1969 MFG Gypsy Restoration Project

[ChrisKurt27]

Hello... this is my first time ever writing on a forum but I am new to the boating world. I was recently given a 1969 MFG Gypsy for free and I figured, heck, why not try to restore it...

I am searching for some advice on websites you would recommend for buying parts that are compatible with this type of boat. For example, in the truck world, you have websites like LMCTRUCK.COM and I am looking for something similar.

Thank you so much in advance for any help given : )

 

[jbcurt00]

Nope, nothing similar to LMC exists. Neither do wire diagrams specific to your boat.







Get title & reg for boat & trailer? Outboard too if so equipped

 

[briangcc]

First, welcome.

The parts on the boat - cleats, windshield, seats, controls, etc - were not made by MFG but rather bought off the shelf and simply assembled into what you see before you.

Iboats has an online store (don't forget your forum discount when checking out) and there are other retailers as well. Find something you like and upgrade...with a caveat...keep reading...

Biggest thing with your boat is making sure you have a solid foundation to work on. Chances are very, very good that you're in for a full restoration - floor, stringers, transom to name a few. Most folks use US Composites to order their glass & supplies. Free boats are often THE most expensive to get onto the water.

IF you don't have the paperwork in place that's where you would want to start BEFORE sinking any beer tokens into a resto. If you can't get the required paperwork to transfer the boat and trailer into your name - that's a call you have to make as to whether you cut bait or go through whatever hoops your state/province requires to do so.

 

[Scott Danforth]

first, welcome aboard

all the motor information and the motor to gauge/controls wiring is in the engine technical service manuals

most boat companies do not document any wiring or other systems

there is no money to be made by documenting the boat that will be replaced within 10-15 years

fiberglass boats are designed to last only 15 years

only about 12 manufacturers out of over 150,000 over the past 100 years has published a boat wide manual. so assume manuals do not exist because 99.99992% of the manufacturers do not have a manual

most boat companies make their own hull
some boat companies make their own upholstry

all boat companies buy add-on parts from parts suppliers

many of the parts suppliers from 1968/69 may have been sold or changed names. some of the parts may have been superceeded.

iBoats is as close as you can get to LMC truck

 

[kcassells]

Official Business of the 3V Club ( aka tri hull club )

Okay guys and gals, now that we have our stickers and enough active members to get a thread moving along...here's our not-totally-official-until-stickied-club members thread. If you are not a member of the club but want to be, resurrect this thread here and get your induction into the club...

forums.iboats.com

 

[kcassells]

MFG 15 was one of my favorite boats. Ton of fun. You will probably want to take the top off and get to the old wood for replacement.

 

[sphelps]

Welcome ! Good luck on the MFG restoration! This may be helpful to give you an idea on how to proceed.. TC did a great job on his Gypsy . https://forums.iboats.com/threads/1978-mfg-gypsy-rebuild.539814/