SeaSpriter
Recruit
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2015
- Messages
- 1
Hello all!
New to the forum and new to boating (sort of).
My buddy and I have recently been given the opportunity to take on quite a project, and I would like to know if this community things its doable - or more importantly worth our time. Him and I have experience with rebuilding and restoring cars, but have never tackled a boat before. His Dad has experience in boats and has given us direction on how to determine if we want to fix this thing up for next year, but he said make a post anyways.
So for starters, we might be getting a 16 ft 1981 Sea Sprite for Free...trailer included. We are prepared to make FREE cost $500 bucks or more if needed.
Info on the boat: I don't have much. Hasn't been in the water since 2008, but hull is in good shape. Engine turned over last year, but havent tried it this year. Supposedly the outdrive will not engage - but we havent tested that either.
Will need a total interior remodel.
So today we hooked up a battery. Gauges came to life, can hear the starter turning, forgot to check aux functions as engine condition was our first mission.
Luckily with mechanical steering the prop turns with ease, and the throttle does too. Only thing that did not seem to work was the trim. Neither the button on the throttle or the one on the dash would raise/lower the prop. We could hear the mechanism working but not moving it. Engine was not on for this.
Inline 4 carb motor - motor work is no problem for us, but we have no experience with the outdrive system. It may need to be replaced for all we know. We know that main seal is shot and will need replacement.
So...here is a link to pics that were taken last year. Let me know what you think. IM warning you the boat is not pretty. But I kinda want to make it pretty.
http://www.boatangel.org/photos/NL48316-1981-SeaSprite-16ft-wTrailer-photos-ShelbyTownship-MI/
Please be honest. Any and all feedback is welcome!
New to the forum and new to boating (sort of).
My buddy and I have recently been given the opportunity to take on quite a project, and I would like to know if this community things its doable - or more importantly worth our time. Him and I have experience with rebuilding and restoring cars, but have never tackled a boat before. His Dad has experience in boats and has given us direction on how to determine if we want to fix this thing up for next year, but he said make a post anyways.
So for starters, we might be getting a 16 ft 1981 Sea Sprite for Free...trailer included. We are prepared to make FREE cost $500 bucks or more if needed.
Info on the boat: I don't have much. Hasn't been in the water since 2008, but hull is in good shape. Engine turned over last year, but havent tried it this year. Supposedly the outdrive will not engage - but we havent tested that either.
Will need a total interior remodel.
So today we hooked up a battery. Gauges came to life, can hear the starter turning, forgot to check aux functions as engine condition was our first mission.
Luckily with mechanical steering the prop turns with ease, and the throttle does too. Only thing that did not seem to work was the trim. Neither the button on the throttle or the one on the dash would raise/lower the prop. We could hear the mechanism working but not moving it. Engine was not on for this.
Inline 4 carb motor - motor work is no problem for us, but we have no experience with the outdrive system. It may need to be replaced for all we know. We know that main seal is shot and will need replacement.
So...here is a link to pics that were taken last year. Let me know what you think. IM warning you the boat is not pretty. But I kinda want to make it pretty.
http://www.boatangel.org/photos/NL48316-1981-SeaSprite-16ft-wTrailer-photos-ShelbyTownship-MI/
Please be honest. Any and all feedback is welcome!
