Ward 60’s 12 ft Sea King project

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Nobaddays443

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Newman California
Hi everyone!

I’m new here and come to share my project and learn as much as I can about boating, fishing and modifying my 1960’s 12 foot Sea King. Please excuse me if this post is in the wrong area...

My goal is to restore this boat into a comfortable and SAFE fishing machine to make memories on with my wife and young kids sometimes. I’d like to only fix things once, the right way so I don’t have to redo in a couple of years. Thank you to all in advance for offering your two cents. Im sure most of you can relate but I’m excited beyond words to begin!

First question, I don’t see really any Sea Kings 12 ft out there. Are these boats somehow related to the Starcraft Sea Scamps ?

Now for pictures of how she looks now then ill explain my plans I’ve got. Thanks !
 

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Transom needs reinforcements in the corners and to be re done with new wood.

What type of wood is best?

I’ve got a aluminum welding guy should I have him make a bracket for the corners? Or is there a go to place to buy one that will fit ? Looks like something def used to be bolted there. That 9.9 outboard is heavy as hell
 

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Not sure who made those for Wards. I have a ‘71 Starcraft 12 footer and it doesn’t look anything like that. Starcraft had a lapstreaked hull, different gunnels, and transom corners with cast-in handles. Shape of hull is also different.
 
https://tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=44152&hilit=One+mans+junk

I had a similar Sea King a few years ago

Sent from my CLT-L04 using Tapatalk

 
Thank you all for the replies. @weldorthemagnificent great thread !! She came out looking beautiful ! I’ve got the 9.9 above that I believe is over 150 lbs. I’m gonna beef up the transom with some support brackets similar to yours. But is this motor too heavy ? Max weight on boat is 600
 
9.9 is a lot of motor for that boat. I think my 12 foot Starcraft is rated for 5 or 6 horsepower.
 
Mine was closer to 11ft and was a great small water boat with a 4 HP. With 2 full-size guys and gear it got less stable and I sent it down the road in favor of a deeper wider Harber Craft. Have you had yours in the water yet!

Sent from my CLT-L04 using Tapatalk

 
That Honda looks mint but it is a chunk of weight. I have an old johhnyrude 9.5 on my 12' and it weighs 59lbs

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Those little Hondas are great motors. Quiet, reliable power. Does yours have electric start?
 
Thanks I’m super excited about the motor but a bot worried.
It does not have electric start but has the capability to have one installed. You think she’ll be alright back there if I got another person in front? And I’m 180 lbs
 
Only way to find out is to get it in the water. Shouldn't mod any boat until you see how it acts. Might be fine with enough weight up front

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If you keep the rope start you don’t need much battery. You could run a fish finder and some led lights off one of those little batteries the kayak guys use. Could save a good chunk of weight there.
 
Great feedback thank you all so much. I think for my families safety I’m going to upgrade boats instead of downsize motor.
Buddy has a Klamath 14 footer for sale that will be much better suited.

Anyone disagree ??

Also, is it possible to put a 14 foot boat on a 12 foot boat trailer? If so, how ?

Pics below
 

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