My circa 1980’s Sunseeker 23ft diesel conversion

[SPDauto]

This little sunseeker came my way last summer but with one thing and another im only getting to it recently.
Its approx 1980 as far as i can tell, unsure of what model as it seems they made variations at the time of manufacture.
It was originally a v8 petrol but was professionally converted to a Penta Diesel about 8 years ago. Engine was a brand new unit that the order had fallen through on.

After lying for a year

And after a wash

The interior is in a but of a sorry state, but the hull and frame is good. Engine was running but the drive trim was not working, the gear selector cable was missing and the alternator was not charging.

Started with the engine and got the drive parts fitted and after many hours with a multimeter, got the drive trimming up and down, albeit on a new switch as that was part of the problem. Left the alternator in to a local place to be refurbed also.

Next job was the wiring, it was a complete mess, no fuse box, nothing. ripped the helm out completely and started again as it was just bodge after bodge over the years. Its just set in place for now while I install a fuse box and split charging.

Fitted an aux engine mount to the swim platform and got some davits for free from a friend. Still unsure if i will fit them but i have a dingy there and would be happier with it on board.

Loads of silly jobs done also, like bonding the windows back in because they were leaking and fibreglassing the front hatch and resealing.

Hopeing to get it finished off in the next few months and get her in the water for the end of the summer

 

[PalmaTarga]

Looks like a great project, I look forward to seeing the end results. Good luck!

 

[sogood]

Looking good. That's a nice project. Happy that you finally got started. Getting started is the hardest part, then sticking at it is the hardest part, then getting it finished is the hardest part. Enjoy the journey!

 

[SPDauto]

Its actually a very nice boat, the hull is well made and the big Penta is right at home in there. Going for a sort of retro original look but with a few modern additions, hopefully it works out ok. This thing will hopefully take me to the TT for a few years so it will be getting a few home comforts added. So much more room in it compared to the Mariah.

 

[Nick Burnham]

That's a great boat, there's an identical one berthed four boats along from mine.

I'm pretty sure that it's a Sunseeker 235 - and I notice someone's drawn a big '235' on the wood under the helm, which might have been in build to ensure it ended up on the right boat which would also help confirm it if that is original.

 

[LBRodders]

Great project. Head down and keep going.
Love the swim platform, absolutely classic ??

 

[Leighb]

Looks good, just curious, what type of VP is it?

 

[Seastoke]

Nice boat and great project ,but not sure the Davits would work ,just my opinion

 

[SPDauto]

its a penta AD41 with DP drive, supposed to be 200hp, similar to what the petrol engine would have been, albeit with some turbo lag and a lot cheaper to run!

The davits are not a straight forward fit and will be cut and modified to mount at an angle. I had one held up at the rear of the boat and they dont look out of place. They were free so il give it a go, plus i have a zodiac dingy that id like to make use off.

 

[SPDauto]

picked up this tonight also, thought it was good value with the 2d dome and cable at £320. Comes with the c-map i need also.

maybe someone could give me an idea of how to connect this to my garmin GPS and Raymarine depth gauge?

 

[QBhoy]

Excellent stuff. What a lovely boat.
Have you had her sailing yet ? If not, are you worried about the difference in power delivery between the old V8 and now fitted diesel ? The drive ratio and or props may not suit now ?
Keen to here more.
Brilliant stuff.

 

[SPDauto]

the drive was also replaced with a volvo duoprop unit, all brand new approx 8/9 years ago. I have not had her out yet so am unsure of just how well it will go.

Turned out the original owner that did the engine change lives nearby and stopped at my house a few weeks back. He confirmed everything I had been told when purchasing and said his son used it to ski with the penta fitted. He did say there was a bit of turbo lag but once your past that she flys

 

[neil-c-8]

Just dropping in here say hello. We've chatted on another forum about this boat. Great to see a build thread on it - I was going to suggest that you did one on the other forum! Would love to see it in the flesh when you're done.

 

[SPDauto]

Hi mate, yes still plugging away at this, the Mariah had my attention the past while so havnt done much with this. Still some wiring to run and woodwork to do, but its getting there slowly. Hopefully get a few updates this weekend

 

[rbcoomer]

What a great boat for a project and good to see you are clearly enjoying the work :encouragement: I have too little time for my projects at the moment (and too many projects! ) but it's always good to see someone else getting stuck in and giving a new lease of life to a fantastic boat like this. We have a Portofino 25 in Torquay, thankfully with nothing like as much work to do! (I do however also have a Fletcher 21 with more work to do...) I will also follow this thread with interest - and welcome to the Classic Sunseeker owning fraternity.

 

[dominic0012]

This little sunseeker came my way last summer but with one thing and another im only getting to it recently.
Its approx 1980 as far as i can tell, unsure of what model as it seems they made variations at the time of manufacture.
It was originally a v8 petrol but was professionally converted to a Penta Diesel about 8 years ago. Engine was a brand new unit that the order had fallen through on.

After lying for a year

And after a wash

The interior is in a but of a sorry state, but the hull and frame is good. Engine was running but the drive trim was not working, the gear selector cable was missing and the alternator was not charging.

Started with the engine and got the drive parts fitted and after many hours with a multimeter, got the drive trimming up and down, albeit on a new switch as that was part of the problem. Left the alternator in to a local place to be refurbed also.

Next job was the wiring, it was a complete mess, no fuse box, nothing. ripped the helm out completely and started again as it was just bodge after bodge over the years. Its just set in place for now while I install a fuse box and split charging.

Fitted an aux engine mount to the swim platform and got some davits for free from a friend. Still unsure if i will fit them but i have a dingy there and would be happier with it on board.

I know this is old, but if you're still involved and want to know what year it is, it's on that small plate that I can see in the photo showing your new dashboard, just on the wood above it. I'll double check with mine how to read it but I think their coding at the time was the last 3 referred to the length and year, so xxxx234, would be 23ft, 1984. The X's are the boats serial number - but again I'll need to look at mine to confirm. At the time, they mustn't have realised they're be making boats beyond 1989 ?

 

[Chawks]

Looking good. I'd love to get my hands on a old project Sunseeker but they seem hard to come across.

 

[SPDauto]

shes in!!!!! wooohoooo

 

[BruceK]

Oh well done! That is one sweet looking boat. So glad you didnt spoil her with the davits, they were OTT in the extreme and would have ruined her. I hope she brings you many more smiles and memories. Send some reports and pics of outings. They are always welcome.

 

[SPDauto]

Oh well done! That is one sweet looking boat. So glad you didnt spoil her with the davits, they were OTT in the extreme and would have ruined her. I hope she brings you many more smiles and memories. Send some reports and pics of outings. They are always welcome.

The davits were a non starter, just didnt look right and were overkill as you say. I sold them on last year. My intentions were to head to the IOM for the TT but currently having some teething issues with the diesel lump. Some trial and error and help of the forum will hopefully get it resolved!