1983 20' Enchanter buildup-updated often, many pics

[orangecrush]

Just got the boat back from Miami, and today I took the cover off and took some before pics before we start the project. This is OC's son BTW.

Side View
http://pbucch.net/images/checkmate/checkmate%20day1%20001.jpg

Rear 1/4 shot
http://pbucch.net/images/checkmate/checkmate%20day1%20002.jpg

Interior shot, pretty ratty in person, wasnt that evident in the ebay ad, but it wont be a problem.
http://pbucch.net/images/checkmate/checkmate%20day1%20004.jpg

up close of the cockpit, were planning to sand it down and respray..
http://pbucch.net/images/checkmate/checkmate%20day1%20006.jpg

heres the back seat i ripped out this morning, its shot, but its nothing to make a new one.
http://pbucch.net/images/checkmate/checkmate%20day1%20008.jpg

another shot from the front
http://pbucch.net/images/checkmate/checkmate%20day1%20007.jpg

thats all for now, my father will be on later hell fill you guys in on our goals and what direction were gonna go with this boat. Please leave any comments suggestions for mods etc.

this boat should clean up pretty nice, got some rediculous stickers all over it but with a buff and wax it will be a beauty.

EDIT- Forgot the money shot.
http://pbucch.net/images/checkmate/checkmate%20day1%20003.jpg

[Brian]

OC, love the looks of the enchanter, almost looks like the colors of mine. On mine the gold is silver on yours. Can't wait to see the after pics....... http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[supergenius74]

what a great boat, what color are you going to go with?

[Big Dave]

when we did daren34's we called the factory and they sent everything w/ material on it w/ wood, new ladder and a new steering wheel for 1600.00
everything fit just like new.(open bow though)
I plan to do that for my diplomat I/O next winter.

[orangecrush]

was thinking of going a pearl white but i think will stick with the factory theme. one of my friends owns an uphostery shop so ill see what he thinks. wood is in good shape except for the frame for the back seat. THe boat was orginally from Wyandotte Michigan belonged to a Paul wojtylko anyone know him or the boat? Wondering how it wound up in Fla. Any ideas how to strip clear coat without ruining the black flake.

[cooperider]

Dont worry about the flake its in a layer of clear between the clear and the black. If you sand it all the way back to the black then in your first layer of clear you mist on the flake. Then you shoot the rest of the clear.

[merc245]

HEY, I've worked for Wyandotte fire for 15 yrs now. Lived there for 10 yrs. I don't recall beating up Pauls boat with my 245hp starflite. If it was around the past 12 yrs I would of seen it. I hit the water apx. 40-50 times a year back then. (ahhhh! single life,Those were the days) MERC 245
p.s. Wyandotte is a nice little polish community, Pauls now at either 1 of 2 places Church or the Bar. Theres one or the other on every corner here.

[orangecrush]

Merc245 thanks for the come back Paul sold it to Dale harris of Wyandotte on 8-6-2004 .Idont think Dale could have used it much because it it was in FLA. in Feb. so thats why i asked if anyone knew Paul. there is an action marine sticker on the motor.are they in Mich. trying to find some history on this boat guy i got it from knew nothing .said it was soldat auction OC.

[Chris E]

since you're doing a few mods anyway how about replacing that control with a nice flush mount style.

[merc245]

Action marine was located on VanBorn Rd.in Dearborn hieghts, Michigan. It was a very busy place in the 70's and early 80's. They sold alot of checkmates. The Combs would remember the Dealership. Alot of older mates around here have the bkack & silver action marine stickers on them.

[merc245]

Orangecrush, If you post an e-mail address I can send over a list of apx. seven phone #s of that has the same last name in the area. 1 has a first name of paul.

[orangecrush]

Chris you are right about the shifter got out bid last night on a new one.Merc245 my e-mail is paul.buccheri@cox.net thanks OC>

[orangecrush]

Just got back from picking up the tan enchanter we desided to keep the tan one and sell the black one (ebay enchanter) for what we got into it less the travel to pick it up,because it was great just to get away from the snow and cold. will post add and pics later when jr. gets back.OC

[orangecrush]

okay sold the tan enchanter started on the black one . took off ladder,deck rails,all the decals someone put on.started the motor if sounds wicked. i dont think it is stock just seamedtoo crisp.stripped the clear off half the deck, using a razor blade. it is just peeling off pretty easy not even scracthing the black.OC

[mistertoadie]

Hey OC, I am always on the Ct. River up here above the Holyoke dam. in Mass. Never been down there in the hartford south area. Maybe we'll hook up, have a Ct. River checkmate day. Anyone else from the area????

[orangecrush]

Mistertoadie. i thinkthat would be a good idea .anyone here know how many members from ct.

[blackknight]

mistertoadie & orangecrush,
I,m from Manchester, CT. wetvette (with the '83 baja 200ss) is my son. I have a black '79 Enchanter I/O that looks very much like OC's outboard. We just brought it home this past labor day weekend. I tried it out once on Coventry Lake. But, it's not even registered in Connecticut yet. It came from New York. I also found it on eBay.

A day on the river sounds like a great idea. We've put the Baja in at Riverside Park in Hartford a few times, and gone downstream from there. We've been as far down as Harbor Park in Middletown.

[mistertoadie]

what is it like on the river down there? are there alot of shallow spots??? I had been toying with the idea of taking a ride down to the ramp under 291 and putting in there, then running down as far as I dared. I just am nervous about the depths and possible obstructions. My damn depth finder is on the fritz too which makes it even scarier. Keep in touch! ....'toadie.

[blackknight]

I really haven't encountered any shallow spots. There's a big sand bar directly across from Riverside Park, so you have to kind of hug the western (Hartford side) shore for a short distance until you get to the Bulkely Bridge. That's all. From there on down, I just stay between the channel markers. There's a fair number of no-wake zones (beaches, marinas, ferry crossing, etc.) Still there's plenty of places to open 'er up for a bit.

I've only been upstream of Riverside Park toward I-291 in a Dragon Boat, during practices. I suspect there may be shallow spots in that stretch. Riverside Park is a much nicer facility, and is only a little farther down (off exit 33).

By the way, I used to work with a woman from Holyoke, Her husband is a scuba diver, and they go boating up there around Oxbow Marina. Their last name is Barsalou. I'm not sure, but, I think their boat was a Grady White. Would you happen to know them?

[orangecrush]

Mr._t and black knight the river between 291 and riverside park is to shallow for our boats. my freind rode up to the farmington river last week but it was 8 ft over norm. you can launch farther down stream in hartford under charter oak bridge. i just got back into boats after doing streetrods and bikes . cant beleve all the no wake areas that poped up. once you get passed portland it opens up .alot of people camp out at Haddum island . we can take aride down there. toadie can show us the river up north. B-K i work for the MDC we had a dragon boat also.

[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. http://www.pbucch.net/images/checkmate/forum/checkmate%20jack%20plate%20001small.JPG

http://www.pbucch.net/images/checkmate/forum/checkmate%20jack%20plate%20003small.JPG
http://www.pbucch.net/images/checkmate/forum/checkmate%20jack%20plate%20004small.JPG

http://www.pbucch.net/images/checkmate/forum/checkmate%20jack%20plate%20006small.JPG
http://www.pbucch.net/images/checkmate/forum/checkmate%20jack%20plate%20007small.JPG

http://www.pbucch.net/images/checkmate/forum/checkmate%20jack%20plate%20008small.JPG http://www.pbucch.net/images/checkmate/forum/checkmate%20jack%20plate%20009small.JPG

http://www.pbucch.net/images/checkmate/forum/checkmate%20jack%20plate%20011small.JPG

[175checkmate]

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

[illMATTic]

when we gonna see it on the water?

[orangecrush]

Dont really know just had surgery on my knee . illbe home 3-4 weeks hope to get alot done in that timebefore going back to work.

[judge]

I should have my new front seats this week. I ordered them over a month ago. MOtors rigged too. I'm hoping for my maiden voyage this week. I'd like to meet up with some other checkmates on the lower CT river maybe Haddam Meadows in a couple of weeks after I get all the bugs out. Anyone interested?

[orangecrush]

Going to try and shoot the paint this week. order new seats last night. then it's just putting it back together. painted our old boat sat. just have to throw in battery and it's a go keep me posted

[judge]

Hows the progress? Should have mine wet by Saturday.

[orangecrush]

Judge - the progress is going along slowly keep finding spots that need sanding. glassed in new blocks to mount front seats last sunday. having a gaduation party for my son sat. so friday and sat. are shot might make some progress sunday & monday. Good luck Paul

[orangecrush]

Painted sides and transom anda stripe on the top monday. Paint blushed on the deck have to wet sand and shoot again. hope to get second color on this week so i can start putting it back together.

[merc245]

We have an island out on the river that people camp overnite on too. And it should be called Hoodlum Island. My wife refers to it as Alcatraz Island.

[brian s]

looking good paul just finished mine last week and im loving it there really isnt anything like a mate. im one happy http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/surf.gif

[orangecrush]

Got R wettt !!!!!! ToDAY man this boat flies. this is the first checkmate i ever owned , and i am really impressed with everything it does. great ride , fast planning, great in fast turns. will have pic's in a few days my sons' computer is down .this one cant' take them from the camera. Paul

[orangecrush]

http://www.pbucch.net/images/checkmate/ct%20river%20003small.JPG http://www.pbucch.net/images/checkmate/ct%20river%20004small.JPG http://www.pbucch.net/images/checkmate/ct%20river%20005small.JPG http://www.pbucch.net/images/checkmate/ct%20river%20006small.JPG http://www.pbucch.net/images/checkmate/ct%20river%20007small.JPG http://www.pbucch.net/images/checkmate/ct%20river%20008small.JPG

[judge]

Hey Crush, looks fantastic. I've been waiting for the pics. Looks like the CT river. How bout a get together. I just borrowed a 4 blade 24 pitch SS I want to try. Who did your upholstery and are you leavin the windshield off?

[orangecrush]

Yup that's the CT. in Rockyhill. Didn"t do Upholstery yet. just new carpet and the seats i got from Boatersworld. my friend owns a shop inW. Hartford and well" do the rest to match later.w-s off for now. filled all the holes. makes deck look longer. Heading down your way tommarow. be out all weekend. Paul

[supergenius74]

wow, thats all i gots ta say! peace

[91 GTX]

CRUSH, NICE JOB. LOVE THE LOOK WITHOUT BOW RAIL AND WINDSHIELD. HAD A 81 ENCHANTER SAME LOOK,BOAT RAN 70 LOTS OF FUN.GOOD LUCK WITH IT

[orangecrush]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by judge:
Hey Crush, looks fantastic. I've been waiting for the pics. Looks like the CT river. How bout a get together. I just borrowed a 4 blade 24 pitch SS I want to try. Who did your upholstery and are you leavin the windshield off? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

hey judge, was down your way yesterday, rode back through the thunderstorm, whitecaps the whole bit. The mate handled it well. I may be out later today or tommorow.