Boat Manufacturer History

[oldboatiefogie]

I'm in need of some crucial information. If I can't find it here, then there's no hope.
A boat manufacturer by the name of Sebring is listed to two oob ( out of busines ) companies.
One operated out of Cullman. AL., the other. Canoga Park, CA. I have been informed that the original
owner designed and built top-notched boats. He later sold out to a group who continued to build his boat designs
but compromised deeply on the quality of its materials which brings me back to the need for info. I can determine
where my boat is made, but. I don't know if it is an original. The boat I'm referring to is a 1978 Sebring bass boat. I'll attach pics if I'm able to do it from my Android phone.
I only have access to computer, outside my phone, is at public library. Any info at all would help to determine my decision in whether to
restore or not. Boats outet hulls paint job is in perfect condition. Even pinstripes are unhurt. Also any info on transferring pics from phone
to forum would be highly appreciated. Thanks iboats.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Boat Manufacturer History

Welcome to iBoats . . .

Based on your post, I assume that you have referenced the USCG MIC database? If not, then you could do that via computer at the library.

Let us know what the Hull ID Number (HIN) is on the boat. It should have one, being a 1978 boat. Look on the starboard side of the transom. That will indicate the manufacturer's prefix code and the model year. By doing those 2 things it should somewhat easy to isolate the information that you are looking for.

If you plan on doing a full structural restoration, then it may not matter if the boat was poorly built originally, as you can make it a quality boat on a restoration. If you plan on a cosmetic restoration, then that would be a different story.

I hope this helps.

 

[oldboatiefogie]

Re: Boat Manufacturer History

Thanks Ted. I know the HIN will tell me whether its an AL. or a CA. My ultimate question is which one of these two locations is where the original business started. Also I'm assuming pics can't be downloaded from my Android phone. I'm asked to select files. but it doesn't go to my Gallery. Ill be purchasing a pc soon.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Boat Manufacturer History

What is the Hull Identification Number (HIN)? That will tell you which place made the boat.

SJC = SEBRING BOATS, RT 14 BOX 237, CULLMAN, AL OOB 11/07/79

SGW = SEBRING BOATS, 7821 ALABAMA CIRCLE, CANOGA PARK, CA 91304, MSO LOS, TYPE 18, OOB 04/13/78

The first three letters in the HIN are specific to the USCG MIC database and the last two digits will be the year of manufacture.

 

[oldboatiefogie]

Re: Boat Manufacturer History

Ok, the HIN for my Sebring is SJCM0032M78. It would make sense that it was manufac. in AL. since the trailer was also manufac. by Cobra Custom Trailers, Huntsville AL. now back to my original question, who's on first, what's on second, ( just kidding ). I've been studying this forum and my confidence level of restoring this boat has increased 50%, but I would love to find that this is an original Sebring boat. Any info concerning the business in Cullman AL. would be a great find. I plan on contacting Cobra Custom this week if their still around. When project starts, I'll start new thread at Restoration column.

 

[cherokeedog]

To: Oldboatfogie regarding Sebring Boats. There was a Sebring Boats company that was founded in Huntsville, AL about 1976. It was founded by two former Army pilots, Don Chandler and Mike Sharkey. I knew them both and hung around the factory quite abit. Their first boats were made from a mold popped from (I believe I remember correctly) Allison hull. They built a boat for me that was wonderful.

 

[GA_Boater]

It's hard to tell a member about a boat mfg. when they haven't visited in over 2 years. Please look at the rules about posting in old, inactive threads. Thanks.

Closed and now back into the archives.