IM in Dire need of NE info on the 1972 23' Dutchcraft i just purchased one an it needs some restoration ..All ive been able to find out is that the company ran by a "Louis B Helsen" only operated for three yrs 1971, 72, 73...If u could plse post a site or anything to lead me to some kindve owners manual -accessories-history-sumthing..lol...Thnks so much Dennis
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Well
If the company only existed for 3 years and that was 30+ years ago, then they couldn't have made that many and the ones they did may not still be in use today. I would say that parts and information will be hard to come by. This is one reason I felt buying a production boat (Hunter) from a company with a long history and stable market was a good idea.
If the company only existed for 3 years and that was 30+ years ago, then they couldn't have made that many and the ones they did may not still be in use today. I would say that parts and information will be hard to come by. This is one reason I felt buying a production boat (Hunter) from a company with a long history and stable market was a good idea.
MAN!
And to think i looked at an E23 grrr.The Ericson din come with trailer or engine an was a 1000.00 more than what i payed for the dutchcraft with trailer n engine..Just gonna have to do alotve general modifications..not sure itll be that hard to get parts..i mean isnt a boat a boat basically?...thnks for ur input tho
And to think i looked at an E23 grrr.The Ericson din come with trailer or engine an was a 1000.00 more than what i payed for the dutchcraft with trailer n engine..Just gonna have to do alotve general modifications..not sure itll be that hard to get parts..i mean isnt a boat a boat basically?...thnks for ur input tho
Funny thing
That actually looks a lot like my old swing keel I had in the mid 80's. You didn't happen to buy it in Florida did you?
That actually looks a lot like my old swing keel I had in the mid 80's. You didn't happen to buy it in Florida did you?
What you have is a "shell" of a boat...
What you need is today's state of the art equipment and guidelines to install it so that it all meets today's standards and regs. Unless you're recreating a museum exhibit, it makes no more sense to restore everything in an old boat to original than it does to restore everything in an old house to original. There are exceptions (a one-of-a kind house designed and built by Frank Lloyd Wright), but they're VERY rare...and even those have to be upgraded from time to time to meet current wiring, plumbing etc building codes. There have been a zillion boat builders who've come and gone in the last 50 years...some of 'em built very high quality hulls. But after 30 years nothing on 'em still works...no identical replacements are still available. So you start with the "shell" and create a "new" boat in it. If she was well built to start with--and you don't "cheap out"--you'll have a better boat than most new production boats for a fraction of the price.
What you need is today's state of the art equipment and guidelines to install it so that it all meets today's standards and regs. Unless you're recreating a museum exhibit, it makes no more sense to restore everything in an old boat to original than it does to restore everything in an old house to original. There are exceptions (a one-of-a kind house designed and built by Frank Lloyd Wright), but they're VERY rare...and even those have to be upgraded from time to time to meet current wiring, plumbing etc building codes. There have been a zillion boat builders who've come and gone in the last 50 years...some of 'em built very high quality hulls. But after 30 years nothing on 'em still works...no identical replacements are still available. So you start with the "shell" and create a "new" boat in it. If she was well built to start with--and you don't "cheap out"--you'll have a better boat than most new production boats for a fraction of the price.
were i bought it
Florida...nope ..almost bought one from panama city tho...ended up buyin it a quarter mile down the road from my moms...funny thing is i was pickin her up for an overnighter to WI to look at the ericson lol...glad i stopped.Thnks everyone for input but especially u peggie..thats kindve the thought i came up with ..if neone has ne hints for a new boat owner..im all ears!
Florida...nope ..almost bought one from panama city tho...ended up buyin it a quarter mile down the road from my moms...funny thing is i was pickin her up for an overnighter to WI to look at the ericson lol...glad i stopped.Thnks everyone for input but especially u peggie..thats kindve the thought i came up with ..if neone has ne hints for a new boat owner..im all ears!
question bout the keel
Also does neone have ne idea what kindve keel it has? looks like metal?...if so how do i treat it to paint it?...thnks a bunch...Dennis
Also does neone have ne idea what kindve keel it has? looks like metal?...if so how do i treat it to paint it?...thnks a bunch...Dennis
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