Help to identity boat

[IrishAndy]

I'm restoring a speed boat, I have no idea of it make or age but doing a search online brought up the same style boat advertising as a Shakespeare???. The first pic is of my boat (white), the second pic is of the one I found advertised as a Shakespeare (red). I'd really like to know the manufacturer and a rough age. Any help appreciated

 

[Seastoke]

your boat looks good what are you doing to it .

 

[IrishAndy]

Looks can be really deceiving, was hoping more TLC when I brought it but further investigation showed the floor was shot, so full removal and rebuilt, all new stringers, cross beams, foam and floor, seats bases, upholstery etc. Its nearly there so hopefully in the water this week. I'll redo the outside over winter and build a new trailer at the same time.

 

[Seastoke]

Thats a good job , you dont need a make its now your boat what engine you putting on , you might need to beef up transom.

 

[IrishAndy]

It's got a mid 90s 60hp Mariner, it's small and narrow so think it will remain. How would you beef up the transom?

 

[Bajansailor]

Those photos of your restoration work Andy are very impressive - it looks like you have done a good job there.
Would you like to post them on your thread on the Boat Design Forum as well?
The guys on there all love to see refit projects.
Speed boat identification

 

[IrishAndy]

Will do just need some time to do it ?, all my time currently is spent trying to get back on the water.

 

[BruceK]

I'm restoring a speed boat, I have no idea of it make or age but doing a search online brought up the same style boat advertising as a Shakespeare???. The first pic is of my boat (white), the second pic is of the one I found advertised as a Shakespeare (red). I'd really like to know the manufacturer and a rough age. Any help appreciated

It would be easier to tell with the tonneau off but it does look like a Shakespear Magnum

 

[QBhoy]

Good to see the whole thing uncovered but pretty sure the red one is a driver. Likely a driver 500. There is a 440 too

 

[IrishAndy]

Ok, is a "Driver 500 or 440" still a Shakespeare or something different. Mine is exactly the same as the red one.

 

[QBhoy]

Driver is a driver. Very fast hull. Either a 440 or a 500. The numbers mean the length in cm. easy to measure and see. Need a bit of focus when trimmed up high. Fast with even moderate engines. The 440 usually would have a 50-70hp tops. The 500 often with over 100hp. I’ve even seen one with a 175 v6 Yamaha !!

 

[IrishAndy]

Thanks, that is defo the boat, I'd say a 500 or 510 as its 16ft. Now to find a bigger engine ????. Its really nice to know what it is and some of the history. I've found a Facebook group for the Driver boats and hopefully will get more knowledge from them. Thanks heaps for all the input.