Classic 1959 Skagit Sportster

[cenlson]

I just got a 1959 Skagit Sportster. It's in rough shape and I would like to see about restoring it. I am in Central California and hoping to find someone who can restore it. However, I am curious what the current value of this boat might be, the cost to restore, and the value after restoration. It is a piece of boating history and I think it is amazing. From what I know, everything works and the engine runs well. Hopefully this forum might assist in pointing me in the right direction. Thank you in advance!!

 

[jimmbo]

Welcome to iboats
You will never get back the money spent on a Restoration.
That said, is the Transom Solid? Remove the Transom Breaker, lower the engine, then stand on the AV Plate and see if there is any flexing of the Transom. If it is Solid, and the Hull is intact, you could use a Gelcoat Polish and Buffer wheel.

We had a 57 or 58 Sportster back in 72 thru 74. The Hull Bottom varied from year to year
That is a lot of Motor for that hull, ours had a Transport Canada Capacity of 35hp



Edit: Spelling error

 

[Scott Danforth]

first, welcome aboard

if you have to pay someone to restore it, the cost of that service would far exceed the value of the boat by 50-100 times.

boat restoration should be done purely for sentimental reasons.

if you want to make a small fortune flipping boats, start with a large fortune.

as indicated above. that 70hp merc is more than the boat is rated for.

 

[jimmbo]

if you want to make a small fortune flipping boats, start with a large fortune.

lol

 

[cenlson]

first, welcome aboard

if you have to pay someone to restore it, the cost of that service would far exceed the value of the boat by 50-100 times.

boat restoration should be done purely for sentimental reasons.

if you want to make a small fortune flipping boats, start with a large fortune.

as indicated above. that 70hp merc is more than the boat is rated for.

Thank you! Definitely not looking to make a fortune in any way, but I can't throw money away, of course.

 

[cenlson]

lol

Lol. That is definitely not what I am looking to do. Just trying to not throw money away.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Thank you! Definitely not looking to make a fortune in any way, but I can't throw money away, of course.

best way to restore it and not throw money away is to do the work yourself.

however you must ask yourself. are you restoring it for your enjoyment, or restore it to sell. because if you are restoring it to sell. simply throw it away now and you will be money ahead.

 

[cenlson]

first, welcome aboard

if you have to pay someone to restore it, the cost of that service would far exceed the value of the boat by 50-100 times.

boat restoration should be done purely for sentimental reasons.

if you want to make a small fortune flipping boats, start with a large fortune.

as indicated above. that 70hp merc is more than the boat is rated for.

Thank you! That is good to know. I may just do a few things myself to clean it up and enjoy it while I have it. The engine did seem a bit more than what that boat could handle as well.

 

[cenlson]

Welcome to iboats
You will never get back the money spent on a Restoration.
That said, is the Transom Solid? Remove the Transom Breaker, lower the engine, then stand on the AV Plate and see if there is any flexing of the Transom. If it is Solid, and the Hull is intact, you could use a Gelcoat Polish and Buffer wheel.

We had a 57 or 58 Sportster back in 72 thru 74. The Hull Bottom varied from year to year
That is a lot of Motor for that hull, ours had a Transport Canada Capacity of 35hp
View attachment 375388
View attachment 375389

Edit: Spelling error

Thank you! That is good to know. It is looking like I will clean this boat up some to enjoy it while I have it.

 

[cenlson]

best way to restore it and not throw money away is to do the work yourself.

however you must ask yourself. are you restoring it for your enjoyment, or restore it to sell. because if you are restoring it to sell. simply throw it away now and you will be money ahead.

I'm mostly looking to enjoy it without wasting a ton of cash (my wife would not be happy). So, it looks like I'm going to be doing some work on it myself to get it in decent shape and enjoy it while I have it!

 

[jimmbo]

A couple more images, and a link to Fiberglassica

Skagit Plastics - Classic Boat Library

www.fiberglassics.com

 

[cenlson]

A couple more images, and a link to Fiberglassica

Skagit Plastics - Classic Boat Library

www.fiberglassics.com

View attachment 375399
View attachment 375400

That is awesome. Thank you!