1968 Hydroswift

[Zashyyyy]

Was gifted an old hydroswift with mercruiser engine my my grandfather last year and haven't had a chance to do some digging on it.
I'm having a hard time finding any kind of owners manual online as I'd like to be able to restore and use it. It had been parked for years when he gave it to me.
The HIN is: 2170156826

Would like any and all information I could get on it.

Also it had water sitting in it for the past 6 months and I got it drained out but there is a soft spot in the center of the floor, it's the only one as far as I know the rest is solid. Was wondering if I should be concerned about the stringers as I imagine water got through cause there's a small hole in the center if the soft spot. I don't believe it was there when I got the boat but it's been 6 months.

 

[tpenfield]

Welcome to iBoats. . .

Owner's manuals for boats don't really exist (until recently) and particularly for an older boat. Most of them are mere pamphlets and just have info on navigation and avoiding playing 'bumper boats' with others. The HIN (ie serial number) is Pre-1972 so it is only relevant to Hydroswift.

Maybe check on the fiberglassics.com website.

The boat looks like it will keep you busy.

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard

as indicated, there are no owners manuals

yes, the floor will rot after the stringers and transom. so you have a full blown restoration ahead of you.

 

[Zashyyyy]

Thanks for that. Now to do a ton more research on restoring it. I know a decent amount about replacing stringers now but I know nothing if the transom.
If there are any restoring links or videos anyone could provide to get me started I'd greatly appreciate it.
Is there anyway to find out what kind if stringers are in it without cutting open the deck and looking or should I just jump right in?

 

[roffey]

Jump in... when cleaned up I bet it will be a great boat, unique for sure. There is a lot of info on boat restoration on youtube. Restoring the transom will be a big job if needed. The motor and out drive may be a challenge tho. Parts are made from unobtanium.

 

[nola mike]

Thanks for that. Now to do a ton more research on restoring it. I know a decent amount about replacing stringers now but I know nothing if the transom.
If there are any restoring links or videos anyone could provide to get me started I'd greatly appreciate it.
Is there anyway to find out what kind if stringers are in it without cutting open the deck and looking or should I just jump right in?

Check out the restoration subforum here. All the info you need. You had some type of wood, which is now likely mush. Doesn't really matter what kind.

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