Finally found it!

[Craig Fuller]

After about a year of searching, a 1979 233C was listed on Ebay that was just 50 miles from home. After a no reserve auction, I ended up getting it for $785 with a trailer! It needs a upper outdrive and paint work, but I was expecting that.

The trip home was a little nerve racking because of pretty dry-rotted tires,no trailer brakes(man,this thing IS heavy!) and no trailer plate.(Didn't realize until 1/2 way home.) It all did work out well and it is now in storage about 5 min. away.

I did a quick once over and have been pleasantly surprized. The stringers and transom appear to be pretty solid. No soft spots in floor and the engine fired with no problem.

I worked for an automotive paint company for a number of years as a sales/paint tech, so the paint shouldn't be a problem. The upholstery is pretty amateur, so that may be another challenge.

I'm really exited to have fnally found a piece of boating history.

I'll try to download some pic's as soon as the weather clears up. That could be April around here!

 

[David]

Good luck with your project. Look forward to seeing your progress.

[Craig Fuller]

Loaded a few pictures before the trip home to My Page. Started to remove some of the interior and winterized the motor. I probably won't get a chance to get much done to the exterior before the weather turns, so I plan on concentrating on the mechanicals, electrical and interior. Hopefully, I'll have a few pictures as I progress.

[Lee Holovnia]

Sounds like short money for a good project boat Craig. What does it have for power? I had a 1982 F-233 Sportsman with an OMC Stringer series drive... She was a great boat (still plying the waters of NH too) but for me, the drive was cumbersome to maintain. Now, I own a 1977 F-233C, originallly OMC but repowered with Mercruiser Bravo 3 and I am much happier with this arrangement. Welcome to the club. The F-233 represents a significant piece of powerboating history - good luck!

[Craig Fuller]

Lee, It's powered with the 260 (350 chevy) Mercruiser and a Alpha one outdrive. I looked at a couple with the OMC Stringer drives, but was concerned with parts availability and reliability. I decided to go with the Sterndrive SE116 replacement. I've heard some good things about them and they come with a 3 year unconditional warranty. Also they are about 1/2 the cost of a rebuilt Mercruiser! I already talked to a friend with a body shop about the paint work over the winter and some of the interior (seats) are already on the way. Looking forward to an early summer launch if everything goes well. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the encouragement!

[Lee Holovnia]

You made the right choice. I saw your photos... looks like everything is there. It's terrific to see so many enthusiasts taking time and making the effort to keep the F-233 alive. Albemarle has used this hull for years in their 24 cuddy and center consoles. She's a timeless beauty, and proven winner. ENJOY!