Lyman 23

About the Boat

As of this writing, I know little about the past history of this boat. The previous owner purchased her a little over two years ago from someone in Canada, and had her trucked to Massachusetts, where he kept the boat for two years. He named the boat Fez [definition...], which we intend to change.

I found a stamped hull number (E-1800) on the hinged section of the forward cabin berth, which matched the general format for Lyman hull numbers of this vintage. The engine is a Chrysler 318, model M-318BWR10, with a Borg Warner ASI-71C Velvet Drive transmission. The information I have from Tom Koroknay indicates that the boat originally came with a Gray Marine 188.

Owner Survey: Initial Condition
We did not have the boat professionally surveyed before purchase, as there was frankly nothing that could have arisen that might have changed our minds about buying the boat, given the bargain price. Besides, I was already prepared--and hoping--for a project boat, since that was all part of the fun for me. So I honestly knew little about the true condition of the boat until we got her home.

Earlier, while reviewing some photos I took of the boat during our first viewing back in January, I noticed some deformation on her bottom, and was afraid that there were some broken frames and possibly other damage in those areas. Our first visit was so cursory in nature that I hadn't noticed this at the time, but it was clear in the photos that I looked at longingly in the days and weeks between our first visit and our ultimate purchase. The owner had also pointed out some minor problems with the aft plank ends on the port side, at the transom. Despite these issues, there was no question that we wanted the boat, and that she still represented a bargain.

When I got the boat home, I spent a couple hours the next day going over the boat in much greater detail, after removing all the gear and junk that cluttered her spaces and unscrewing the cockpit floorboards to get a clearer look at all the framing and inside of the planking. Overall, I was pleased with the condition of the boat, as things turned out to be better than I had anticipated. There were a few broken frames, but not nearly as widespread as I had feared in my worst scenarios, and the bulk of the planking was sound, excepting the tail ends of several planks on the port side at the transom.

The engine and fuel system appeared to be in generally fair condition, with some maintenance required before the boat would be ready for prudent use, but overall in serviceable condition. The previous owner had indicated that the engine ran well, but one never knows for sure. Again, though, I was pleased with the overall appearance of these critical systems. Part of the full restoration of the boat will include overhauling the engine and fuel system as necessary, as well as the electrical system. For the time being, however, these systems appeared usable.

I took many detail photos of all areas of the boat for immediate and future consideration. Please follow the link below to view a photo gallery highlighting the condition of various areas of the boat, engine, and systems, along with further comments.

[Click here to view a photo gallery of the boat's initial condition...]

Page last updated 3-6-04