Should I keep 75 Sceptre

Capt Chuck · #1 02-24-2005, 09:09 AM

Welcome Joe

It's obvious you like and want to keep the SeaCraft! Why would ask those questions from a bunch of SeaCraft finactics on a SeaCraft site [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]
If you really don't want it, then go to www.Classic Bayliner.com and enjoy the next 25 years tubing on one of them.. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

BTW: Otto will buy it!!!

ocuyler · #2 02-24-2005, 04:32 PM

Keep it, fix it and use it. When you see the cost of the same boat new, and realize they don't make them like they use to, your choice will be easy.

However, if you are not going to use it, sell it to someone who will and buy something you will use, as has been said. There is, however, a high probability that you will someday regret selling her. If it has sat for 20 years, another few are not going to hurt... Keep it.

abl1111 · #3 02-24-2005, 05:40 PM

If you want a boat ( assuming you will use it ), and a 20' is the size you need - you will be hard-pressed to find a better riding boat. Keep in mind it will cost you some $$$ no matter what - hopefully less than more.

First, do a check on the transom to see if it is solid - then the floor. Using a large screwdiver - use the handle as a hammer and tap all around the transom from the outside ( with the same energy you would knock on someone's door with ). Listen carefully for different sounds. The sound should be a nice, uniform, crisp, solid, PING! If in some areas, the sound is different, a dull, WUMP!, then there could be some delamination there ( a not-so-great thing $$$ )

If the transom checks out OK, then have an honest, qualified mechanic ( ask other boater's for one ) look at the engine and drive. See what it'll need - I'm sure hoses and the like. Hopefully, she was put away right. If not, you might need elbows, risers etc ???

Get the thing started with a small, plastic fuel tank. If it runs and and runs cool and all 'is good', then remove the removable floor where the gas tank is, dump the old fuel via siphon, and pull the tank for a visual inspection. If pitted badly - replace it.

Bottom line: Cost will really depend on how the boat was cared for before, and if it was put away right for the 'long sleep'. If these things were not done right and problems are found, you have to be a sadist ( like many on this site, incl. me ) w/ a lot of time, and $, or just a lot of $ - it might not be worth the effort to bring it back.

Resurrecting any boat is not for the casual boater. It is for people who eat, breath, sh_t boats - and the water. Even then, it takes a certain kind of person to do it.

Either way, I hope it all goes well for you.

Alan

ocuyler · #4 02-24-2005, 10:08 PM

Good advice Alan.