|
Mobile Geographics | MapTap for PalmOS | CelestNav for PalmOS | IQ Booster for iQue 3600 | SJ23 | sailwx.info | tides |
|
Hi Paul,
You now know you need a long shaft engine, the 20"er.
Don't give in to a good deal and get a short shaft. Also, I would very strongly
recommend that you pay a few extra bucks and get a 4-stroke, minimum 8 HP,
preferably a Honda. Having a 4-stroke will not only make your life
considerably easier, it'll make your boat much more appealing if/when you sell
it, and most importantly enable you to sail in more restricted areas like lakes
(2-stroke engines are being banned in more areas). You'd also want to have
a nice motor mount with a well varnished wooden board to protect the
boat.
On cushions, save your originals for dimensions and shape for
upholster. You may be able to get brand new cushions made for about
$700-900, including a firm 3-inch cushions, and weather-hardy marine grade
fabric and labor. The old foam is useless to recover over, and if the cost
is issue, I'd wait until I could do the whole thing. We had ours redone
professionally, and painted the hull and trailer ourselves (lots of taping and
elbow grease!), and voila! It is the prettiest boat. Whenever we
take our little SJ23 out we get such salutes from other sail boaters and motor
boaters alike!
We have other tips on fuel tank (built in under the cockpit
seat) and vents, boarding ladder built to the trailer, mast prop (for one person
operation), old-fashioned brass handles for hatch or companion way, etc., when
you are caught up with the basics... Happy laboring, matey!
JH
|