New Member

[Electrocutie]

Hello! I just bought a 1983 Sundancer 260 on a trailer for $2000. It's a mess. The engine is non-operational, the interior was home to vermin for about 6 years and so far I've spent about ten hours vacuuming up poop. The plan is get the boat sanitary and then concentrate on the conversion to electric. Still in the process of getting the cushions and rat nests out.

 

[Gofirstclass]

OMG!

 

[Stee6043]

Welcome! Hopefully you'll post some updates as you go. And share some photos (not of the poop)...

 

[Electrocutie]

Welcome! Hopefully you'll post some updates as you go. And share some photos (not of the poop)...

Thanks! I'm working on getting the photos from my phone to my computer. This is going to be a complete refit. I'll make sure she's seaworthy, install the electric motor and batteries and if all goes as expected, continue with the refit. Pics coming.

 

[JayhawkCurtis]

I am way to old to take on a project like that, look forward to seeing your progress. Welcome aboard

 

[Juliery]

Will your conversion have the power needed for planing?What range are you planning for?
Are you including solar charging?
Interesting and ambitious project.

 

[Electrocutie]

Sorry I haven't posted more. Had total knee replacement on Tuesday and not quite back with it yet. It may be a month before I can climb into the boat. I do plan on using it to cruise the sacramento delta, no waterskiing. I'm 74 next month and probably too old for this too. I'll figure out the pics soon.

 

[Blueone]

So…… what was worth two grand ?

Very ambitious and then you throw a knee replacement commercial in there?….. what the heck ?

Get better and get on it ! If you’re sitting down then you should be able to figure out pics….. it’s actually easier on your phone…. Crop them a bit before posting

 

[Stee6043]

I can barely wax my boat in my 40's. Total refit in my 70's? Not a chance for this desk jockey...I'll probably own a pontoon or a Zodiak. Or both if my 401k recovers from current state

 

[Electrocutie]

I'm not quite back yet. Recovery has had a few setbacks but It's getting better.

My very loose plan is to empty out this hull, repair any rot or hull problems and remove the engine. I'll leave all the interior cushions and planks stored until I figure out and install an electric motor. After testing it and seeing it is worth it to refurbish the boat I'll start on the interior so we can use it. I want to keep the total cost down because we also plan on doing the Great Loop in a couple of years. We will then buy a 35 -36 foot trawler and if everything works out right, convert it to electric. Since I can't climb the ladder to get into the boat, much less pull the engine, it might be a while before I can sneak past the admiral and actually do anything. Stay tuned!

 

[blaster]

I’d like to know how this electric thing is planned? Power source? Propulsion? Anticipated range? I really hope you are healing your knees so you are back on your feet soon. Best wishes for recovery. And we all can’t wait to see pictures of your project.

Must be a lot of electric and a big motor to turn an alpha drive. Did you score a motor from a scrap Tesla? Batteries are expensive. Trying to understand the plan.

 

[nelson Gay]

Thanks! I'm working on getting the photos from my phone to my computer. This is going to be a complete refit. I'll make sure she's seaworthy, install the electric motor and batteries and if all goes as expected, continue with the refit. Pics coming.

I would assume you plan on boating a few hours at a time like even the most advanced electric boats do now and very limited range and refueling opportunities