'65 Sea Craft 19' Bowrider Restoration

UberTech · #1 07-21-2006, 01:05 AM

Greetings All!

I have a 1965 Sea Craft 19' bowrider I would like to restore. All in all it's not in bad shape, but there are a few things that need immediate attention. I've been around boats all my life but I'm fairly new to actually owning one, so my knowledge of all the minute details is limited.

First, I need a complete windshield (left, right, and center sections). I'm told my best bet might be to visit a fiberglass shop, but that sounds $$$$ to me. Any chance of getting an "original" or OEM one?

Next, the wiring system appears to be mostly original and being over 40 years old, is pretty much shot. I'd like to redo it entirely but have never attempted something like this and don't know where to start.

Any\all help will be GREATLY appreciated!!

yachtjim · #2 07-21-2006, 08:44 AM

Hi Joel, hopefully somebody around here can help you out with the windshield, I think you will just have to go on a crusade to find one. As far as wiring goes, my boat is freshly wired and on Kent Island, you are welcome to stop by to see the components I used. Wiring is pretty easy and fun when you have the right tools.

PipeDreamsMarine · #3 07-21-2006, 09:48 AM

Joel, the windshield is going to be hard. You may have to put it on your list of parts to find. It's not a real stock item and there are not many Bow riders left. Mine broke and I couldn't find a replacement for it. I fab'ed as new one (a bit different from the OEM one but it suited my useage better.

Wiring is easy on that boat I ran a new feed from the battery to a teminal block and went from there.

Good luck with the project and how about a few pics...

rockdoc · #4 07-21-2006, 09:53 AM

Hey Joel,

I was just about to post with the same question; my '65 bowrider has a structurally good windshield, but it's pretty clouded and greenish instead of nice and clear. It looks like a pretty simple single bend in the plexiglass at the outside corner, so I imagine it would be an easy job for a plastic shop. Looks like the hardest part would be disassembling and then reassembling with the new pieces in the frames, assuming the frame's there and re-usable.

rockdoc

jongolds · #5 07-21-2006, 10:44 AM

You guys might wnat to try this link. I think it's a long shot but some one posted it here before as the OEM supplier for SeaCraft windshields back then. I think you're talking about a couple grand to get one new though.

http://www.americanmarine.com/

chessie724 · #6 07-21-2006, 11:31 PM

Can't help with the windshield, but wanted to say hey from a fellow bowrider on the Chesapeake. Hopefully you'll be out there, soon. I'm usually out of Rock Hall or Matapeake from June-Sept, so once you get splashed, chances are better than slim we might cross paths. This is me

Just bought her in May and took her out for the first time last Sunday. Catch you around and good luck with the restore.

UberTech · #7 07-22-2006, 12:24 AM

Wow - you guys are awsome! I never expected so many replies and so soon! I really appreciate all the info.

When I said my boat wasn't in that bad a shape, that was before I saw some of yours. Those are some reallly nice crafts! I fear I'm way out of my league here.

yachtjim: I'd like to take you up on your offer - thanks! I'll PM ya.

65Bowrider · #8 07-22-2006, 10:35 AM

Hey Joel,

Just wanted to say 'welcome to the site', from another bowrider!
I just purchased mine about a month ago...and planning on restoring it also...taking one step at a time.

Would love to see some pictures!!!!