fixing up old seacraft 18' center console

boatgitl · #1 02-05-2013, 08:41 AM

My 1978 18' center console seacraft's transom is coming apart, the fuel tank is rusty, the deck is spongy in places, etc. etc. Very long list...

I was planning to do a complete restoration, the boat needs a new transom, new fuel tank, new deck, lights, gauges, etc, but in the meantime have found a 1988 stripped hull that is in very good shape and would save me a lot of time and $.

My question is: what are the main differences in the old vs. newer hull, and...will I be sorry if I start with the 1988 hull instead of carrying on with the 1978?

Would appreciate your thoughts, and thanks for your input...

Islandtrader · #2 02-05-2013, 08:56 AM

Restore the one that will cost the less...others will chime in, but the difference at this point is minor.

Beaver · #3 02-05-2013, 10:06 AM

I have a 1975 18 and I personally like the center console better on the the newer 18s. It would probably be cheaper and easier to swith everything over to the other hull.

PigSticker · #4 02-05-2013, 06:18 PM

You said the 88 is in good shape and would save a lot of time and money then that sounds like an easy decision...

Wildman · #5 02-05-2013, 07:52 PM

Time and money. DO you want to fish next season? If you start with the completely stripped one, you wont be fishing this coming summer. Money, how much do you have to spend on the project?

You will need more.

Also is this 18ft boat is going to be the one you keep for a LONG LONG time? Because if you ever go to sell, you'll be lucky to get the materials cost out of it. Personally I would take the one that is marginal and use it for one season, see if you like it then make a decision. I went through 3 boats before I decided to rebuild my 23.

Snookerd · #6 02-05-2013, 10:30 PM

Trust me, get the 88 and avoid the work! Those 18's are waaaay long lasting and would save you time and $ with little except the pedigree of Potter. I would do it especially after using that era boat 3 different ones and knowing how it was built.

gofastsandman · #7 02-06-2013, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snookerd

Trust me, get the 88 and avoid the work! Those 18's are waaaay long lasting and would save you time and $ with little except the pedigree of Potter. I would do it especially after using that era boat 3 different ones and knowing how it was built.

Schnookems knows of what he speaks. I have an 89 20 and she is tight and solid. I cut out the in deck livewell. Lam is sweet. No cache, but no itch or balloon swelling either. Even Strick isn`t that fast...

mrobertson · #8 02-06-2013, 09:21 AM

No complaints from me about my 89 20SF. Great little boat. I put a new deck in it and made her look purdy. Deck was wet, but not rotten.

If you can save time and $$$$$, i'd certainly go that direction. It's hard to take on a project and have it run into the season. Then you are working on the boat instead of using it........easy to burn out quickly.

boatgitl · #9 02-08-2013, 07:27 PM

Thanks to all who responded. I decided to go with the 1988, based on your advice.
Any recommended alterations as we commence? There was duct tape over the drainholes in the back, does anyone have an idea why someone would do that?

PigSticker · #10 02-09-2013, 01:43 PM

Prob just a cheap way to keep water out