TOPIC: Lost NUB

Just purchased a Mercury outboard that happened to come with a
near mint condition Dorsett El Dorado. In fact, it was covered when I bought it (except for the motor) and I was very surprised when we took the cover off and found this treasure.

Couple questions:

1) The trailer is shot. I plan on replacing. Do most folks get a similar vintage trailer and restore? Or is it ok to go with a brand new trailer. I want it to be safe on the road so thinking new technology trailer maybe better.

2) The Mercury is a newer 4-stroke. It seems the really nice glassics have a vintage outboard to match. Is it ok to use new technology outboard? Kind of a restomod in the muscle car world. Or should I be looking to find a late 50's early 60's outboard to match?

3) The Dorsett is a 1958 El Dorado. It's black with white trim and has all the chrome pieces, badges, gauge, lights, etc.. The original owner kept it in a garage it's entire life. The boat is basically near mint (with a few scuffs here and there). Are these boats in demand...Cool...best of show type? Or are they pretty standard in regards to glassics.

Thanks Fish

WorkToFish,

WELCOME ABOARD.

yours, satx

Got any pix of your newly acquired gem?

Welcome aboard Fish, glad to have you join us. As JB stated, we'd love to see some pics of what you've got there. All three of your questions are really "opinion based", (everybody has their own, right?) and kinda depend on YOUR preferences. I'll throw my thoughts out there to 'stir the pot' and get the discussion started, okay? (Just my two cents worth, I know many folks will disagree!)

1) Restored classic trailers look cool, but you need to make sure it's structurally sound. The inside of frame rails and tubing can become rusted to the point they disintegrate, we've seen some actually fall apart (tongue or frame folded) going down the road. If you can find one worth restoring, great. Otherwise, the newer version may give you greater 'peace of mind' for your road trips.

2) Many folks prefer the period correct motors, but you really need to buy a manual and learn to work on those yourself. They often require tinkering and regular maintenance, some of the old girl's are getting hard to find parts for. (They're out there, you just have to know who to ask. We can help with that if you go this route, just be ready for some hefty $!) Some choose to repower with newer technology for reliability, and I completely understand that. Many of the older motors have years of service left in them, and can outlast some of the newer stuff if properly maintained. You could always hang on to the four stroke as a backup if you do decide to go 'period correct' on the power.

3) I've always considered the Dorsett's (El Dorado included) to be a classic ('Glassic, actually!) design. Love the lines and style, you just can't by floating art work like that anymore! A few of the members here have some fine examples that any of us would be proud to own, hopefully they'll chime in with some pics and advice for you as well.

The bottom line IMHO is take your time and think through what you want / expect from your boat, and build it whichever way makes you happy. Trailers and motors can always be replaced later on, get her seaworthy and get her wet is the best advice I can give you.

Welcome aboard, My 59 Tee Nee trailer makes my newer one look like a large pile of junk. I'd love to see your boat.

Thanks for the warm welcome! Here are some pics:

My Gallery

It's barn fresh and needs a wash / wax. I took a look at the trailer today. It's a Holsclaw and outside of the rusted out broken axle...it's in good shape. I am not sure if I can find a new axle or have it repaired? If I could I would love to keep it.

wow great looking boat and that motor is just plain awesome too

That is nice. Great find.

NICE find Fish, looks like that should buff out nicely! There are some excellent articles under the Research / Restoration tab in the top tool bar here, just in case you need a hand bringing back the shine. www.fiberglassics.com/restoration/

IMHO Holsclaw trailers are generally very well built and definitely worth saving! (I've owned several.) Replacing the axle will require a little fabrication and welding (brackets for shocks, springs, and track arm mainly), as I don't know of any O.E. replacement sources these days. (Excellent literature available in the FG Library, if you haven't seen it yet!) www.fiberglassics.com/library/Holsclaw

You may be able to find an aftermarket axle (or kit) that matches in width, then just add whatever hardware is necessary for your application. There are several great sources for trailer parts, here are just a few;
www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_trailers-trailer-parts+trailer-axles+axle-kits
www.easternmarine.com/em_store/axles/?gclid=CPvU7qvk5LwCFUdk7AodeA8A8g