1963 808 Sea Ray HELP!!!!

[Bob Walsh]

Okay, Here we go! I just bought a 1963 Model 808 Sea Ray, locally, in Harrison, Mi. It's 18 foot and has dual 40 horse Johnson's on the back end. This boat is in wonderful shape for being 46 years old. Turquoise top end with white underneath and white interior with matching turquoise carpeting. I found out that it was built in Oxford, Mi. and have been told that there were only 2 built in this configuration. Don't know how true that is but, right now, I'll beleive anything that makes it unusual and rare! Could anybody help me out with some more information on this particular model? Maybe some info concerning the engines and general stuff. Thanks, Bob

 

[tobnpr]

Don't know a thing about the boat, but sure would like to see some pics!

 

[techmitch]

Welcome aboard and yes, some pics and a HULL ID wouldn't hurt.

 

[tmikesh81]

lets see the pics!!

 

[Bob Walsh]

Sorry about the delay, lots going on. The hull number is 88954. I will post some pics in a few days. Been going over the boat and found all the original canvas in excellent shape. Forgot to mention that it sits on a Sea Ray tandem trailer also dated 1963 with Sea Ray logos on the fenders. Thanks, Bob

 

[jitts3]

Sorry about the delay, lots going on. The hull number is 88954. I will post some pics in a few days. Been going over the boat and found all the original canvas in excellent shape. Forgot to mention that it sits on a Sea Ray tandem trailer also dated 1963 with Sea Ray logos on the fenders. Thanks, Bob

Now that combo (Boat and Trailer) must be worth a decent price. I'd love to see the pics. Man it sure sounds nice.:thumbsup:

 

[tobnpr]

The Great Lakes states seem like they're in a time warp to me. I'm always amazed at boats like this, and old woodies like Chris-Crafts that come out of storage barns after sitting for fifty years and the owners have forgotten about them.

 

[Bob Walsh]

Well, here it is. I had it out this past week-end and it runs great. It turns heads whether it's sitting on the trailer or going up and down the lake. Very enjoyable boat!

 

[ghuskin]

sweet! where's the teak?

 

[Bob Walsh]

Unfortunately, it doesn't have any! I'm just happy it didn't pull a "Titanic". I plan on having some great times aboard this thing.:grin:

 

[Vince_nj1]

That thing belongs in a museum.. Very nice! Built the same year the JFK was shot.

 

[Tonka Boater]

What a gem! That's a great find, congrats.

.

 

[roosevelt14]

WOW.....Way COOL!!!!

 

[techmitch]

Sure looks better than this one,

this may help. http://www.geocities.com/classicsearay/index.htm

 

[Bob Walsh]

Yeah, I found that one also:wow:. So far, those are the only two that I can come up with. He's got a lot of work to do! Aside from detailing mine, it was pretty much in the shape that you see it. Should have loads of fun with it. Only wish that summer was just starting.

 

[KRB64]

Now that this thread is ressurected thanks to the other 808 thread, tell us Bob, whats the story behind this boat? How come it to be in such great shape??? And with a matching trailer too!

 

[widowmaker]

Welcome aboard. Neat boat. I've never seen that kind of layout. Looks very practical.
The searay.com website used to have brochures and manuals listed by year and model but I haven't looked lately. Gotta love those old Johnsons.

 

[Bob Walsh]

Well, the story on this boat was just bugging the heck out of the woman that owned it:smt021. I bought a hot tub from her 6 years ago and she had it sitting along side her garage. I asked if she wanted to sell it too but she declined. Went over there time and time again and last year she, reluctantly, changed her mind. She had always stored it inside at our local fairgrounds in the winter but it had not been in the water since 2001. It needed to be detailed and I used a good fibergass restorer on the paint. Had to have both carbs rebuilt, new tires for the trailer and some other minor things but have enjoyed every minute of it. Keep hoping Sea Ray is going to offer me a fortune for it but, so far, no luck:grin:! Don't really know if I would give it up anyway but it's nice to dream. Bob

 

[cpt. sundancer]

Great looking boat and built the same year I was born,should go pretty good with 2 motors :thumbsup:

 

[hemibird]

What a beautiful boat. I bet the fiberglass is a mile thick on the hull. I heard that in the early days of fiberglass boats the manufactures really didnt know how strong the material was so they made them like battleships. My buddy has a 1966 38' Chris-Craft fiberglass boat that is a testiment to this.