30+ year old fiberglass boats

[Katama]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

I have heard so many things about Whalers over the years, both good and bad. People either love them or think they are over-hyped. I don't want to compare Whalers to other boats as better or worse. What I'd love to know is what other boats are 30 years old or more (small 17-21 footers) and still on the water and why?<br /><br />What did other companies do to make their boats last. I understand Whaler used foam and little wood, so you don't see the rot. What did other makes use to withstand the test of time?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

I have a 1960 Shell Lake 14' fiberglass fishing boat. It has seen all kinds of neglect. No wood core except the seat boxes and transom which are still good. The original gunwales and whatever that little deck piece in the front is are long gone. She now sports redwood gunwales and sprayrails and a redwood and fir deckpiece. The glass is really thick and the boat is heavy for its size. I don't think these came with gel-coat, just a through-color fiberglass. Mine's been painted but a friend has the same model almost completely original, no paint.

 

[Katama]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

Oh, thems perty boats!

 

[Twidget]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

I have a '67 Silverline DeVille, 16 ft runabout with an 81 Johnson 90 on it. Its a great little boat.

 

[dingbat]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

What did other companies do to make their boats last. I understand Whaler used foam and little wood, so you don't see the rot. What did other makes use to withstand the test of time?

There are more 30 year old wooden boats around than anything. It's more about care than construction.

 

[pod184]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

I have a 1964 Sabre? 14' runabout with a matching 1964 Mercury 65hp. I have some minor issues, but it is still a fun little boat.

 

[bosavy]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

i have a 1967 mfg with a 65 hp mercury i did extensive work to it but's a great boat

 

[Mark42]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

bosavy,<br /><br />Go some pics of your MFG?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

Just finished redoing a 1975 Starcraft 15-footer (my second one) and have an 18-footer on deck. I like the look - much more "classic" than anything made today. I like the ride - nice deep V so that it rides very well for a 15-footer. I like having something a little different - not uncommon, but not common anymore, either. I like the performance - does about 40mph with my 75hp Johnson on the back. I like the fact that I have an essentially brand new boat for less than $2000 invested. I like the process and satisfaction of redoing the boat - there's something very deep and primitive about actually building (or rebuilding) something, particularly a boat.<br /><br />I keep looking in backyards, garages and fields looking for the next project, so there's certainly something addictive about it, too....<br /><br />- Scott

 

[JohnRuff]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

1958 16' Beisemeyer -- O/B -- 1958 -- looks like new and is 100% original.

 

[xikxak]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

Gota 15' MFG celeron/66 johnson 40hp,still working on it.and 1977 Powercat Tiburon 190(Like a Mako)89 rude 140. Solid boats(both)do it again?Always! davexx<br />

<br />

 

[bosavy]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

Originally posted by Mark42:<br /> bosavy,<br /><br />Go some pics of your MFG?

somwere i do dosn;t look like your boat though. i did extensive work to it. transon ,electrical and engine work . nice picks

 

[magster65]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

Don't be afraid of 30 year old fiberglass boats <br />Here's another one...<br /><br />

<br /><br />Yeah, it's bigger but it's getting old too.

 

[lark2004]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

gee, thats a BIG 21'

 

[baileys]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

hi reading all these makes want to get on the water i have a shetland 535 but my engine needs fixing i love my little boat its heavy but good fun keeps my mind ticking over my son helps me clean it and paint it when needed it creates abit af father son bonding

 

[JasonJ]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

Mine is a 1970. The shell is, anyway. The structue is all new. Fiberglass is like wine, gets better with age...<br /><br />Hey Chine, I just helped a friend with a late 70s fiberglass Starcraft fish & ski, it's about 16 feet. It has a Merc 115 horse dangling off of the back, and that thing is kinda scary when wide open. Sucked the hat right offa me head (I had just bought that hat-and yes I did turn back and retrieve it).

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

Hi Jason,<br /> For what the Starcrafts are (the basic Chevy/Ford of the boat world) they have a very good hull design and they will handle power quite well. A buddy of mine liked my 15-footer so much he bought one just like it - and then built up a 1980-ish Evinrude 140 for it! His issue is that he runs out of prop over 60mph and 7000 revs, and still has throttle left. He says the boat has just a hint of chine walk, but is not scary. He also says that if he finds a better prop he's going to add a pad to the V so it'll take higher speed better...<br /> I always turn my cap's brim backwards when going out in mine... <br /><br />- Scott

 

[julie2012]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

I am just curious to know who here owns a 30+ year old fiberglass boat under 21 feet?<br /><br />Secondly, would you buy a used glass boat over 30 years old and if so, what model? I am trying to learn more about what small boats are still around and people would still buy.<br /><br />Thanks!

Hi

I have a Savage 14ft vampire fibreglass boat Did you want to know more please ring me on Julie and i live in Mornington Victoria 3931

 

[MTYPockets]

Re: 30+ year old fiberglass boats

I have a '76 fabuglas Trident 142 with a '76 55hp evinrude . Fun solid boat !