1983 Sea Sprite Fish & Ski - prev owners

[bnurczyk]

Hi, I'm new here (and to boating) but already got a ton of advice off these boards just reading but now have some questions.

I have and old 1983 Sea Sprite Fish & Ski, I picked it up cheap and put a lot of time and sweat into it.
The boat is actually very clean for its age but I had to replace the transom (used Nidacore) and had to do a little glass work on the bottom.

I put most of the work into the engine. I installed a new timer base, power pack, and VRO. The Carbs were professionally rebuilt when I had it all linked and synched. I knew I should have just done them. Anyway it?s running great for now, several fishing outings, no trouble, seems to handle very well also.
I never would have attempted any of this without the info I found on these boards! Thanks to everyone!!

Now for the questions regarding this boat, if my engine proves un-reliable in the future how much motor does it really need? I?m looking for experience here, anyone ever have a 90 or 125 on one of these boats?

I?m gearing this one more towards fishing and lesser to skiing. I?m 49 years old; don?t really want to go 55mph on the water. I?m also thinking a four cylinder rather than the 150 V6 that?s on it. Losing a couple hundred lbs would help get the rear end out of the water and help in shallow areas. She does sit real low in the water.
Any feedback / advise / experiences welcome, any info you can share about these boats will help.
Bruce

 

[sublauxation]

Re: 1983 Sea Sprite Fish & Ski - prev owners

I've heard that you shouldn't go with less than 75-80% of the max rated HP. My limited experience has shown that not to be true.

I have no experience with a bigger sea sprite but my Aluminum hull is rated for a 135. I put on a 90hp. It goes 42 mph which is faster than I need. It still trolls a little fast but that can be fixed easily vs trying to slow down a 135hp. I can still pull tubes and yank a skier out of the water, and goes on plane instantly. The lighter weight I think has helped performance, and makes it easier to handle on and off the water

I'm no expert but I would think a smaller motor at worst may give some problems with planing but the right prop should take care of that or possibly trim tabs.

 

[pmillar]

Re: 1983 Sea Sprite Fish & Ski - prev owners

Maybe a 4 cyl. 115? I would imagine it would save some weight while still providing adequate get up and go.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1983 Sea Sprite Fish & Ski - prev owners

What's the length of the boat and, if you know, what's the max HP the hull is rated for? Tough to go wrong with any of the V4 JohnnyRudes.

 

[bnurczyk]

Re: 1983 Sea Sprite Fish & Ski - prev owners

The following is from IBOATS;
"This outboard sportsfisherman has a fiberglass hull, is 17.17 feet long and 85 inches wide at the widest point. The boat weighs approximately 935 pounds with an empty fuel tank and without any gear or passengers. The maximum horsepower we have listed for this outboard boat is 150 hp"

The title says 17' and the plaque does say 150 max.

I did get a bunch of paperwork from the prev. owner, it originally had a 110 he traded in for the 150 (the motor was installed two owners ago and I can't find the guy).

I was hoping to find someone with real hands on experience with these boats.