the new canoe

moparlvr4406

moparlvr4406

Active Member
Jun 29, 2011
4,462
Lake Monroe Indiana Fourwinds H31
Boat Info
1985 340DA
1966 SRV180
(2)1960 Sea Ray 600
(2) 1963 808 Cruise-a-bouts
Engines
twin 350hp Crusaders 4.0 Onan /
Merc 950 SS
Merc 650
Merc 1100
twin Johnson 40
well here is the next project...
1961 Sea Ray 600
This will be a semi-restoration (keeping to period parts and look with some modern conveinience) over the winter
the old girl has good bones and was bought cheap but is in need of many things
I would be happy for some suggestions for a cool looking period powerplant 60hp max.
I have been considering a Merc 58E 55hp but would like some input on what else might go well with the unique lines of the craft.

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Congratulations, that's an intriguing project!!!

I think you have no other choice than going for a vintage engine :wink:
 
Not to be disrespectful but that is one Fugly boat.
 
Pietro said:
Congratulations, that's an intriguing project!!!

I think you have no other choice than going for a vintage engine :wink:
Click to expand...
Thank you Pietro...it wont be the project you took on but should be cool when it's done

Bucit said:
Not to be disrespectful but that is one Fugly boat.
Click to expand...
it is....for now :wink:
When I used to do classic cars I always looked for the lonely, dejected project in the corner no one else wanted and restored it to life and made it into a happy member of society again .
anything that everyone else has is boring...and not nearly the challenge.
 
Was that boat recently on E-Bay? There was/is one available there.
Now all you need is to find a '59-'60 Caddy, two dr. hard top with a hitch !
The tail fins on the Caddy might be a little higher.
 
SUH-WEET! Now yer in my favorite neck of the woods - runabouts!!! Figures, you'd have to be a thousand miles away, or I would've come over right after dinner and got started in on sandin'!

I checked Fiberglassic's website, and from what they show, it looks like an old Johnson was hanging off her transom. http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/File:Searayb61009.jpg


How's the steering system? I assume it has the old cable/pulley style. I just pulled that off my old Starcraft and went with a Teleflex system. Don't dispair though, they make all kinds of adaptors and fittings, etc., to hook the newer system up to the older motors. Or, stay with what you have.

Google Kirby Paints if you want to see some of the old classic colors from back in the day. Heck, they'll even custom mix a color for you.

She'll look awesome when you're done!
 
Noticed the cable steering in the one pic. ooops... I didn't notice any controls. I have a set for vintage outboards. I'm tripping over them. They're yours if you want 'em. They're either Johnson or Evinrude, can't remember off hand. They work perfectly, but you'd probably need longer cables, which you can get anywhere. Also might have a windshied for that too, depending on size. That, though, I'd have to get a few bucks... PM me if you're interested...
 
What an awesome project. I was looking at one of these in the Sea Ray Bible they other day and thinking how could it would be to fix one up like new... cant wait to see how it goes keep us posted Mopar.....
 
Awww comeooooon,that baby needs a bigblock with a 371 blower and chrome pipes with a jet drive!!!! Have fun
 
WAY TOO COOL!

Around 1980 my dad bought our first boat. A tail-finned 1960 or so boat of brand I do not recall. It was turquoise blue. He reupholstered it with white vinyl, and put a lot of work into the Sunbeam brand engine (a true blender!). Alas, the Sunbeam brand was obsolete and parts where impossible. Eventually, he decided to trade it for a 1973 Chrysler tri-hull in cherry condition.

I think the final several inches of your fins and the rear view are more 1958 Chrysler / DeSoto - the perfect tow vehicle.

Good luck and enjoy your project!
 
Rick K said:
SUH-WEET! Now yer in my favorite neck of the woods - runabouts!!! Figures, you'd have to be a thousand miles away, or I would've come over right after dinner and got started in on sandin'!

I checked Fiberglassic's website, and from what they show, it looks like an old Johnson was hanging off her transom. http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/File:Searayb61009.jpg

How's the steering system? I assume it has the old cable/pulley style. I just pulled that off my old Starcraft and went with a Teleflex system. Don't dispair though, they make all kinds of adaptors and fittings, etc., to hook the newer system up to the older motors. Or, stay with what you have.

Google Kirby Paints if you want to see some of the old classic colors from back in the day. Heck, they'll even custom mix a color for you.

She'll look awesome when you're done!
Click to expand...


The photo from Rick's post. What a sexy hottie in the ad, she blows away Miss Sea Ray.


Searayb61009.jpg
 
Pyrojodge said:
What an awesome project. I was looking at one of these in the Sea Ray Bible they other day and thinking how could it would be to fix one up like new... cant wait to see how it goes keep us posted Mopar.....
Click to expand...
hopefully will start another thread showing step by step progress and have her done for some Aquapalooza events next year.
this is a resto on a budget project so anyones tips tricks and experience will be helpful.
the best part of this project is that the Admiral is excited about it too.
My main goal is to take my not so healthy dad for a ride in her since he is the one who hooked me on boating and he can't get in my 240.
 
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