. One of my big concerns is that they are able to get the engines and everything back running and opt not to do a "total". My fear of this is that the boat may work fine now, but may experience problems down the road.

Also, what kind of structural (deck, transon & hull) damage could have been done? My mechanic is a very good mechanic & electrical guy. He is not a fiberglass guy.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Peter

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Peter, that really sucks, it would have been nice to meet for the first time under different circumstances (i.e. the Flying Cloud AC CSC gathering). If it makes you feel any better (and I'm sure it won't) I've seen much worse.

As far as BoatUS's hull insurance goes, they have a good reputation and we deal with these guy's all the time.

Good luck and let me know if you need anything.

Chris

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night *DELETED*
 

watch for a soggy floor!
that seacraft will be up and running great in no time i am sure of it. if she is given the right care and help that boat will perform just like new

If you have any questions of what to look for glass wise your more then welcome to contact me

Christian

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Man0Man :eek:,What a Bad~Sad Sight! Many Vessels have gone down as Yours,And have come out of it OK. You've got it out Quick enough So all should be OK. Time for a wiring Job anyway! Just look at it This way The changes You've ever wanted may be done now & You have a Boat(SeaCraft) Thats worth Bringing Back! :cool:
Tug

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Hey Peter,

Good to see you have a Seacraft fan Finster on you side. :)
Sounds like you have the engines/electrical stuff under control and remided me that there is a section in my owners manual for sumerged motor care.

Here is an article and i am sure others have links web page

As for structual not an expert but should be fine after a good dryout. No sure the best way, but think some tarp cover, open all hatches and get some air flowing.

Hope others can help, there has to be some other good articles on this unfortunate event :( .... Nick

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Peter-I'm sorry to hear of your misfortune. She will rise again soon to crush the seas once more! Good luck getting all the immediate work going! I sunk my first boat (acually my brothers :o)when I was 10.

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Peter, Gail and I are sadened by your temp. loss but with prayers and help of people who deal with this often you and your pride and joy will survive.

Please keep us all informed when the cause is discovered so we can check our boats.

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Peter.. Sad sight my friend.. I hope you can get her back on the water soon.. If I can be of any help give me a call.

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Kudos, To Finny and company for gettin' you right out, Fast.
By the looks of the scum line on the first pic she got under the dock and began the filling process through the vent. Peter we all know it will work out for you.
The wiring harness on both engines should be replaced, as well as the complete boat. Corrosion has a funny way of like being a time bomb. Just do it now to ward off evil in the future.
Nick is right on. Vent the hell out of her. All hatches inspection ports, etc open. A couple of those little cage blower fans from Harbor Freight or Sams (about $45 each)
Should do the trick, let them run non stop.
This is one of the times I have to say- "If it isn't one frickin' thing, it is six"

Good Luck, See ya, Ken

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Peter- sorry to hear about the boat. I'm in Brick which might be close to where your boat is (you referenced the shore)- if I can help let me know.

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Peter:
Hope I'm not too late with this reply.
There are several sources for how to minimize the damage to a sunken craft by preparing for her BEFORE raising her (the air adds tremendously to the damage): also lifting too quickly and not allowing the water time to drain can cause structural damage.
One the sites was the FAA with detailed procedures dedicated to aircraft - floatplanes and amphibs, of course - it even had a time schedule for how long immersed the different parts were still recoverable, engines, and even insturments.

Hope this helps, were you insured?
Perhaps this group will provide much evidence an old SeaCraft is NOT any old boat.

My feelings are much with you. HBH

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Sorry to see Peter- but- happened to me with my last boat- Mako- in the middle of a marlin tournament- i had her up an running the next day- good luck- great support group you have here- craig :)

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Surely Peter, you've your hands full but please keep us posted as you are just as surely not forgotten.
HBH

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Pete-

So sorry to hear about your misfortune. However, it is nice to know that Finster was able to refloat her.

Keep us posted on her rebuild.

Ed

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Peter-

I hope you can get the old girl up and running again, it turned my stomach to see your photos. Keep us updated.

-Hooper

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Mine went down when the High& Dry didn't put the plug in, by the time I got over to West palm from tampa it was under, got the motors running but the insurance rebuilt both and rewired no problem. Its just such a shock to see it at first, but will be better than ever.

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Ok, here is an update.

Sounds like my insurance company is going to total the boat. The cost to restore it to it's presunk state exceeds the value that I had it insured at. I should know more over the next several days.

I could buy it back as a salvage and restore it, but right now I don't have the time to do it myself.

As a result, here is what i am thinking.

I am starting to look for another boat. A 23' SeaCraft is at the top of the list. If anyone hears of any good boats out there, please let me know. Also, I am considering (in order) Silverhawks, Contenders and Regulators, as well as the 24' northcoast walk around.

At the end of the day I love the 23' size (small enough to tow & big enough to go out in snotty conditions). I also love the SeaCraft ride and lines (as well as the woodwork on the older boats).

I would appreciate any insights that anyone ahs to offer.

Also, I may be able to buy back my old boat at a decent rate. It may be a good deal for someone (myself included). There are some pretty expensive part on that boat (such as t top, brand new hydraulic steering, and etc).

Peter

Re: Rest in Peace - A Sad, Sad Night
 

Peter,

What was the culprit? Cracked scupper tube? Dead bilge pump, water over the transom? Too much weight on the transom?
:(