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42 Eagle Excalibur - Worth restoring?
Hi, folks!
My name is Christian, I am from northern Germany and recently found a neglected 42 Excalibur in one of my companies facilities... No owner, just someone who wants to get rid of it and make a few bucks. Its lying on a three axle street legal trailer (not easy to find in Germany!) for at least 2 years, I reckon ( in fact the google maps sattelite pictures I can see it on are 2 years old). Unfortunately this beauty sits there for a long time fully open now (no cover, cabin door open, etc.) and without both drives. Its dirty and shabby looking, and there's plenty of moisture inside the cabin. Someone already removed the upholstery, but the cushins are all there. Everything is not in a good condition, to be honest, it looks like a wreck. BUT: It seems that not much is missing. All doors and windows are okay, all cushins are there, all instruments and gentry parts, the rollbar :) is there. The hull seems to be undamaged, although I cannot see to much details through the dirt. Need cleaning/polishing before I can, I assume. What's missing is the two drive components, although the transom flanges (gimbals?) are there. And I couldn't take a view into the motor compartment, so I dunno if the engines are there or not... However: I fell in love with his boat, even more after finding catalogue pictures of the 42 eagle in the web. Would it be worth to restore something like this, or would I find too much wet glass coat / gel coat and too rotten hull parts after disassembly? Its not matter of money, when it comes to all bolted parts, or even with the missing drives and / or engine. I will have enough room to store this racer inside or at least under a shed outside to work on it and it would probably be a VERY long term project, as I have a BIG lack of free time at the moment. My father in law, my wife and we, we are leading a mid sized engineering company, designing and fabricating mainly super yacht equipment (60m+), technical deck equipment, such as hatches and drives, cranes, masts, launching devices a.s.o., so I have NO lack of carpenters, painters, polishers and professional equipment for all works on board of this sleeping beauty..... It "just" a question of whether the hull being a wreck after too much water ingress, or if it is restorable. I know that the answer must be impossible from the other side of the ocean and without any pictures, but maybe there are some general issues regarding these boats/hulls that may help my decision? Or help me to come to my senses... The biggest point making me think of this anyway is: I will probably get this nearly for free. I may have to pay a little amount for the trailer, but this will be around 1 k€ or something. It's worth double at least as a non-street-legal habour trailer anyway. So far, I didn't take detailed looks, nor did I take any pictures. I have been inside, opening the stair hatches and one or the other cabinet door and felt like coming home. Like it was calling me. (Anyone read the book "Christine" by Stephen King?) Just wondered, if anyone could talk me out of this....... As I didn't find ANY information on these Wellcrafts in Germany, I registered here and hope for some advice. All the best and many thanks in advance! Chris(tian) |
Just like any other vehicules, boats, cars, bikes, whatever, they are never worth to restore. Specially if you need to pay to do it. You will never get back the money you put in it.
on the other side if you do a total resto, it will be almost like a new boat! So yes you will loose but your almost new boat will cost much less than a really new boat, but you will not have todays look, and todays hull efficiency. the way i see it, lets say it will cost you 50 to 70k, you might sell it in 7 or 10 years for... 40k ? Thats a 10 to 30k loss in 7-10 years now buy a new 42. That must be aroud what? 300 k? sell it in 7-10 years and you will loose a lot more than 10 to 30k ! that is the only way to say it worth it!!! |
Before making your decision, take 15 minutes and read this thread all the way through....
https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/...-38-resto.html The boat you are looking at is probably in similar condition (from your description) only bigger! hblair did a beautiful restoration on a 30 footer and now has the 38 in his workshop. Everything he touches needs work and it's a huge project. Read his thread and it will give you some idea of what you should expect to restore the boat properly. If you have the skills, money and patience, it's a nice boat to bring back to life but as Jeff suggested above, don't even dream about getting your money back. Good luck whatever you decide, if you buy it, keep us updated, this is an invaluable place to get free help and information. :) RR |
Hey, all!
Many thanks for the replies and thoughts. I made an appointment for a detailed inspection of that bunch of plastic during this week. At the moment we are at an asking price of 2 k€ for the trailer, boat is for free on top :D I hate modern round shaped things (like cars, bikes, boats, whatever). I have a 1952 Ferguson tractor with nice original patina and full restored technical equipment. I drove a 67 Early Shovel Harley until I swapped it against an old Triumph. We can refurbish, draw and fabricate or order most of the boat's equipment via our company, we build electrical stuff (PLC control, wireless, instruments a.s.o.) hydraulic equipment (cylinders, power packs a.s.o.) as well as all mechanical (gangways, hatches, davits, cranes, etc. with own design, welding and installation departments), so maybe my personal costs going to be lower than expected ;) We'll see and I get back with pictures or a screaming face here... Chris |
Hm.
Just been there onboard. Turf. bilge and engine room seem to be okay. Both engines there. Engine room equipment seems to be competely there. Incl. Batteries. according to found docs on board, there has noone been there since 2005 or something. The biggest problem was/is indeed Water coming from the open area, running freely through the cabin door. Also the flat deck superstructure is turfing away, all cabin wall coatings are ... gone. Some pics. STill not sure about it. Baddest thing I saw was the damaged radar bar, which had a big hole in the side arm surface gel coat and all the wood underneath rotten away. The question is: Where could the water rinse into from here? Hm. Will post some pics later on. Chris |
The price, at 2k, is obviously ok. If you want it, prepare for the worst case scenario.....
Engines may be all busted up Assuming it's set up for TRS drives, parts may be very hard to get in Germany Transom, stringers, bulkheads may be full of rot It's still a cool old boat if properly restored. Look forward to seeing a few pics. :) RR |
Some pics with the next post, just download from my mobile.
We are now at 800€ for the trailer :D It was really street legal, still got a number plate on it. Tires are busted, probably pneumatic hoses for brakes also, but rest is looking quite good. Gross weight of 12 tons. Should be worth at least 3 to 4 thousand with fresh TÜV badge. (thumbs up!) Regarding the price, the really nice lines of the hull and the still once in a lifetime chance to own such a nice oldtimer "speed" boat, I probably have to give myself a project time schedule of 5 to 10 years. Maybe I should calculate what a disposal of that whole boat costs and counterbalance with the worth of engines and trailer... By the way: Many thanks for the comments so far here! Really appreciate it. If I take that beauty, you will regret, 'cause I won't be gone for years :D Chris |
Oh: I need 10 posts to post image URLs..
Bah. So I will get back later and post some pics. Chris |
Its snowing at the moment here.
Will try to make pictures of the whole boat and cockpit once the snow is gone (probably end of the week). Can anyone tell me which engines these are and which kind of Z-drives are missing? Thanks all! Chris |
If it were me and you have the time and ability, buy it, get the engines and tabs out of it. The engines look like they may be diesels and I would guess TRS drives? After you do that much, decide it its something you want to mess with. It is not a racer and they struggle to bring $20K running here in the US.
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Originally Posted by TxHawk
(Post 4598952)
If it were me and you have the time and ability, buy it, get the engines and tabs out of it. The engines look like they may be diesels and I would guess TRS drives? After you do that much, decide it its something you want to mess with. It is not a racer and they struggle to bring $20K running here in the US.
Dieselengines would make it even worth double here in Germany as Gas is not affordable as long as you have to buy 150 Liters per hour... :D Have there been original diesels, I reckon not... Christian |
Pictures are not good enough or clear enough to know type of engines
but chances are it ran TRS drives, or the upgraded ssm2 but i doubt! |
If you do decide to do the resto, make absolutely sure you get the correct wiring schematics for the boat. I guarantee you wil have some electrical problems and chasing them blind is no fun.
And it definitely doesn't look like a high HP gasser. No power stereing hydraulics on the stern unless they have been removed. |
Hi all and thanks so far!
I am sure that the wiring will need some total renewal. Don't need no really speedboat... Let's see what's next after emptying the boat out and cut out all rotten stuff.... Will keep you posted. Chris |
Originally Posted by YunLung
(Post 4600222)
Hi all and thanks so far!
I am sure that the wiring will need some total renewal. Don't need no really speedboat... Let's see what's next after emptying the boat out and cut out all rotten stuff.... Will keep you posted. Chris As for yours, the diesels would be great to have. They'll get decent fuel consumption and can run on pretty much anything. We used some X-ray machine fluid when my dad worked for Picker International out of Germany years ago and the diesel motor we put it in ran like a champ. Even some cooking grease worked...but I wouldn't try the experimental stuff on the water. *lol* If you have the time and patience, I'd say go for it and get the boat. When you are finished, you'll have a new boat that you know inside and out. |
Engine pics and info
Hey all!
Been to the boat today, took some pictures. Someone removed the enginecompartmentcover-cylinder and also the aft end hinge bolts of the hatch hinges. Perhaps wanted to lift if off... Together with the fact that the drives are missing, this may lead to anyone trying to rob these parts in the past. However, the engines are definitely diesel V8s and the air intake cast parts are saying "mercruiser", as far as I could see in the dark. COmparing pictures in the net, I would assume that these are GM / Detroit V8 Engines. Can anyone confirm this? While viewing all the cable running down the inlets, maybe 6.5 tubecharged detroit duramax? If so, are there any specs to be found online anywhere? The (four) exhausts at the stern have rubber caps showing a "marine power" sign and label, opening them, you find shafts inside (horizontal). One of the shafts has some rest pieces of something looking like a flap attached. Can anyone tell if this was original stuff, or if I have any kind of adjustable / switch over exhaust system? Nice looking boat, though. found teak underneath the rotten carpet... Most of the switches are working (well: are moving). COuple of shore power connections flying around. Someone without any sense of electricity was working on that one, I assume. Will get back as soon as I have the confrimation that this will become mine... :) https://preview.ibb.co/h3XO5R/boot3.jpg https://preview.ibb.co/kBt7X6/boot4.jpg https://preview.ibb.co/hxzLkR/Diesel1.jpg https://preview.ibb.co/h5dfkR/diesel2.jpg image upload All the best! Christian |
42 Eagle Excalibur - Worth restoring? No. IMHO. |
Originally Posted by SB
(Post 4600664)
42 Eagle Excalibur - Worth restoring? No. IMHO. |
Soaked soggy mess.
Extremely few people in this country that would take on this project and finish it...no, I'm not talking professional shops....actual people that would buy and do all the work and get it on water and enjoy. And I did type in IMHO,which stands for In My Honest Opinion. |
Hi everyone!
Been down to the engine room recently to take some pictures. Unfortunately I have not been able to find any engine numbers or so. THese definitely are GM V8 Turbos Diesel engines, according to what I saw 6.2 or 6.5. They have a couple of "MarinePower" Parts on it, inlet etc. And an ID plate of them on one of the valve covers... Is this a parts manufacturer or an engine builder? Does anyone have further info on engines and/or parts? And what are these Kiekhaefer AeroMarine thingies? And does anyone know what the departed grid part underneath the engine is? Seems to be a cooler thingi where one of the hose flanges has been rotten or frozen off? Attached some pics. Thanks in advance for your help, mates! Really appreciated! Chris https://preview.ibb.co/ccqxCR/1.jpg https://preview.ibb.co/fjLxCR/2.jpg https://preview.ibb.co/nKyjsR/3.jpg https://preview.ibb.co/d52cCR/4.jpg https://preview.ibb.co/j1pqXR/5.jpg https://preview.ibb.co/fsW9Rm/6.jpg |
With the rust showing pretty much everywhere even on parts that seemed to be higher, i would not be surprised if it took water or sank once upon the time... i might be wrong but also might be right...
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We'll see...
I am not bothering with these details yet. Still got the dreams in my head :D I just received an advertisement copy of the MarinePower 6.5 Turbo intercepted engine with 275 HP. Looks identically as these two. Christian |
I see a lot of those engines (looks like the 6.5l) in the machine shop where I work on my stuff. It would definitely be worth your time to remove the heads and check them for cracks with the magnet and flux dust (I think that's the more righter term for that stuff). Plus, you'll get to see what shape the top end of the motors are in and get a better estimate of how much more work you would need to do.
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Originally Posted by YunLung
(Post 4604406)
Hi everyone!
Been down to the engine room recently to take some pictures. Unfortunately I have not been able to find any engine numbers or so. THese definitely are GM V8 Turbos Diesel engines, according to what I saw 6.2 or 6.5. They have a couple of "MarinePower" Parts on it, inlet etc. And an ID plate of them on one of the valve covers... Is this a parts manufacturer or an engine builder? Does anyone have further info on engines and/or parts? And what are these Kiekhaefer AeroMarine thingies? And does anyone know what the departed grid part underneath the engine is? Seems to be a cooler thingi where one of the hose flanges has been rotten or frozen off? Attached some pics. Thanks in advance for your help, mates! Really appreciated! Chris https://preview.ibb.co/ccqxCR/1.jpg |
If the motors have a Mercruiser stamp n them they are probably marinized 6.9 liter International diesel.
Great engine in a truck , lousy in a boat as they struggled to make 200 horsepower. |
A germany guy send me this ad, engine looks EXACTLY as my two look like....
https://image.ibb.co/cSgG6m/Marine_P...ertisement.jpg Chris |
Man that thing is a mess, if you haven't put any money in it, Id just cover it back up and let the boat God's have it.....
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I'm going to call the project "Sleeping Beauty" !
:drink: |
Originally Posted by YunLung
(Post 4605074)
I'm going to call the project "Sleeping Beauty" !
:drink: |
You were warned not to 'wake the sleeping beauty' but you must want it bad so go for it!
Keep this thread going if you can, you'll find this is the best place for good friendly help. Some of the guys on here know more about fixing up old boats than anyone and they're all happy to lend an opinion. RR |
Hey everyone!
Long time no see... there've been some troubles with the ownership of that nice young lady (the wellcraft, not me...) but now it is officially mine. Lucky or not, that's it. However, I already started to clean the boat, empty it (throwing stuff away as much as I can find) and looking for parts, mostly for the missing stern outdrive parts of the TRS. Eventually I got in touch with the company that brought the boat to Germany when it was new and had the MarinePower Diesels installed. that company also is MarinePower distributor for Germany. I will ask them guys there what I need to look for when it comes to the outdrives (gear ration, which parts, etc.). If you have any ideas, which gear ratio and TRS type (280, 330 etc.) I should look for with regards to the Marinpower V8 Diesels, I would really appreciate a short notice... All the best! PS: Will show up with some pics shortly! |
Originally Posted by tommymonza
(Post 4604499)
If the motors have a Mercruiser stamp n them they are probably marinized 6.9 liter International diesel.
Great engine in a truck , lousy in a boat as they struggled to make 200 horsepower. If I keep mine, I'm thinking of going this route since I have two LS7 long blocks ready to go. |
Double Posting
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Here are 2x GM 6.5 V8 Turbo Diesel ENgines with MarinePower modifications (intercooler, intake and exhaust, compression lowering pistons etc.) on board.
Are supposed to have 2x 275 HP Christian |
Aloha, everyone!
Meanwhile in Germany: The Eagle has landed. Underneath a big side shed of my company. Most of the interior has been removed by now, I did NOT find anything major rotten at the hull. Stringer are all fine inside the cabin. What needs to be done is removal of the cockpit floor to gain access to the bilge and diesel tanks. Also the engines will be removed during the next weeks after a quick test turn (no run). However, I am very pleased of the general condition of this boat. The foundation is pretty pretty good. Of course there will be lots of work and time and money and sweat. BUT in the end, I hope that this boat will be running good in the near future. all furniture inside the cabin could be reused, but refurbished with new surfaces (wooden style instead of high gloss black). In the end: I fell in love and now I will do my best to get it back into the water!https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...36dcbb030f.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...e5af90d962.jpg If anyone has some infos regarding the TRS drives (ratio, TR or TRS etc.) as asked in my last post, please let me know about them... All the best! Christian |
I removed the roll bar due to rotten wood inside and also I like the boats upper line a lot more without it.
Some pics from the inside as it was a couple of weeks ago. Meanwhile all furniture, hatches, portholes and most of the electrics is out. Will build a new stair from some teak wood steps that my job brought me ;) I am on the toilet room and the pantry right now. Someone glued the fridge into the cabinet with door foam. Yiehaw! https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...8fee9f7f29.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...14bc50abbd.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...2a74da2b57.jpg Christian |
You sure have got yourself a project there. Good looking boat though, i very much prefer the lines of an older classic vs. a new one.
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42 eagle Excalibur worth restoring
I was wondering how the restoration was going?
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Good question ! |
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