Bought a 1975 23' Tsunami - That was the E-Z part !

[abl1111]

I picked up a 1975 23' Tsunami and will be doing a complete refit:

- converting a (2)i/o set up to a new single V-8
- redoing the transom
- closing the outdrive holes
- possibly a new fuel tank

Why ? Because I am nuts ! But I will have the boat that I have wanted for years... And by doing it myself, Iknow it will be right and at the right price... Amen.

Needless to say, I will be needing your advice from time to time on the do's and don'ts - as well as the how-to's.

This is a (2) year project. This year, get her completely ready for a single V8. Next year, install the V8...

- Alan

[Trayder]

Congrats.

I read your post of this AM, I see things have changed [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] . Please keep us updated and I would love some pictures of your project to put up on the site as it progresses.

Jason

[bobfish21]

whoops!
sent a reply to your email befor i checked the site!Isee you changed your mind.these boats will do that.my boat spent over 10 yrs in a driveway in brielle-the mechanic who looked it over told me to run away screaming.I bought it anyway,and after 23000$ in repairs,i have only minor regrets.your boat sounds like its going to be a challenge.if you need any advise im here in western suffolk,L.I. so drop me a line.good luck!

[FELLOW-SHIP]

I REDID MY 23’ CC DID THE DECK, CAP, TRANSOM, GAS TANK, PAINTED, AND EVERYTHING ELSE TOOK 150 DAYS + A FEW EXTRA BUDS AND 32 GRAND TO FINISH IT UP. TRULY A LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP NOW I KNOW WHY PEOPLE CALL THEIR BOATS AFTER THEIR WIFE’S NAME.
FELLOW-SHIP [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[Ed]

Congrats on the purchase and good luck.

Phew---- I think I broke out in a cold sweat after reading Fellowship's last post about the money he spent on his restoration.

-Ed-

[abl1111]

Thx guys. I am going into this w/ a pretty good attitude, and a little knowledge. I have re-done a 1965 19' daysailor sailboat top to bottom once - to new condition; grind, patch, sand, fair, awlgrip, refit to new ( unfortunately a squall on the Bay this past summer smashed her to smithereens )- so I know a bit about what lays ahead. And, honestly, I cannot believe that knowing what I do know, that I am still going for this project. Fading memory can be such a great assett - or liability !

Either way - I'm in it now ! I figure that I will first analyze what I've got. Then I will put a plan of attack together and start...

I know the motor will be the biggie in terms of $$$. As long as the deck is good, it should not be that bad. Grinding and glassing !!! I will be selling the V4's and drives right away ( one is good, one is shot. So, keep your ears open for an interested buyer. Where should I post these items for sale ?

Then, I will crawl in the big opening and take a look at the transom - I will then rip it out and replace it. You guys know - it's all do-able just time and $.. In the end, it will be worth it... I'm sure I'll bitch and moan - but I do that anyway !

Thx.

- Alan

[FELLOW-SHIP]

HA ED
I KNOW I PAINT A RATHER SHOCKING PICTURE SOME TIMES REGARDING MY EXPERIENCE BUT I REMEMBER TALKING TO OTHERS BEFORE I STARTED MY PROJECT AND THEY PAINTED A SIMILAR PICTURE THAT ACTUALLY HELPED ME HAVE THE RESOLVE TO COMPLETE WHAT I STARTED. THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWICE THE TIME AND ABOUT A EXTRA 50 TO 75% MORE THAN I THOUGHT TO DO THE JOB AND THEY WERE WRIGHT. I KNOW I COULD HAVE DONE IT CHEAPER BUT I WOULDN’T HAVE THE SAME THING I COULD HAVE GONE WITH A USED MOTOR, A USED TRAILER, USED T-TOP, USED LEANING POST, POLYESTER INSTEAD OF EPOXY, GEL COAT INSTEAD OF A TWO PART PAINT, MAYBE I COULD HAVE USED GLASS AND EPOXY TO COVER MY GAS TANK INSTEAD OF GOING WITH A NEW ONE, MAYBE GOT WITH CHEAPER ROD HOLDERS AND OUTRIGGERS AND CHEAPER ELECTRONICS, MAYBE SAVED THE OLD HYDRAULIC STEERING SYSTEM AND USED THE OLD STEERING WHEEL AND ON AND ON AND ON. THE BOTTOM LINE IS I REALLY DON’T THINK MONEY AND MY EFFORT SHOULD BE CALCULATED QUITE AS HIGH IN THE DECISION OF RE DOING A SEACRAFT. NOW THIS STATEMENT IS GOING TO SOUND REALLY PURIST BUT HERE IT GOES I SEE MY BOAT AS LIKE SOMEONE ELSE SEES A 1965 CORVETTE OR A 1957 CHEVY OR MAYBE A RE DO HARLEY OR MAYBE SPENDING BIG BUCKS ON A PAINTING OR A PIECE OF ART WORK FOR ME IT’S NOT (JUST) ABOUT THE MONEY I KNOW I PROBABLY WOULD NOT GET IT ALL BACK IF I EVER DECIDED TO SELL, I BUILD MY DREAM BOAT OTHERS MIGHT SAY THEY ARE JUST BUYING A OLD BOAT LET’S FACE IT RE DOING A SEACRAFT MOVES MORE INTO OUR EMOTIONAL AND DREAMS INSTEAD OF PRACTICAL OR LOGICAL SENSE. WELL THE PHILOSOPHY CLASS IS OVER BACK TO WORK.
FELLOW-SHIP

[ScottM]

Fellow-Ship,
I'd have to say that most of the members here agree with your philosophy on owning a SeaCraft. They are very much similar to an old Corvette, '57 Bel Air, 31 Bertram, etc. These are classic, well-built and much-desired boats, the ownership of which goes beyond just a boat for fishing.

[GetReel]

I think we all are a bit beyond practical here, but I can't figure how you spend 150 days "doing it yourself" and then also spend $32,000?...I'd rather be fishin...

[FELLOW-SHIP]

YOU GOT THAT RIGHT ED. I CAN’T IMAGINE BUYING A OLD SEACRAFT AND THEN WANTING SOMEONE ELSE TO DO MOST OF THE WORK. I GOT QUOTE ON JUST THE PAINT JOB FROM PROS FOR $6 TO $8 GRAND. FOR MY 2 CENSE YOU EITHER BUY NEW TO FIVE YEARS OLD OR YOU BUY OLD AND PLAN ON REDOING THE BOAT YOURSELF PLAN ON A LOT OF WORK WITH REALLY NO SWEAT EQUITY BEING BUILT INTO THE BOAT AFTER THE JOB IS DONE.
FELLOW-SHIP [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]