1983 20' Enchanter buildup-updated often, many pics

[blackknight]

OC,
You must be right about the river being too shallow in that stretch. I've never seen anything bigger than a small fishing boat there.

Do you know of any good launching areas farther downriver? There's Haddam Meadows. I also know of one in East Haddam, a little above the swing bridge, near the mouth of the Salmon River. The ramp under the Baldwin Bridge, near the mouth of the river, looks real nice.

Also, do you know what make of trailer that is, that your black Enchanter is sitting on in the pictures. Mine is almost a dead ringer for it, but mine was registered as homemade.

 

[blackknight]

OC,

I almost forgot ... I paddled for The Hartford in the Dragon Boat races the first 3 years. I skipped it this past year, but it got rained out anyway.

 

[orangecrush]

B-K the trailer isa Kingsway or kingsmen .I launch in rockyhill its $50.00 a season for res. useto be free. my boat has never been in salt water so i wont be going down to the BB been to The meadows all theses ramps fill up quickly. Ps.my trailer has a perament plate from Michagan they only pay one time.think i can get away it?

 

[orangecrush]

B-K you are right about the rain. i felt bad for our team they practice a lot only got one race. they should have a rain date. OC.

 

[blackknight]

I don't know how long you'd get away with the plate. I suppose it would depend on whether a cop notices that the boat and trailer are registered in 2 different states. It's my understanding that, to register an out of state trailer, you have to bring it to Motor Vehicles to have the VIN number verified (or to have it inspected if it's homebuilt). This is all on the DMV website. Anyway, for what it costs to register a trailer, is it worth it?

I've wondered about just the opposite situation. What if I were to register the trailer in Connecticut, and just leave the New York numbers on the boat? The boat registration is more costly, but the risk is the same either way.

 

[orangecrush]

The boat is registered in michigan also good tillsept. 2007. we trailered it up from Fla. thought the same thing .mich boat on a ct trailer. going to getthem registered in a couple weeks. got the boat stripped ,got to start sanding and filling holes. not putting deck railings or windsheild,ladder back on. maybe my son can post some more pics .

 

[TPCTEC]

In 2000- 2002 I left my convincor 251 in Yankee boat yard in portland and never registered the trailer for the 2 years I had it.Put the old (universal plate) on it and forget it.

 

[judge]

Hey guys. I just picked up an 80 Enchanter that I'm getting ready for summer. I live in East Haddam near the river and would love a get together. I've been out of boating since I sold my Senator around 1990. I was hoping to hit the Sound on a calm day this year also. Anyone done it in a Mate? I see 20 footers out there quite a bit but the enchanters are not a rough water boat by any means. We could launch by the Swing Bridge. Anyway, I have lots of work to do on this baby. Clearcoat stinks, interior needs replacing and I need to mount the 90' Yamaha 200 I just bought. Any thoughts on setback with a 25" shaft?

 

[Big Dave]

8 to 10 inches or more
25 inch shaft could be a problem to get it up high enough
you will be suprised how well the enchanter does in light to moderate chop

 

[Big Dave]

call the factory for the Interior. Last one we bought was complete with all the wood and foam ready to bolt in(perfect fit, newest design trim) for @1600.00 It included everything that had trim on it.

 

[judge]

I had been looking for a motor for a long time and could not pass this one up. It was unbelievably clean and runs perfectly. 105 to 120 lbs in all cylinders. I don't care for the digital guages but they're there and functioning. Also, I have a Yamaha dealer close by.That's a lot of setback but I've seen them here on this site. I think factory interior is the way I'll go. You can't beat the price. Thanks for the advice

 

[mistertoadie]

I used to put my 16' larson in at point judith R.I. and fish just outside the breakwater. Never had a problem until the swells started breaking. Then I had a heck of a time getting back around the wall to go in. What a ride. I thought the wife was gonna have a coronary.

 

[orangecrush]

cjudge that enchanter from down Strattford Ct.? the one with the curse on it? OC.

 

[judge]

Nope. This one was at a used car lot in East Hartford.

 

[blackknight]

judge,

Anyone done what in a 'Mate ?

Is the used car lot on Burnside Ave.? My son looked at a Checkmate there.

Anyway, the gelcoat on my my '79 Enchanter is badly oxidized too. It's a black boat, but the whole topcap (except under the cockpit cover) is a light gray color. I have a gallon of rubbing compound and a polisher. All I need now is some ambition. I'd be interested to hear how you make out with yours. We think it also needs a u-joint and/or a gimbel bearing.

I'd love to take you up on getting together on the river down your way, whenever we get these things squared away. I'm sure my son would too.

 

[judge]

That's the boat. The guy had a Merc for it he wanted three grand for but I didn't have a great feeling about him as a mechanic and the motor was pieced together so I just bought the hull. I spent a couple of hours with my DeWalt and some 3M machine polish and Meguires fine cut cleaner. Both work about the same but the Meguires is half the price. The results are OK but not spectacular. I got the finish to feel flat and shine but there's just not a deep gloss. Ill end up clearing the whole boat after I finish buffing it. Becareful with that rubbing compound and a machine. That stuff is coarse and builds up a lot of heat. I'd go with something milder made for machine application. Stay at around 2200 rpm. As much as I love doing this old Mate, it was easier walking into Mellen in 88 and ordering my custom Senator. I wonder if that voats still around.

 

[orangecrush]

Judge hows the floor in that boat ? it sat uncovered for a looong time. we did a repair on the side street last fall ,i walked over to check it out ithink he was asking $1500.00 when igot c-mate fever iwent back it was gone.bought this one on ebay.my friend put the tan one in the water sunday with a 200 johnson had the motor up to high, but he loved it he's putting on a j-plate going try again this wknd good luck with the enchanter .keep in touch OC.

 

[blackknight]

judge,

Thanks for the advice. I was using the term "rubbing compound" in a very general sense. I should have been more specific. The stuff I have is actually "3M Marine Finesse-It Paste Compound-White". The instructions on the can say to keep the speed between 1500 and 2500 RPM, like you suggested. At any rate, I plan to proceed cautiously.

 

[orangecrush]

Installed an 8 inch jackplate yesterday, heres some updated pics of the boat, with the interior gutted, and a new frame for the rear seats. Getting ready to start sanding and filling holes.

 

[175checkmate]

Boat is looking good. Make sure you seal the new seat boxes with resin. Seals out the water.