TOPIC: German Craft Searider

Hi,

I am the lucky owner of a 1962 German Craft Searider. I got it from Taco, a respected member of this forum. I bought it in May of this year, Taco didn't have the time anymore to restore it. It is not the first boat I got from/through him, I also own a Eastern German 1957 VEB Sportbootwerke with 3 cylinder 2 stroke Wartburg engine that is in resoration too. Previously I used to own a Swedish C.G. Pettersson cabin cruiser that I sold a few years ago.

The German Craft is not I a bad condition, the windshield is self made and the seats are non correct aftermarkets.

I am not a professional restorer, but I will do most of the work on this one myself.

First step was to take of all the hardware, transom/motormount, etc.

I will try to keep this forum updated on the progress!

I am trying to upload photos, but it doesn't seem to work?

Welcome aboard Pons, glad to have you join us. Any friend of Taco's is a friend of ours!

There's a thread in the support section that may help on posting pics, here's a link to it;
www.fiberglassics.com/glassic-forums/home/support/how-to-post-pictures

Looking forward to seeing some pics of your Searaider, and watching the progress reports as you bring her along.

Here are some photos when I bought it. Just removed the motor mount/transom.

And the other one.

Here are some photos of the progress I made on sanding it down to the bare fiberglass, there are older some repairs, about 4 layers of different colour paint, and I guess someone had an accident and rammed a pier or something, so it will need a 'nose job'.

Beautiful lines on that boat, I can see why you were attracted to her. Looks like you're well on the way, looking forward to watching your progress reports.

Very cool looks. she should look great when your done.

Bob

Last weeks, I was able to flip the boat. I sanded it down to the bare fiberglass, repaired the nose, filled some damages (it is not in bad shape), and covered it with two coats of epoxy and did some more repair with filler.

Next step is to sand down some of the repairs again, add two more coats of epoxy before applying base coats of white.



The gray areas were caused by adding gray pigment, so I could see the scratches and damages better.

My other fiberglassic arrived from Arizona recently. Not a boat though...

It is a 1978 Dodge Xplorer 224,fiberglass roof and rear. Produced by Frank Industries.

Hey Melchior, Where is the rest of the pictures? I know the searider is ready for the water. The boat looks stunning!!! You did a great restoration on it. Please share with us!

Taco.

For some reasong my internet provider does not allow me to visit this site! So I use an external wifi connection. But is slow so I cannot post much.

I will post some photos later on this week! Sorry Taco for not doing this sooner!

pons0030,

WELCOME ABOARD. = NICE boat, too.

yours, satx

Sorry your internet provider is a problem! Nice boat hauler. Can't wait to see pics of the boat progress.

Bob

OK, everything works now. My Searider is nearly finished. Just need to hook up the ammeter properly and check if the alternator works (does not do anything at idle, which is normal). it is in storage now due to other engagements.

Just to sum up, I sanded down the whole boat, and sealed it with 3 coats of epoxy to replace the gelcoat. After that, I applied 1 primer coat and 3 sealant coats (it is a Dutch brand paint system called IJmopox by the IJssel coatings). The hull I painted myself with 3 coats of Double coat - cream white (same brand).

The deck/interior was spray painted by a car restorer. The boat had no windshield, no benches, no steering wheel, etc. I made the benches myself and had them upholstered. I still had a nice steering wheel around, so painted it and installed it. Had a windshield made based on a cardboard form I made.

The engine is a story in itself, it is a 1957 Johnson 35HP. It hadn't been running for over 35 years but was loose and had good compression. I rewired it, new gas lines, took everyting apart and replaced all gaskets, float, points, etc. etc. Now it is running like new! And I took care of the cosmetics myself too.

Anyway, I am happy with the result, I hope you like it too.
Mel

Excellent work Mel, she's a beauty!

Absolutely outstanding Mel!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bob

Wowza! That is cool.

Wow! What a beautiful restoration.

How many hours do you have in this boat restoration? Wonderful job.

Outstanding job Melchior. It makes me feel good to see that the boat got in good hands. I would never ever have the time and skills to restore the boat like you did.

I have seen the boat "live" after the restoration and it looks even better in real than the pics. shows.

Give me a call some day I have another nice project for you!!

Taco.

Haha,
I have no idea about the hours spent. Probably too many but that is how it goes!

Sweet!