Hartley Restoration

[robnox]

Hi all,<br /><br />I've found a trailer to buy that has a free boat on it. It looks like there is a fair bit of work to do on this ply boat and it has some rot. The main areas appear to be the transom (a full replace is in order) and the sides where I think water has collected from the windscreen mounts. As far as I can tell it's a Hartley Sprite 12 (outboard). Does anyone know about these? and does anyone have any advice as to how to go about this repair? I think my first step will be to strip it and get a good look at the rot. I might even find that I have bought some expensive firewood. I'm also considering getting a set of plans from the Hartley website (if that might help).<br />Any information about this boat (performance, pictures, memories, thoughts, etc.) would be much appreciated as well as any advice on the repair.<br /><br />Thanks in advance, Rob.

 

[robnox]

Re: Hartley Restoration

I found this page with pics and specs but mine does not look like this at the moment <br /><br />www.hartley-boats.com/sprite.html

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Hartley Restoration

sure looks like a big little boat to me<br /><br />a TWELVE FOOTER with an inboard???<br /><br />would be kinda cool to dress it out like a mini cruiser and put a vw rabbit/golf diesel in it, and idle up to the diesel pump at the docks, pump 20 bucks worth in and say, Im set for the weekend, and go motoring off, lol<br /><br />do you like the boat? wood is wood, you replace whats rotted, use git rot on the soft stuff, and seal and sand, prime and paint (or varnish) and hang a bell on the buggy, good to go<br /><br />I ask if you like it cause after all, youll be the one doing the work, youll be the one enjoying the fruits of your labors<br /><br />good luck

 

[robnox]

Re: Hartley Restoration

Hi Ray,<br /><br />Yep i think it's kinda nice thou i'd prefer a "classic" wooden boat thats well out of my buget range.<br /><br />I would prob keep it as an outboard (I love the look of the pic at the bottom of the hartley page). I would love to show off some timber on the top as well.<br /><br />My idea is for an inland / bay fishing boat, towable by a standard family sedan. but also a boat that has some get up and go. the website say an outboard version will tow a skier with 10hp ?? seems a bit low but i'm new to all this.<br />I am guessing that your not to sure about the look of it? hence asking me if i like it.<br /><br />Rob.