Someone get off their wallet
 

https://treasure.craigslist.org/bfs/...413295654.html

I wish I was younger, I'd do it......in a minute. I sure hope Don is able to sell it!!!!!!!

seems cheap. I wonder what revenues are for the biz?

Word has it that if it does not sell pretty quick....
Chainsaws will end the molds...:(

Not GOOD...

This sucks! I’ve been wondering how this would end. Acquiring the mold for the transom well of the Seafari’s, I had left a few messages with Don, simply asking for a fair price to charge for one. Uncleboo was first to ask for one at a reasonable price. After no response, I inquired with two close friends more than qualified to pop it out, each had spare white gel coat in stock and Boo did not care what shade. One had the materials to pop one. Each said it would be close to $500 in materials and labor. Boo was more interested in the $400 range, and unfortunately, we were never able to come to terms. I was only trying to keep up with the original Hermco standards. I mean I know I wasn’t going to get rich saving something from Dons dumpster. I wish I had known about this opportunity earlier, but honestly did not want to ask.

I’m a retired firefighter with some boat building and glass work over the last 15 years, but never the lead. Seems like a serious opportunity for someone...

Vezo, Part II

I have called Don, but he is radio silent.
3rdday would be a candidate for this.

I would think Conch or Metan Marine might be candidates for these molds.

Damn, time flies. There's a startup out west called Thresher Boats, based in San Clemente. Looks like they've popped the 20 mold and are making variations overseas and finishing and rigging w Merc 115 CT in San Clemente for 27K. Might be a good target for Don if No Bones ain't gonna buy it for his namesake... Although I'm not certain - they might be pirates 'cause I don't hear any reference to SeaCraft or VDH in their sales pitch. The owner chimes in on BloodyDecks from time to time to speak about or defend his product from potshots. Personally, I'm glad someone is keeping the hull alive although their new gunnel cuts are a bit ugly imo.

Did he just get sick of the business? Such a strong reputation. $100k or a chainsaw? Exactly how I acquired the small mold. And btw, it could not have possibly been in better condition! I’ve seen quite a few Jersey Speed Skiff molds that looked Horrible, but put out a great product. Shit, I’d just like to see a pic of the molds...

Never would have considered searching Craigs List for a serious business opportunity.

NoBones and all, I PMed Don a few weeks ago about this and when he told me his lease was up 12/31 and if did not have a buyer he was going to cut the molds up and call it quits!! I almost pooped my pants thinking no one was going to come forward and the molds would be in the dumpster.

No matter what, he said he had a great run for 19 years and he did it his way!! That ya gotta respect.

Anyway I sure hope his chain saw does not start!

Maybe a looksie by "shine" @ Gulfstream Composites .
He would be good candidate. Only 40mi away!

That is the big question when selling a business and a plethora of other details. Are there any active patents?

Most shops that would be interested in building these already have a shop and business but the molds and materials remaining have tangible value to a working glass shop. I hate to see the end of such a legacy product but the target market is shrinking and we all want to retire someday. Glad I got my double when I did as it has certainly added equity to my old sled.

I agree that you have added equity to your ride Ken, especially when they are no longer available. I have very little knowledge of brackets and brackets that provide flotation, above the basics. A big question for me would be, how many transoms would this mold fit? I certainly would not want to invest that kind of money for something that would only fit perspective buyers who eventually stumble upon this site, or worse, future plugs from the classics.

Gives me a greater appreciation for the $3500 investment, as well as the mold I was able to secure with the help of member Rick (RCKnight?) and his brother Steve.

I really hope someone steps up to the plate here. I have enough experience to know that the chainsaw scenario sickens me. 19 good years to a dumpster? I have very little personal use for the mold I received but am more than happy to have it stored. There HAS to be other options.!. Anyone? Buehler?

Here's the problem as I see it. Just go on ebay and search outboard brackets. For the average customer money talks. Even a cheap bastard like me would spend the extra for the Hermco, but how many others would?

Still think there are plenty of boat owners that will be interested in this type of bracket.

I have a possible investor near Don. I will try to get ahold of Don this week.

I may have had a drink or two but I’m serious about these molds. I’m willing to pony up if a serious partner comes forward. I feel that they have to be saved. How big can they be? I do not have the storage for all of the additional materials right now.

I have the means and trailers to make it happen this weekend! Anyone else in? I need some measurements for the molds. I just cannot see this mans accomplishments of 19 years go to chainsaws and dumpsters. It’s driving me NUTS!!! I’m ready to get on the road ASAP. Anyone?

Going back to CL ad for any additional info. Come on boys! No?

That is just one of the problems. You also have to consider the evolution of Euro transoms that have negated the use of brackets in more modern boats reducing the demand.

Don's brackets are special. They are hand crafted from the same material boats are made of and have a much different feel than other mass produced metal brackets. Once bolted on they become part of the boat as a whole. They are not cold and sharp but smooth and balanced against the rest of the hull. If they go away it will be loss to the restore and refit market that seems to be gaining popularity but is that demand enough to keep this legacy alive? I hope so but it will take the right person/s to make it happen.

Just looked through his website gallery, darn nice work. Shame it has come down to this for him.

I believe he also has a bracket mold for the Hiliner 222's? This will make a great side business for someone!

I'm an easy 3hr drive away from Jensen Beach and Hermco and willing to help move stuff to a storage unit or place to keep as needed until the braintrust here can come up with a solution to keep this work alive in whatever form. I have a pickup and can probably get a trailer if needed plus I have sometime this week. Let me know what I can do to help.

Anyone know if Don’s chainsaw was running this weekend? Not sure I really want to know.

As of yesterday morning there was NO sign of evidence around the dumpster.

FYI, this is what fiberglass looks like when torched...:eek:

Attachment 16401

No doubt Ken. Two things I remember when I saw a boat on fire out at Egmont Key. How black the smoke was and how bad it smelled!! Nice example of the black smoke :)

This is not funny. I was born of an Assistant volunteer Fire Chief. Was respondingat age five. Volunteer time from 18 to 26. Paid until 47, then deemed nuts. What happened to the molds?

No offense. Just hits kind of close to home.

Mike, no offense was intended with my weekend pic of burning remnants
of the 27 SeaMaster currently under construction at Area 442 !

Recon was done yesterday and the whereabouts and status of Don's
molds are unknown...:(

Maybe a bad choice on my part with what Hermco intends to do with the
bracket molds... Hopefully he does not follow through and some kind
of a resolve will follow suit !!

I appreciate your feelings as a first responder and respect that...
My dad was a firefighter on an air craft carrier in WWII..
He is still involved in the fire dept in Bradford County, FL. at age 91.
My nephew is a young Paramedic / Fireman also....

Good thing you did not witness how we started the inferno...:eek:
Can you say out of date flares..:eek::eek:

Breaking news !!
 

Hermco lives .....:D
Don has someone interested in the business, but for right now
he is building brackets !!

He just added a bracket for a 27 to his to-do list.. ;)

Hopefully he will chime in and put all at ease for now...:)

Excellent news!!! Happy and Healthy New Year!!!

Michael.

No offense taken No Bones. Just saw an awesome opportunity for someone.

Got a nice text from Don.
Fingers crossed.

That's good news!

That is great news. Does anyone know if he's staying in the same shop?