Healey '55' sports boat
Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2015 11:30 am
Hi all
I have a 1950's Healey '55' sports boat as a project. It needs recaulking but the Healey engine has been run, the deck is in reasonable shape, and I would say all of the parts are present, even though it needs some TLC. I am in two minds what to do about this. I know it needs hundreds of hours of attention and I have a young child and a busy job. Would it be better off being restored by someone who has the time, or should I jump in and attempt it myself ?
Pictures attached for all of your interest. A few things to highlight:-
- Prop shaft seems to be OK and propeller is OK
- A new hardwood dashboard has been cut but not finished
- Seats have been upholstered
- Steering cables all work
- Deck furniture present although some brass and some silver
- Bomb doors for engine bay have been stripped, but deck hasn't
- Hull has been cleaned down and now needs caulking
- Bilge pump looks like it's probably knackered
- Petrol tank is metal, likely would need to be replaced with modern one
- Wiring system is 12 volt not 6 (good!)
- Engine has new belts, some new hoses, clean oil, clean plugs, although one hose appears in the wrong place
- Engine turns, gearbox moves from F-N-R ok
I have a 1950's Healey '55' sports boat as a project. It needs recaulking but the Healey engine has been run, the deck is in reasonable shape, and I would say all of the parts are present, even though it needs some TLC. I am in two minds what to do about this. I know it needs hundreds of hours of attention and I have a young child and a busy job. Would it be better off being restored by someone who has the time, or should I jump in and attempt it myself ?
Pictures attached for all of your interest. A few things to highlight:-
- Prop shaft seems to be OK and propeller is OK
- A new hardwood dashboard has been cut but not finished
- Seats have been upholstered
- Steering cables all work
- Deck furniture present although some brass and some silver
- Bomb doors for engine bay have been stripped, but deck hasn't
- Hull has been cleaned down and now needs caulking
- Bilge pump looks like it's probably knackered
- Petrol tank is metal, likely would need to be replaced with modern one
- Wiring system is 12 volt not 6 (good!)
- Engine has new belts, some new hoses, clean oil, clean plugs, although one hose appears in the wrong place
- Engine turns, gearbox moves from F-N-R ok