Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

[SSDaytona]

All,

This is my first post but I have been reading a lot on this forum, so thank you for the great resource!

I am looking at getting a late 1960's smith craft with twin Sea King 35hp engines. The boat has been parked in a garage here in Houston since approximately 1969. The owner's daughter believes it was purchased new in 1969 and used twice before getting parked. It is 19 or 20' with a front cubby. My questions are as follows:
1) I can't find much if anything on this brand, so does anyone have any info or references that I can turn to?
2) are these engines any good and are they worth rebuilding?
3) anything I should be cautious about regarding the year and make?

Please help and Many thanks,
George

 

[southkogs]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

Welcome on Daytona:

Old boats are primarily a labor of love. More than who built 'em - you have to look at how they were cared for and what kind of shape they're currently in. What kind of shape is the wood in the transom and stringers in, what kind of shape is the floor in, is anything soft, after sitting years in a garage is anything wet, etc., etc.

I think the Sea King motors were the old Montgomery Ward brand - I don't know much about 'em but someone will be along to give you some details on that.

Got any pictures of this mug? Stored in a garage with low hours like that, it could be a real gem.

 

[SSDaytona]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

Thank you and I will post some pics first thing tomorrow.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

If it is a 69 the motors are likely by Chrysler Chrysler became Force circa 1985.
Both brands are long gone though parts and help here are still around.
70 hp is underpowered and the motors are rated at the power head so prop hp is slightly less.
Twin engines are cool and nice if you go way out as you have a backup in the event of a failure.
Twins are twice the maintenance use more fuel than a single of the same total hp.
They have extra drag but more control when you learn how to use the twins. Prop selection will be limited.
All that being said If I liked the rig And it seemed sound I would get it.Just because its unusual.

 

[SSDaytona]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

A couple of pics. I took this during the first look. I am hoping to pull it out of my friends garage this weekend and give it a good once over.

Steelespike, agree on the engines completely. One of my main drivers for keeping the Sea Kings would be to try and keep the boat all orginal. Having said that, if I do keep it stock, I know I wouldn't be going anywhere fast and its goning to be real noisy!

 

[southkogs]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

First impressions: She's been run more than twice. Both trailer and boat don't look like they spent under a year outside and then lived inside for the next 40. Hull is weathered some (not just dusty or oxidized) and the trailer has been used.

You'll need to get her outside and give it a good look all over. It looks like a BIG boat for only 70HP hangin' on back. AND ... it looks like it might be a real "looker" all cleaned up. Good luck with it.

 

[SSDaytona]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

Based on the little bit of info and pics you guys have, any idea on what it would take to get back in the water? I am just trying to frame my costs before getting in. I have a local shop owner that is going to look over the hull and structure to give me an idea on what it will take, but any thoughts here would much appreciated.

Also, does anyone have any idea on where I can get additional info on this boat? I have scoured the internet and cannot find much on the brand.

Again, thank you for the quick responses. I am excited about the project becasue she is a pretty craft, but don't want to start something that I can't/won't finishi because of cost.

George.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

The pictures say pull me out and try me out, twins are always cool, and based on the one I'm restoring in my signature, they can be rare to some degree too. Mine has twin factory 35 johnson's and that IS the reason I bought it. Got most of the glass work done, and with some lucvk your floor and transom will be solid, then you can focus on other stuff that you want to do. I really want to know how fast twins will go vs one bigger engine, I guess it really doesnt matter because either way you will be everyones envy when you pull up to the boat launch. Cool factor is way up there, post the back end of that boat so we can see the power plant..

 

[SSDaytona]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

This boat eats up every inch of the garage so the engines are laying on the garage floor. See engine pic attached, it was the best image I could take. The owner even knotched out the garage door so about 2ft of the tongue could stick out.

There is something about the look of this craft that I really like. I think once she is all cleaned up and possible repainted it will be incredible. At a minimum I think I am going to need engines overhauled, top deck refinished, wiring and upholstery redone and new trailer. I am hoping that is the minimum, but never know until we get into it.

 

[Ned L]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

That Sea King cowling looks just like a Gale, so that would make it OMC (same as Evenrude & Johnson of that era). If that is correct then parts & service should be 'easy' (for outboards of that age). Looks like early 1960's ( 1964'ish) by the cowling. Looks like the whole setup could be quite nice & desireable.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

I concur - good score on the motors being OMC and not Chizzlers... Parts are much more readily available for those Sea Kings - pretty much all of the consumables can be gotten locally or on the web, items like carb kits, fuel pumps & kits, ignition components, lower unit seals, waterpumps, etc.

And, you'd be surprised how well that boat does with the twin 35s. They're real stump pullers and if they don't already have them, you can get 4-blade power props that would cruise that hull nicely...

 

[SSDaytona]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

quick pic of one of the engines.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

Agree that those engines are OMC branded as Sea King. Could be a real eye catcher on the water! Would be nice to be able to picture the whole rig out in the open. A better perspective as it were.

 

[SSDaytona]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

Swung by and looked it over. From what I can tell the transom seems to be in good shape and I think there may only be one motor vs. 2, but it looks like there may have only been on the boat originally. It measures out around 17-18' and it is a Smith Craft Holiday.

 

[SSDaytona]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

Well, we pulled it out today and brought it to it's new home. The boat is not fiberglass as initially thought. Looks like an all wood construction with the lower area painted. Will post some pics once the weather clears.

 

[mach1tim]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

Hi Daytona, I may be of some help concerning your Smithcraft boat. I don't know if it is the same company, but
I just purchased a 1956 Smithcraft 16' fishing boat. I am only the 3rd owner in 55 years. It has the original trailer, the original 35 HP Evinrude Lark motor that runs great, original lights, steering wheel, gas tank and mahagony trim.
Smithcraft built boats here in my hometown of Phoenix, but it is not around now, however, the owners grandson has a prop shop here in Phoenix. The previous owner told me that Smith built some boats for exporting to Cholla Bay Mexico, which is the closest ocean to Phoenix.
I too have found it difficult to find much info on Smithcraft, but am asking some long time residents to see what I can find out. I'll keep you posted.
Tim

 

[kewpie79]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/File:Smithcraftbb001.jpg

 

[SSDaytona]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

From the little research I have collected so far it appears there may be 2 Smith Craft boat manufacturers. Mine was built in geneva, Alabama and is an all wood boat. The original owner of Smith Craft (Alabama) just passed away about 3weeks ago. Strange that there would be 2 manufacturers with the same name.

 

[Buickwes]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

I also have a wooden Smith Craft from Geneva, AL. I just sent you a message. Please email me.

Wes

 

[Ned L]

Re: Circa late 1960's Smith Craft

Probably sheet plywood. If it has not been left outside for exteded periods it cold be a REAL nice find! (Sheet plywood = simple construction, & a tight boat, - classic 1950's)