I'm In.....1976 23' Seacraft Sceptre Rebuild
 

Well, we were able to come to an agreement so I am the proud owner of a Seacraft. The hull appears to be in very good shape and I think I have a plan to do everything I want to do. I think the plans looks like this

1. Sell the motor before removing it from the boat.
2. Strip all of the wood, hardware and wiring from the boat
3. Deliver to fiberglass shop to fill in all the holes I will create when I remove all of the stuff from it. They will also take the helm back to its original condition.
4. Upon delivery back from fiberglass shop re-wire and install all the stuff like lights, electronics, rod holders, etc, etc.
5. Install new engine(s)

There are a couple of big decisions that I will need to make and that is whether I want to enclose the transom/install a bracket and what type of top to go with. I really like Oilfielder's radar arch and canvas top that secures to the top of the windshield.

Here are a few pictures. I will be posting progress pictures as I refurbish her. I will also be asking yall some questions along the way.
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps67ea9048.jpg

I have tried and tried to post multiple pictures but it is not letting me. What am I doing wrong? Even if I try to post another new post, when I upload a different picture it keeps showing the picture above. It appears the security of the site will only allow me to post one picture. Is it because I am a newbie? Anyway, I have a lot more pics that I will post when I figure it out or am given access to do so.

Congrats and welcome to the asylum!!!

On #5 above, a single is the way to go, 250 - 300 hp and you will never look back!! Good luck!!! :)

I have an '85 Scepter.

Regarding your plan for a Bimini canvas attaching to the windshield, let me recommend you seriously consider using a 10" to 14" see through vinyl above the windsheild to the bimini. (unless you stand 5'4" or less).

Welcome aboard!

One way to get around the photo issues is to just open up a photobucket account (It's free, although the new version is much more user hostile than the old one! Hopefully they'll fix the bugs in it some day!). You can upload all photos to a folder on photobucket and then just post a link (copy/paste) to it and then anyone can click on the link and see the whole folder.

NM

sexsy hull

seems I can upload multiples

Or you can copy the image (IMG) code from your photobucket pic and paste it in your post like this:

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r...s069ebdf6.jpeg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r...s0cfec9f1.jpeg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps9adaa4cb.jpg

Nice looking hull,Ditto as Big Lew mentioned on the clear isinglass above the windshield.I went that way on my 23 Tsunami and like it,especially if I'm standing while steering in nasty conditions.
It allows an unobstructed field of vision.
Check out Atlantic Towers,for a custom made arch.I had one made for the Tsunami(aka sceptre)by them,and it's nice quality for a fairly reasonable cost.They have the patterns for the 23 Seacrafts and can make one to fit.
They also make a fit all universal arch in a box,but I didn't care for it.The custom is the way to go, 1.90 od tubing with mounts for radar,antennas,and other stuff.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/...tario034-1.jpg

Very nice...enjoy it before ripping into it....at least for a while
If I was closer..I would take that 1993 Ocean Pro/Runner off your hands!
Fred

Welcome aboard! I have a Bimini that snaps to the windshield. Here's a picture:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...3A7CD929D4.jpg

I agree that while you're running it is not a good Bimini. I like the idea of having it though Because you don't have to pay for the isinglass and you still can stay out of the weather! It's the cheaper way to do it.

not the way to go

My Sceptre came with the one in the picture. I agree if you need a new one, go for the one that is more functional with curtains. For information sake, the "Navy top" is an option for a 1976 Sceptre, and you can have zippers put in it to stand at the helm, but I wouldn't recommend that route.

More Pics
 

Can anybody tell me if these old Seacrafts have foam flotation in them and whether the stringers are made from wood or some other material?

Also, what is a good cleaner to really give the cockpit floor a workover? I once used Soft Scrub and a bit of bleach to scrub the deck of a boat and it did great but what cleaning product/chemical is considered the best for this?

OK, I'll try again to post some pictures. Below is a pic of the hull. I am really impressed with the condition of the hull. For a 35 year old boat, it looks great. I like the look of boats without a bow rail but they are just so practical for anybody on the front of the boat I will probably keep this one.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r...s069ebdf6.jpeg

I really like the old school companion seat. When I was growing up we had a 17' Invader that had one of these. I think I will replace the captain's chair at the helm but have this companion seat recovered with the same pattern I will just change it to white. I will do the same with the combing pads along the gunwale.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r...s0a6a66f3.jpeg

More pics.......

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r...s18dd27f5.jpeg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r...s39686aa4.jpeg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r...pscd2e303d.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r...s46f51634.jpeg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r...s9d598686.jpeg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r...s93dfd9da.jpeg

All SeaCrafts have glass stringers and foam flotation except for the very first one, the Moesly 21, and it has so much glass over the stringers that Moesly said it wouldn't matter if the wood all rotted out because the glass provides so much strength! Not sure exactly when they started using foam flotation; must have been sometime in the late 60's. Two friends of mine had Moesly 21's, a '65 and a '67, and neither of them had any foam in them. (And a tremendous amount of below deck storage as a result!) A 1970 ad for the Seafari 20 on Carla's Moesly SeaCraft site, http://www.moeslyseacraft.com/upload...boating-ad.jpg mentions the use of spray-in foam and is the first mention I've seen of foam being used in SeaCrafts.

The Specification section on the second page of the attached 1973 Boating Magazine Test of the Sceptre/Tsunami contains lots of details on the laminate schedule and hull thickness!

I'm In.....New (to me) 1976 23' Seacraft Sceptre
 

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NM