1976 spectre 23 build
 

I recently purchased a 23' sceptre SeaCraft. I was looking for a 20 but I guess the bigger the better right? The boat is in what appears be good condition for a center console conversion. The plan is to do a complete refit from the stringers up. Ill be posting plenty of pictures and updates all along the way. I'm not an expert when it comes to boat building, but I think that I can do a good job of turning this beautiful hull into a fishing machine. I'm open to any building imput that anyone is willing to share. Thank you!

Welcome to CSC
 

I am new here as well and IMHO you have joined the right forum for the build.
As far as Sea Craft knowledge you are in boat nirvana and best of luck!

Ed

Oh and by the way the 90* turn to the port in my pic is because ti's gonna be an up hill climb for me. Re "The Re-Build"

Welcome aboard! There have been quite a few scepter conversions that turned out beautiful CCs. It's a lot of work and redesign but if that is what you are after there couldn't be a better platform to start from. That said the Sceptre/Tsunami layout is a very underrated platform that offers many advantages CCs do not. Unless your heart is absolutely set on a CC I would check out a few well set up Sceptre models before you go to all the work of a full conversion. I've owned CCs and like them for certain activities but now that I'm in a Tsunami I would never consider going back.

Pictures before the teardown
 

Here are a few pictures of the boat before I started removing hardware, hatches, and the windshield. Most of the original teak molding is still in pretty good condition. If anyone is interested any of the parts I'm removing from this boat I'd be more than happy to give them away for free to a good home. I really have my heart set on turning this boat into a CC. I think that the spectre is a really cool boat, but it just doesn't suit my fishing needs. I bought the spectre model because of the unbelievable deal I got the boat and trailer for.

Nice Hull! Where are you located?

Where is your boat located? I am searching for the original type ladder system in the cabin for my 23'Septre. Did your boat come with it?

location and front step
 

I'm located in central Florida, Williston to be exact. I grew up in the keys, and as a youngin my pops had a 23 that I spent practically ever weekend on. I do have the step that goes in front of the storage compartment, its in pretty good shape. I will post a picture of it when I get back from my shop. If its the right part I can set it aside for you.

You have just made my day!!!! I am in St. Pete. I could come that way this weekend If you would be willing to part with it???

Eric B

I'd like a shot at the windshield if you are following through with the CC conversion. I live right down the road from you in Dunnellon.

Where in the Keys are you from? I spent every weekend of my teenage life in Big Pine and Tavernier.

Cabin step
 

This is the step that I pulled out of the cabin. Look like the right one?

Windsheild
 

I'm going to go through with fully converting this boat into a Center Console, so if you would like the windshield I will do my best to keep it in its current condition. I should be pulling it tonight... Dunnellon is just a ride down the street. When I get it pulled off and your ready for it just PM me and we can arrange for you to come look at it. I grew up on the lower keys. Big Coppitt and key west. its an awesome place to visit, sure do miss it

Ah man thanks for the pic. I was looking for the ladder that attaches to the front of the hatch and let's you step up onto the bow thanks anyway!!!!!

Ladder
 

Yeah, haha ive never even seen one. if I had it I would have been glad to hand her over. You are welcome!

This is one

Oh that's pretty cool! My boat did not have A ladder like that with it.

Ready to start chopping
 

With the windshield and the fuel tank removed I'm ready to build a cradle to place the boat in for structural repair. My plan is to make sure that the hull is supported well enough to do some stringer repair. My first thought was to pour a slab and use jack stands, but I am going to go with a cradle just incase I need to move the boat. KMoose if you would like the windshield shes all yours!

Thanks! I'll get it out of your yard this week. Your're making good progress and happy to have another SeaCrafter nearby..... Get's kind of lonely at the top around here. :D

That sounds good, and yes it is haha. Its nice to know that I'm not the only SeaCraft owner in the area!

sceptre**** not spectre
 

whoops! had my letters swapped around on the spelling of the boat model name... and windshield haha.

Windshield
 

Big thanks to kmoose for coming over on Friday and taking it off of my hands!

Kmoose didn't notice, as we refer to his as a AC 130 Specter "Gunship" frequently!

Cabin hatch
 

I have been looking for a cabin hatch if you still have it I would be willing to take it off you're hands.let me know how much $$
Thanks
Fred