1985 18' Sylvan makeover

[Rich Hargis]

After finishing my 25'Wellcraft makeover (http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=262606&highlight=Sportsman) I decided I needed something smaller to fish the bay and lakes around here. I picked up this Sylvan on Saturday to keep me busy over the winter out here (San Diego) The boat came with no motor which is good because I want to repower with a 90hp 4 stroke. We have 2 stroke bans on some of the lakes around here. I will also be mounting a Saltwater bow mounted trolling motor. I am going to replace the transom just because of the age of the boat and for a piece of mind. Here are a few pix.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

Nice-looking rig you've got there

If you want to see some similar resto projects check out the starcraft projects here on iboats. Sylvan and Starcraft aluminum hulls are nearly identical as are Smokercraft and Bluefin and a few others. My 16' SS is the same only smaller.

Congrats

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

I had a 16' SmokerCraft that looked just like the Sylvan.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

Nice boat! Good luck with it. I'm currently rehabbing the same boat. I'd love some more interior shots if you got 'em. That some seriously overkill trailer!

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

I will take some interior shots for you. I think the trailer weighs more than the boat does.I will also be looking for a smaller trailer in the future.

Rich

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

Nice boat! Good luck with it. I'm currently rehabbing the same boat. I'd love some more interior shots if you got 'em. That some seriously overkill trailer!

Here you go

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

A couple more

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

Thanks! Those were just what I was looking for. I really like your consoles better than mine.

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

Picked up another trailer for her that fits much nicer.The tandem one was over kill. This one is Galvanized,had to by new wheels and tires because they were not included in the deal(Super cheap).The wheels are also galvanized but are so shiney they look like chrome.Time will change that.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

Looks like good fit. It sits nice and low on there so launching and retrieving should be a breeze.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

Nice trailer swap, looks like a good fit.

Now you just need to buy a huge Starcraft cuddy to sit on the double axle trailer

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

Used 4 strokes are hard to find in the 70-115 range around here. I did find a great deal on a 4 stroke 50hp though. I do not need to be a speed demon or tow skiers,do you think 50hp is enough for this boat?

Thanks Rich

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

NO! I wouldn't go less than 90. Maybe you could get away with a 70-75. (I wouldn't though).

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

Thanks,that's what I thought.

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

Well I picked an Evinrude/Suzuki 70hp 4 stroke Super Cheap,so it was time to replace the transom. I planned on pulling out the old one and use it as a template, oops that plan failed.Transom was like mulch! I will use the inner aluminum skin for a pattern now.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

I think I removed most of the transom from my last boat with a shop vac

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

Well I have replaced the transom along with the inside skin of the motorwell, mounted the Evinrude/Suzuki 70hp 4 stroke with a new steering cable. I know 70hp maybe a little small,but most of the resivours around here have a speed limit anyways.

 

[Rich Hargis]

Re: 1985 18' Sylvan makeover

Discovered that the front deck had some rot in it. Made a new deck which was glassed on both sides, I ended up painting it with 20 grit sand added in. Tore the carpet off the main deck and decided to glass and paint it too.