02-11-2016, 04:20 AM
This past Saturday I came across a good deal in the classifieds. An early to mid 70's Skipjack 24' flybridge. After checking my funds, and a phone call I was off to Orange County with my truck and daughter.
Later that evening after an interesting chain of events, I arrived home with this new (to me) beast. I got me a skippy!!!
Now, this poor girl has been neglected for a very long time and is in need of lots of love.
The good:
The hull appears to be in good shape, making it a good candidate for restoration.
Gel coat is original, and with a little touch up, cleaning and polishing, it should come back to life
The cabin... Looks almost new. There are a few signs of it's age, but hardly used, and everything but the stove is there.
Bow rail and fiberglass swim step are good and intact.
The bad:
The engine and outdrive are junk (not really that bad, I have another unit to put in)
Electrical seems to be original, and is in my opinion, not trustworthy.
The bottom paint is... It's gotta go!
The brackets holding up the swim step are rusted beyond repair. One is actually almost completely gone.
The external upholstery is done, done, and done!
The helm compass is gone.
The unknown:
Condition of the stringers, fuel tank, and everything else under the deck.
All in all, I think I got her right. The trailer is a bit big for it and heavier than one of Craig's girlfriends
I will be parting out my Reinell as a donor boat, and will likely swap trailers, and sell the one under the skippy.
If anyone is in need of a double axle trailer (steel) for a 25-26' boat, let me know.
I'll add pics later on.
Later that evening after an interesting chain of events, I arrived home with this new (to me) beast. I got me a skippy!!!
Now, this poor girl has been neglected for a very long time and is in need of lots of love.
The good:
The hull appears to be in good shape, making it a good candidate for restoration.
Gel coat is original, and with a little touch up, cleaning and polishing, it should come back to life
The cabin... Looks almost new. There are a few signs of it's age, but hardly used, and everything but the stove is there.
Bow rail and fiberglass swim step are good and intact.
The bad:
The engine and outdrive are junk (not really that bad, I have another unit to put in)
Electrical seems to be original, and is in my opinion, not trustworthy.
The bottom paint is... It's gotta go!
The brackets holding up the swim step are rusted beyond repair. One is actually almost completely gone.
The external upholstery is done, done, and done!
The helm compass is gone.
The unknown:
Condition of the stringers, fuel tank, and everything else under the deck.
All in all, I think I got her right. The trailer is a bit big for it and heavier than one of Craig's girlfriends
I will be parting out my Reinell as a donor boat, and will likely swap trailers, and sell the one under the skippy. If anyone is in need of a double axle trailer (steel) for a 25-26' boat, let me know.
I'll add pics later on.