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Diaries | Details
This boat's story has been posted by the owner. Please contact the owner with any questions. You may use the form below to send the owner an email.
Updated:
2/11/2013 (11 years ago)
Originally Posted: 3/19/2009
Total Views: 2,794
Owner: Mike Laur
Forum Nickname: 69barri
Location: Atlanta, GA
Model: 1963 Debonnaire
Length: 20
Engine: Mercruiser 454
HP: 425
Hours:
Modify this Diaries Listing
Forum Nickname: 69barri
Location: Atlanta, GA
Model: 1963 Debonnaire
Length: 20
Engine: Mercruiser 454
HP: 425
Hours:
Modify this Diaries Listing
Just got back from Connecticut with the 1963 Correct Craft Debonnaire. As far as I know this is the only Debonnaire still around. This boat was originally a Debonnaire Rolls, equipped with the 250 hp Rolls Royce engine. I actually found a Rolls Royce Engine to put into this boat, but an unrebuilt model lists for about $60,000 dollars, so I think I will be going with a more modern powertrain. This boat was last registered in the state of Connecticut in 1991. It was believed that this boat originally belonged to Jane Mansfield. The reasoning behind this is that Correct Craft apparently only made one boat in pink, and that it was delivered to Jane Mansfield’s attorney’s house in Key Biscayne, FL. This, of course is all from the mouth of the previous owner, who has a story about every boat made, especially the 20+ boats in his back yard. Overall it was over a 2700 mile journey in 65 hrs with stories that neither I nor my cousin will ever forget. A great classic Correct Craft that I am excited to start restoring and plenty more pictures will follow.
Update: August 2009
I have just installed new high density foam stringers along with the 454 marine engine and PCM 123 transmission. The exhaust and rudder proved to be a problem, so the rudder is out of a Regal to have a longer post to clear the exhaust. This is different from other Correct Craft’s from this era since the exhaust exits from in between the stringers, rather than the outside like a Barracuda or Wildcat. After we figured these issues out we are going to install the floor and build the interior. I am hoping to have the boat finished for the river run in February on the St. John’s river.
Update: February 2010
Body work continues. 6 coats of high build primer already. A majority of the deep cracks in the gelcoat have been repaired, hoping to be ready for summer!
Update: May 2010
A huge thank you to Phil at Standard Boats who has helped me tremendously with this project. The bottom and sides of the boat are perfect, and ready for paint. The deck will soon follow.
Update: October 2011
The motor is finally complete and running and will hopefully end up in the boat soon. I have purchased a trailer for the boat and the hull is covered in gelcoat. The color is 1959 Ford Thunderbird Pink. Hopefully the entire boat will be pink by Thanksgiving. My goal is to make it to the River Run in February.
Update: August 2009
I have just installed new high density foam stringers along with the 454 marine engine and PCM 123 transmission. The exhaust and rudder proved to be a problem, so the rudder is out of a Regal to have a longer post to clear the exhaust. This is different from other Correct Craft’s from this era since the exhaust exits from in between the stringers, rather than the outside like a Barracuda or Wildcat. After we figured these issues out we are going to install the floor and build the interior. I am hoping to have the boat finished for the river run in February on the St. John’s river.
Update: February 2010
Body work continues. 6 coats of high build primer already. A majority of the deep cracks in the gelcoat have been repaired, hoping to be ready for summer!
Update: May 2010
A huge thank you to Phil at Standard Boats who has helped me tremendously with this project. The bottom and sides of the boat are perfect, and ready for paint. The deck will soon follow.
Update: October 2011
The motor is finally complete and running and will hopefully end up in the boat soon. I have purchased a trailer for the boat and the hull is covered in gelcoat. The color is 1959 Ford Thunderbird Pink. Hopefully the entire boat will be pink by Thanksgiving. My goal is to make it to the River Run in February.
