Fletcher Cruisette

[Saf]

Hello all
I’m about to purchase a Fletcher Cruisette and wondered if there are any particular problems (excluding engine) to look out for- I’m going to do a second viewing this week.
Also, is there a way I can get hold of manual for this boat. Unfortunately I don’t know the year.
Many thanks
Sam

 

[ontheplane]

Try

Fletcher Boats – Performance and Luxury Boats made in Britain

They should be able to point you in general direction.

Have to say the Cruisette was so basic, I'm not sure what a manual will tell you...

It's a hull & seats....

 

[Saf]

Thanks

 

[Farmer Piles]

I've had two, an early model complete with late eigthies colours and a later model that looked more like a Yamarin HT. Both were great little sea boats, stable and fast. As above, a very simple boat so just look for the obvious regarding condition.

 

[QBhoy]

Transom is the well known issue with all fletchers of an age. Famous for it. Great hull on that boat.

 

[Saf]

Thanks
It looks solid as far as I can see - I have the boat now and all looks good.
perspex windows need replacing - owner has taken opening window out and replace with three non opening windows.
Don’t think be able to put the opener back at least not yet. Windows are Perspex - do you know if they would have been glass originally- wondering either to replace with Perspex or glass.
thanks
Sam

 

[Farmer Piles]

I am sure that you could get a local glass or windscreen specialist to make something up. The more recent Cruisette - such a cool retro name - had what looked like original windows made of perspex, but it does scratch easily. I suspect the older one did too but I can't remember.
Any chance of posting a photo, I am curious to see which model you have. We did love the Cruisettes we owned.

 

[Saf]

Thanks. I spoke to someone about toughened glass - I might get a quite but weight will be a consideration too. I think the Perspex looks like it will cost around £200.
Here’s some pics

 

[Saf]

I Seem to have an issue uploading photos - says file is too large- I will try again

 

[Saf]

Here are a couple of photos

 

[Megs20Burt!]

Apart from the windows, she looks a nice boat. A good little project. What engine do you have?

 

[Saf]

Hi
Thanks
It’s a mariner 60 Bigfoot - apparently very low hours. The boats been out of use for 2 years and out of water 18 months due to illness. Engine started and seemed fine first time. Looking for a small auxiliary engine for it at the moment.
Struggling to find Perspex at decent price. I was hoping to reinstate an opening window but not sure how I would go about that - without spending a fortune of course. The only thing I can see wrong so far is bilge pump may need replacing , 2 cushions replaced and inside laminate panelling along side of boat and the door to where the petrol tank is are rotten (see pics). Planning to replace with some ply/ lvt waterproof flooring laminate. Also going to paint inside and floor with non slip paint and fill a few small screw holes in hull.
It looks like they moved the ‘passenger ‘ seat onto a frame which means the little ladder does.not close completely into the boat. From pictures of another boat (attached) I’ve seen the seat should be mounted On a box like structure - slightly forward of where it is.
Cheers