Here's The true Sea Sled Story, circa1985

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by tonydignity, Aug 23, 2004.

  1. Mr Efficiency
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    The fascination with sea-sleds reminds me of people who are collectors of some old cars that weren't much good in their heyday, and haven't improved with age ! Lets face it, they are an idea with very limited application, were it otherwise they'd have been widely adopted. They are certainly not an offshore boat, unless you want to relocate your kidneys up to your shoulder blades.
     
  2. PAR
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    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    Unless you've had a ride in a real Sled, then comments about it's usefulness and sea keeping abilities are just unfounded speculation. The simple fact is Hickman was the reason the Sled never took off. By the time the rights wore off, the 63 series test had been completed, so deep V and monohedren hulls dominated. The Sled is a fine sea boat and with the design evolution by Jackson and others, it's "issues" have been solved. It far exceeds the warped bottom hulls of it's era in ride quality, especially in chop or rough water.
     
  3. donzifanjohn
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    donzifanjohn Junior Member

    1989 SEA SLED 29 Foot

    Just recently purchased . Would really like some information on the hull. Thank you
     
  4. tonydignity
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    tonydignity Junior Member

    Sea Sled

    Is it one with Tuna Tower,if so it was built of epoxy and Kevlar.or a cuddy cabin style , send me a picture Best Tony
     
  5. donzifanjohn
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    donzifanjohn Junior Member

    Sea sled.

    I am not sure how to post pics on here?
     
  6. Boat Design Net Moderator
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    Boat Design Net Moderator Moderator

    Welcome to the forum John. Click on "Go Advanced" on the quick reply or click the blue Post Reply button, then click Manage Attachments and you can upload images with your post.
     
  7. donzifanjohn
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    donzifanjohn Junior Member

    Okay. Will post. Thank you
     
  8. donzifanjohn
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    donzifanjohn Junior Member

    Sea sled 29

    This is the boat I just purchased
     

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  9. donzifanjohn
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    donzifanjohn Junior Member

    Sled 29

    This is the boat also
     

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  10. tonydignity
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    tonydignity Junior Member

    29

    Yes this one came down from Connecticut,Sal sold it to someone over at fort Lauderdale . after about a year we had to call it in as the fuel tank had ruptured.I separated the . hull/deck replaced the tank with a stronger beefed up tank. We didnt take it back the customer he wanted it sold,I got the owner of a high and dry on Port richey river ,and he bought the boat about 1989.she cavitated a lot and had to have new props at sale time.does this help.Best Tony
     
  11. donzifanjohn
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    donzifanjohn Junior Member

    29

    Thank you for the update. Are there good hulls? I mainly purchased the boat for the engines. Is there value in the hull itself?
     
  12. donzifanjohn
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    donzifanjohn Junior Member

    Sorry for typo. Are they good hulls? Approx value?
     
  13. tonydignity
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    tonydignity Junior Member

    29

    Hi
    Yes I think the hull has value, I know someone in Finland that is planning a new 29ft similar design,at least it may be a test bed for him.If you can send me photos of the interior and exterior ,so I may send him an appraisal for its sale .I know of no one in the States i'm afraid ,so shipping will be a negative point,but I think its a good idea you give me your opinion of its condition,after all its 30years old.Using this thread to communicate will alert anyone on the design forum of its availability:p.So get typing and clicking,I assume you have used the hull let me know how it felt .Best Tony
     
  14. FAST FRED
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    FAST FRED Senior Member

    >By the time the rights wore off, the 63 series test had been completed, so deep V and monohedren hulls dominated. The Sled is a fine sea boat and with the design evolution by Jackson and others, it's "issues" have been solved. It far exceeds the warped bottom hulls of it's era in ride quality, especially in chop or rough water.<

    If this were true the Navies , Pilot Services and rescue folks would have picked up on the boats long ago.

    Today keeping the crew from damage at speeds offshore is the biggest challenge.

    $ 8,000 seats , semi standing and other concepts dont help much with high G impacts for hours on end..

    A simple switch to a different hull would be a no brainer ,,,if it worked at high speed in rough water.
     

  15. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    Not really. Boats, as all other gear, are chosen by people that often have preconceived ideas and vested interests. Radical designs are hard to sell regardless of performance. The military in particular is instilled in tradition, which makes changes even harder.
     
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