PDA

View Full Version : Daycruisers



MANIC MECHANIC
01-25-2004, 02:24 PM
Could I get some of you to post some daycruiser pictures?
I'm looking at a 23' daycruiser in the boat trader (Sleekcraft).
It's a long way away and we don't see daycruisers out here in the east. (I have never seen one myself) Just hoping to get an idea of the potential of what I'm considering.
Thanx...Tim

DansBlown73Nordic
01-25-2004, 02:41 PM
Tim, you have never seen a DayCruiser?????:eek:

MANIC MECHANIC
01-25-2004, 02:45 PM
Only pictures Dan,
and very few of them.
Tim

1Bahnerjet
01-25-2004, 04:58 PM
Manic Mechanic,
Try Clicking on this:
1980 Sleekcraft 26' ? ( 1 2 )
oops! didn't work but its on page 2 of Hot Boats Forums :rolleyes:

MANIC MECHANIC
01-25-2004, 05:30 PM
Found it. Thanks.
Anyone else?
Tim

Mohavekid
01-25-2004, 06:23 PM
Here's my Sanger 21 Mini-Cruiser.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1177CBBB-med.jpg

75_Elim
01-25-2004, 07:54 PM
Mine is below....
1975 Eliminator Day Cruiser. It rides like a Cadi, but I'm fighting to break that 60mph mark with her. The olds cruisers are built thick and heavy !!!!

JetBoatRich
01-25-2004, 08:13 PM
Here is mine on the trailer:D :D
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/78MVC-251L-med.JPG

spectras only
01-25-2004, 09:16 PM
1976 20'.10 spectra daycruiserhttp://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/spectra20.3jpg.jpg 1972 24'6 spectra daycruiser http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/spectravdrive3%20copy.jpg

spectras only
01-25-2004, 10:37 PM
here are 2 daycruiser models from Nordic= 26' Ambassador http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/ambassador2.jpghttp://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/ambassador1.jpg 23' Vikinghttp://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/ambassador3.jpg

VD CRUISER
01-26-2004, 08:27 AM
Manic Mechanic, You need to come a little farther east. We have 5 V-drive Day Cruisers in the Newport News - Williamsburg Va. area, 4 of them with blown motors. I know of one jet daycruiser in the area, that is for sale. It is a resto deal that has a lot of the work already done, new stringers, new transom and a new polished pump. I don't know the guys phone # right off, but I can get it.

cruser
01-26-2004, 02:42 PM
Here is a pic of mine. 78 23' Sleekcraft. Wanna buy it?
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/347Passenger_side_front-med.jpg
cruzer

MANIC MECHANIC
01-27-2004, 02:21 PM
Originally posted by cruser
Here is a pic of mine. 78 23' Sleekcraft. Wanna buy it?
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/347Passenger_side_front-med.jpg
cruzer
Cruzer,
Probably out of my price range, but nice lookin boat.
How do these hulls handle rough water?
What eng./drive does it have?
PM me a price.
Tim

MANIC MECHANIC
01-27-2004, 02:33 PM
Originally posted by VD CRUISER
Manic Mechanic, You need to come a little farther east. We have 5 V-drive Day Cruisers in the Newport News - Williamsburg Va. area, 4 of them with blown motors. I know of one jet daycruiser in the area, that is for sale. It is a resto deal that has a lot of the work already done, new stringers, new transom and a new polished pump. I don't know the guys phone # right off, but I can get it.
VD Cruiser,
I'm more interested in an I/O but appreciate the offer of the jet.
How do the V-drive hulls respond to added HP?
I was told that the V-drive versions have a problem with porpoising at certain speeds, any truth to that?
Got any pics?
Thanks
Tim

MANIC MECHANIC
01-27-2004, 02:42 PM
Thanks everyone for the replies and pics.
Any further info on How these hull handle rough water and respond to increased HP, as well as more pictures, would be appreciated.
Tim

VD CRUISER
01-28-2004, 08:42 PM
Manic, The V-drive cruisers probably respond to more power better than jets or outdrives. So far as the porpoise deal, applying down pedal will stop that, however too much down pedal will scrub off speed. When my driveline was like it came from Howard you had to let it porpoise to get the speed. That made for a fun ride by the way. Since I have changed strut placement and angle I can run a lot of up plate without worry of porpoise, however if I let it porpoise a little it is still faster.
Did you get the PM I sent you about the pictures I put in the photo gallery

Mopar426
01-29-2004, 01:08 AM
Here is the Sleek 26' 454/Berk
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/521/1223sleek_26.jpg

Mopar426
01-29-2004, 01:18 AM
My 1975 Sleek 23'(blank plug) Ordered this way with no windows,no windshield,unfinished cabin. I think it adds to the boats character. Have recieved many compliments.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/521/1223sleek23-med.jpg

1Bahnerjet
01-29-2004, 07:46 AM
Where all DayCruizers came From, CAMBELL. :cool:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/43bigcampbell-med.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/43Campfly-med.jpg

spectras only
01-29-2004, 09:45 AM
1Bahner, I had a magazine way back ,that featured an article about the campbell daycruiser in the 60's.The boat was 32 feet ,possibly the same as the one in your picture.Hard to tell from the angled view.Bud Bailey worked for campbell at the time and wonder if he had to do anything with that design, hence he's the father of the first 20' daycruiser design in 1970.

HavasuDreamin'
01-29-2004, 10:03 AM
Originally posted by spectras only
1Bahner, I had a magazine way back ,that featured an article about the campbell daycruiser in the 60's.The boat was 32 feet ,possibly the same as the one in your picture.Hard to tell from the angled view.
The one in the picture is a 24' I believe. You would definately know if it was a Campbell 32' because it would dominate that dually. The 32'ers also had a fly bridge to drive from. Plus, I believe the 32' was to wide to tow on the street without a permit.
HD :cool:
One more thing.........the 32'ers usually ran twins.

1Bahnerjet
01-29-2004, 10:07 AM
spectras only,
I packed all my old Mags. away again, that Cambell is 22' or 24' don't remember which. But it sure Looks HEAVY. With enough Power to Make it Fly
:cool:

spectras only
01-29-2004, 11:42 AM
HD you're right ,the 32 was a flybridge model with no windows.This boat must be at least 24' .My spectra is a true 24.6 and looks a tad smaller. Those campbells have a very shallow deadrise [looks like 12 degree] .It would be interesting to go on a rough day with summerlove's 24 and brent's 24 spectra for a comparo ;)

SPECTRABRENT
01-29-2004, 08:32 PM
The 24 Campbell in the picture belonged to Bob Teague, I think it had twin turbos.
As for the 32 Campbell, it did have a flybridge and windows (if you wanted) and that Crew Cab Chevy in the picture (Also Bob Teagues) could not tow a 32 Campbell. My dad had a 32 Campbell and it was 12 feet wide and 32 feet long, I was told it weighed 18,000 lbs.
I dont think a 24 Campbell (great boat) has as good a ride in rough water as a Spectra 24.
Brent

dankirk
01-30-2004, 01:56 AM
Here are a couple of pics of my 1977 23' Mirage:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/521/617DSC00335-med.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/617DSC00334-med.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/521/617DSC00318-med.JPG
See more here:
My Gallery (http://www.***boat.com/image_center/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=617&password=)

MANIC MECHANIC
01-30-2004, 02:48 PM
Thanks everyone for the replies.
I understand they are not real fast and I'm not looking for big numbers, but what kind of speed can I realisticly expect?
What kind of speed did the 350/260HP/alpha drive combo deliver?
Has anyone done a 383 stroker motor with the alpha drive?
Or would that reqiure a Bravo?
What kind of performance would that deliver?
How about some speed no's along with Length, Yr and Manufacturer of your hull, Eng/drive type and est. hp you have to get the speed your currently running.
How do you use your boat?
Are they any good for skiing/wakeboarding/kneeboarding?
Are there any major drawbacks to this kind of boat?
What do you estimate towing weight at?
I have a '97 F150 with the small V8 and an auto trans.
Will that pull a 23"daycruser?
More pictures and comments would be greatly appreciated (different manufacturers,on the water photos, seating, cabin, Eng, drive)
I love the look of these boats and have pretty much decided to buy one, I am leaning towards an I/O. Comments?
Help me to make the most informed decision.
Anyone have one they want to offer me for around $7000 or less?
I would be willing to travel some distance for a good deal.
Boats needing some work will be considered also.
Thanks all.
Tim

spectras only
01-30-2004, 03:25 PM
MM,your F150 has a factory tow package ? If you have the 4.6L you're limited to the 21' range . The 5.4 Triton is a must if you go to 23+ on length.Some 23 footers like an Omega or a boat like Dankirk's [previous post] would be max for a 4.6 ,mostly flatland towing. I tow my 24.6 spectra [approx 6050# dry with trailer] with 1998 Grand cherokee ltd ,rated at max 6500lbs.I'm on the borderline ,however it tows great even on steep mountain roads here in the b.c interior. The 20' daycruisers with a 260HP 350/IO package would top out around 60 on the average with the right prop.Once you're in the 22+ like Schiada,Hallett, Howard,Spectra,etc.....[you'll carry more stuff on board;) ]you need a big block . :D

manuel
01-30-2004, 05:25 PM
My 25' Sleek weighs 3,690 lbs. with a big block and about 20 gals. fuel, my trailer in this picture weighs 850 lbs. I towed with my Chevy Astro 4.3 V6 (5,500 lbs. rating) all over the place with no problems until a valve train failure, a bit too droopy in the rear but I'm looking for another one, make sure you have a trans. cooler and any V8 should be fine, these boats have almost no wind resistance compared to travel/utility trailers, you can look up all sorts of towing capacities here, you need to know what your gear ratio is,
http://www.bobstravelcenter.com/99towguide.html
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/950DCP01364.JPG

Mopar426
01-30-2004, 06:28 PM
I've towed my 23' behind my 96 Dakota 5.9 and it did fine until you have to stop real fast. I usually tow with the 98 Suburban 3/4 ton with the 454 and don't even know it's back there. I think a stout 1/2 ton would be ample, better with a manual trans. Just make sure the trailer brakes are in good working order.:)

Thunderbutt
02-01-2004, 06:51 AM
Tim,
If you buy a full daycruser, like a 20, 24 or 26. Stay with a v-drive or outdrive. With the v-drive you can put almost unlimited horse power. Most daycrusers are too heavey for Jet's. As for as handleing rough water I have a 20 foot Spectra and I live on LOTO which I think is too rough for my boat on week-ends unless you don't mind getting wet, the boat can handel the rough water,I can't. If you have never driven a v-drive, I would reccomend it before you buy.

Havasu Hangin'
02-01-2004, 08:02 AM
My old daycruiser has served me well over the years. It's a 23' Cordova (the old Wreidt Montera)...which looks similar to the Sleekcrafts of the same era.
http://www.highperformancecars.com/hhangin/hhtugboat4.jpg
It originally had a Volvo 280 package...but now has a (450HP) 383 with a Volvo 290 outdrive. I've gone through EVERYTHING in the boat...with the exception of the fuzzy headliner (looks like that Sleek ad).
The boat is very heavy compared to the newer boats- probably at least 5,000 lbs. Having said that, it will never be a speed demon. I can't imagine what a jet would be like on a boat this big, but I have seen them.
My boat was built in a era when lakes were smooth...so it has a shallower v than newer boats...and full strakes. It helps with speed (the boat rides flat, and doesn't like alot of trim), but is not made for the ocean. When it gets rough, I put the tabs down, and plow though it.
For a family boat...it does everything as well as a newer boat. It holds an ice chest as well as the six-figure boats.
Besides the weight, the only other downside I can see is the dated lines.
I tow it with a 1/2 ton Sub...no problems. My new trailer has disc brakes...the old trailer was a handful (with drums).
http://www.highperformancecars.com/hhangin/hhtugboat2.jpg

MANIC MECHANIC
02-02-2004, 01:55 PM
Thanks for the replies everyone.
Come on guys, someone has to know of one of these for sale for a reasonable price somewhere.
Or maybe one sitting somewhere that could be bought and rebuilt?
Any leads would be appreciated!
Tim

cruser
02-02-2004, 02:42 PM
My 78 23' Sleek has a jet and does about 55 with full tanks(60 gallons) and just me in it. When empty it is a lot faster, maybe close to 60? Didn't have a GPS then. The current motor puts out something close to 400hp judging from the rpms turned with a berkley A impeller.
The wake is kinda big for skiing but the wake boarders like it. I have pulled 5 kneeboarders or 2 single skiers up from deep water starts. People on double skis are hardly noticed.
I pull mine with a 5.4 4WD Expedition. It is a load but I can pull it up a 6% grade at 50 mph with out trying very hard. Higher speeds are possible if I want to listen to the engine at 4K rpm. I also pull it with a 2000 5.4 F150. This pulls it up hills better thant the Expedition but is not as comfortable.
My boat weighs about 5500 lbs on the trailer, packed with camping stuff after a multiday camping trip. It will also get on plane with the cabint stuffed with camping gear and 6 people on board.
You can have it for $7000 and I'll even tow it to meet you part way to WV. Or we could look into shipping it.
cruzer
ps I sent you a pm. If interested reply back.

jeffro
02-11-2004, 06:43 PM
here's mine. 78 glastron carlson cv 23. BBF / berkley jf

VD CRUISER
02-12-2004, 08:00 AM
Manic,
Are you looking for a specific size/drive combo, like a 21' V-drive or a 22/23' outdrive deal. I've had several v-drive flatbottoms, and in my opinion the 21' v-drive is the best all around combination for ride, room, efficiency, and speed.

flat broke
02-12-2004, 04:56 PM
I'm gonna disagree with Thunderbutt's assesment that daycruisers and jetdrives don't do well together. My 76 Spectra 20 has done just fine with mild BBC power and has been nothing but great in most situations. Yes in Big water you have to DRIVE the boat, but the boat is more than capable of handling most anything you can thow at it.
http://www.liquidaddiction.net/images/CBBB/Chris-Cruising.gif
There have been tons of 20' Spectra clones equiped with the BigBlock/Jet combo over the past 3 decades. I think that if it was such a bad idea there would have been far fewer of them sold. Will a V'drive with the same power go faster? yes, but that doesn't mean the jet is a bad setup.
Chris

Mopar426
02-12-2004, 06:37 PM
I think it's were you use the boat. My 23' works fine with the jet and I bought a 26' with a jet. I go in places were fixed gear boats just wouldn't be able to go. I was willing to trade some top end performance for versatility. I have owned two fixed gear boats and loved them, but after moving to desert lake country I opted for the jet.

spectras only
02-12-2004, 09:00 PM
Flat broke, I don't think Thunderbutt dislike jets,he only prefers v-drives because the different feel of that propulsion.I have a v-drive now ,yet I loved my jetboat for some 26 years for its safety and ease of maintenance, smooth lakes or rough ocean. Compared to a v-drive I have to worry about hitting submerged objects around vancouver .At LOTO where TB lives there probably isn't an issue to worry about logs and such;) .Here's a shot of the 1976 20' 429 BBF jetboat we took last fall http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/rivertrip.jpg

SPECTRABRENT
02-12-2004, 09:38 PM
I will have to disagree with Jim about 20 foot jet boats, if the Spectra 20 jet is setup right, it will run with comparable (same engine setup) v-drives. Flat Brokes Spectra 20 was mine before he bought it. I ran a single carb. 509 Chevy (very mild 550HP) and it ran low 70's (GPS). I ran with many 75 to 85 mph v-drive cruisers.
I am currently building a Spectra 20 that will be setup to run, 540 Chevy with intercooled 10/71 (I figure it should make close to 900 HP), blueprinted bottom & set back Berkeley JG pump. I hope it runs in the 90's.
As for anything bigger, Jim is right you should buy a v-drive or I/O.
Brent

spectras only
02-13-2004, 01:02 AM
Originally posted by SPECTRABRENT [/i]
I am currently building a Spectra 20 that will be setup to run, 540 Chevy with intercooled 10/71 (I figure it should make close to 900 HP), blueprinted bottom & set back Berkeley JG pump. I hope it runs in the 90's. Brent , will you have the 24' ready before your 20' project ?

superdave013
02-13-2004, 09:58 AM
Originally posted by dankirk
Here are a couple of pics of my 1977 23' Mirage:
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/521/617DSC00335-med.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/617DSC00334-med.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/521/617DSC00318-med.JPG
See more here:
My Gallery (http://www.***boat.com/image_center/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=617&password=)
That's a damn nice lookin boat! Did you do all the work yourself?? I like the way it fits snug on the trailer.

MANIC MECHANIC
02-14-2004, 08:03 AM
Thanks everyone for the replies
I wanted to get one of these so my wife would be more comfortable, but we talked about it and - get this-
She wants to get something really fast .... like a small tunnel hull.
You dont think she's trying to get rid of me do you?
So I guess my search for a daycruiser has come to an end.
Thanks for all the help:)
Tim

Hal
02-14-2004, 02:36 PM
Heres fixer upper for sale on boattrader.com for about $1200.00 in NC. Its a 1980 21'. Looks like a tunnel hull.
http://images.traderonline.com/EMedia/tarchive2/410/48445/00256097015.jpg

dankirk
02-14-2004, 07:59 PM
Superdave013,
Thanks. This boat was my Dad's when I was a kid. He sold it to a family friend before passing away from cancer. The family friend rebuilt the trailer, had the upholstery done, and buffed out the exterior. The top half is all original gel-coat. When my friend's family out-grew the boat, he called me to see if I wanted to buy it, and take it back into my family. Naturally, I jumped on it. I had to gut the hull and had the stringers and the floor completely replaced. I then re-carpeted it and had the motor re-built. It is pretty much completely new now.
Regarding the trailer, I too really like the way the boat fits on it. The best part is how easy it is to load it perfectly. If you look at the trailer near the bottom of the boat, you can see some white plastic tubes, I call them torpedo-tubes. They contain carpeted poles that fit into holes on the steps on each side of the back of the trailer. Before loading the boat, I place the poles into the trailer and they guide the boat onto the trailer perfectly every time. All I do is pull the boat through the guide poles, connect the front bow eye, and pull the trailer out.
Later, Dan

manuel
02-15-2004, 04:19 PM
MANIC, sounds normal to me, women look better in fast boats, body parts that gravity has affected sudenly are "bouncy" again, and the wind above 50mph has about the same look as a facelift, and everyone looks better with their hair blowing in the wind,
as for trying to get rid of you she might of read this story below and gotten an idea ?, Have fun whatever you decide on,
Manuel
http://reddingemployment.com/news/past/20030625toplo024.shtml

SPECTRABRENT
02-15-2004, 06:04 PM
Atti,
My Spectra 24 is close to being done, the motor is the only thing to finish. I would post pictures, but I dont have a scanner or anyway to down load.
Brent

spectras only
02-15-2004, 07:29 PM
Brent ,so you'll have the 24 at the spectra regatta then ? Send me some pictures , I'll scan them and post them here for you.

SPECTRABRENT
02-15-2004, 08:23 PM
Yep, it will be ready very soon.
Brent

91nordic29
02-18-2004, 07:32 AM
Originally posted by MANIC MECHANIC
Thanks everyone for the replies
I wanted to get one of these so my wife would be more comfortable, but we talked about it and - get this-
She wants to get something really fast .... like a small tunnel hull.
You dont think she's trying to get rid of me do you?
So I guess my search for a daycruiser has come to an end.
Thanks for all the help:)
Tim
i cant speak for the other gals but fast makes my blood boil!!:o :D
i am not sure, maybe one of you all can tell me, if our boat would be classifiesd as a day cruiser or ?????
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/522/477nordic.jpg

VD CRUISER
02-18-2004, 09:29 AM
Manic, Perfect, she wants something fast, so you can get a blown V-drive Day Cruiser. How fast is really fast?

spectras only
02-18-2004, 01:44 PM
Originally posted by 91nordic29 [/i]
[
i am not sure, maybe one of you all can tell me, if our boat would be classifiesd as a day cruiser or ????? , weekender , overnighter
;) :D