Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

[mylespe]

hey,<br />i recently picked up a Flethcer 14 ski boat. it is nothing but the hull but am fixing it up with stereo etc etc<br /><br />my budget only stretches to about a 25hp engine - have found a sweet Mariner 25 2 stroke for a bargain.<br /><br />how fast will this take me - enough to plane? enough to ski even?? <br /><br />bear in mind the plan is a fair amount of weight to be put in (battery, stereo, cooler, seats etc etc) but it is an extremely light boat<br /><br />myles

 

[Lark40]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

A 25 hp engine will easily plane a 14" runabout. It should be able to ski an average size man.

 

[mylespe]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

thank you. thought it would plane. any idea on a top speed in knots/mph whichever<br /><br />also does anyone know of any places in the UK that would do a windshield for the boat have had difficulties trying to make one that looks good myself<br /><br />finally as to painting any recommandations on a good looking grey paint - battleship kinda grey maybe metallic if not too pricey

 

[mylespe]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

also is it possible to get <br /><br />a) a tachometer hooked up to a smaller outboard mariner 25<br /><br />b) a fuel gage preferably electric sender to the dash from a portable fuel tank<br /><br />relatively economically

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

Gimme a couple of hours and I'll supply all orig. info on it.

 

[mylespe]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

cheers much appreciated - only just figured out what kinda boat she is!!! bought her for £50 just the hull...!

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

Ah - '£' so you're in her home country!<br /><br />From a brochure of 1980 we read:<br /><br />Fletcher Arrowflyte 140<br /><br />Length 432 cm / 14' 2"<br />Beam 160 cm / 5' 4"<br />Weight 230 kg<br />Motor recommended 35-70 hp long shaft.<br /><br />Picture shows back-to-back seats and a square windscreen, open in the sides.<br /><br />The 1981 brochure these info are confirmed and they describe a hull with great bow lidt, exellent cornering and full flotation.<br /><br />Fletchers are known to be raceable and even the 35hp setup provides for rather high top speeds. A 25'er would be close to under-power IMO.<br /><br />The tach and fuel gauge you're after are plenty available through most marine shops. Do not use automotive gear - it won't last very well and is not certified for marine use. Regretfully, such device are not really cheap <br /><br />Remember to do a total budget before starting on this project - it may grow way above first estimations if you're not careful. Compare the budget to bargains around you and you'll see amazing things

 

[mylespe]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

hey,<br /><br />thanks! all good stuff so far<br /><br />any website where you got the catalogue from? i reckon she is around 1980's yeah<br /><br />she will be mostly used on the River Thames and will only be outside a 6knot speed restriction area rarely. can't promise the speed limit might be bent but WOT will be taking the ****!!<br /><br />is 25 enough for the odd gallivant on the south coast ringoing etc?? any guesses on expecrted speed

 

[Lark40]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

If your boat weighs 320kg, it is more than twice as heavy as my 14' runabout.<br /><br />So, forget 25 hp. Fifty would be more reasonable.<br /><br />Speeds of maybe 30 mph depending on load and prop.

 

[catfish1]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

sounds to me like speed will depend on lots of things like weight, prop, year & make of outboard, running condition, hull style, water condition, etc. i do think your underpowered, and i'm guessing you'll be getting 25mph at best out of that combo, thats with a very strong 25hp.<br />i have a 14ft bayliner that weighs close to yours, i have a fresh evinrude 50hp outboard on it, set up pretty good, with a 17pitch prop. it runs between 30-35mph depending on weight & water condition.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

True - certainly:<br />

speed will depend on lots of things like weight, prop, year & make of outboard, running condition, hull style, water condition, etc.

When Fletcher states 35-70 hp, this is the range where the boat will perform as a speed-boat. With a 70hp it is FAST - beoynd the average users needs.<br /><br />I've known a couple of these with Merc 50's (4-cyl). and they ran great. Hole shot and nice handling.<br /><br />We use to say min. 75-80% of max rated hp which in your case is 55-60hp to get the true properties of a boat out.<br /><br />Lotsa puttin around at 5 knots takes a motor that likes idling (prefer 4-stroke), but those are not cheap. As the boat is rated for 70hp a 35-45hp 4-stroke would even be a reasonable weight for the transom to carry.<br /><br />The info I have did not come out of a homepage - I found it in my archive <br /><br />If you like you can get Quicksilvers booklet on props & more from my homepage.

 

[Mark.24]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

Myles,<br /><br />You should work out a realistic budget first. Is the boat currently fitted with steering cables, throttle controls etc otherwise you'll have to do a lot of searching and the price will hike up. <br /><br />They are lucky in the States boating equipment is dirt cheap, they pay $10 we'll pay £17<br />I agree with UU, your going to need a 50+hp engine, if you progress to mono skiing a wee 25hp will only drag u through the water and lets not forget another 350lb (2 people onboard + fuel).<br />25hp at idle around the Thames = clogged engine, purchase something smaller ie. 10hp. <br />Ok for your gear gauges etc search the web chandlery etc. But try these www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk , ebay , Loot.com. <br />As for the windscreen go to the forum page on www.sportsboat.co.uk and ask people on there. I'm going to make my own screen.<br />But keep posting there is a wealth of friendly knowledge on here!! <br />Mark

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

Another thing to consider is if you havde the skills, the will and the resources to really rebuild this boat.<br /><br />On this site, the Projects forum shows plenty of outstanding restoration jobs. They by far accomodate high budgets because they end up with outstanding results that will bring years of pleasure and joy.<br /><br />If you're gonna fix your Fletcher 'as good as it gets' with 'whatever you have' and use 'whatever you find', you may get good fun per penny but you can forget all about 'original specs' and 'original pleasure'.<br /><br />Fletcher made great boats. If you manage a total restoration you'll get a sweet little speedboat that will turn heads all over. Design still will be the classic, English, small speed boat, but it's respectable beyond many new designs.<br /><br />And with a 50-70hp motor you'll leave the lot behind....<br /><br />Inspiration:<br /> This <br /><br /> or this <br /><br /> older <br /><br /> newer <br /><br /> more <br /><br /> and year 2000 <br /><br /> 1981

 

[mylespe]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

hey, <br />thanks for all the help so far<br /><br />i am well progressed on the boat and have budgeted well<br /><br />i have all steering cables the full kit, everything for the stereo, battery, all materials including epoxy and fibreglass etc, fuel tank, seats, cleats, lights, switch panel and more<br /><br />luckily my sister gets trade price at West Marine in America the Port Supply deal so i have managed to get all of this in the States for much less plus a great discount<br /><br />So far i have spent £300 and this includes a 400W amp and two 12" subs that i am not putting in the boat - saving them for when i buy a car!<br /><br />I will be going halves on the engine with my dad and have another 400ish saved towards that so far<br /><br />we have a beautiful 8Hp Yamamha that works a dream but the problem is that the steering would be a hassle - it doesnt have the through hole for the link arm<br /><br />The problem with anyhting bigger than 25Hp would be running costs - in England fuel is 75p ish a litre making it around 10 bucks and hour to run a 25hp i believe - more than that and it goes up and up.<br /><br />as i am just a 17 year old student that will be difficult regardless of cost for engine itself and maintenance<br /><br />we have sourced a great deal on a 2 year old Mariner with very very few hours 25hp 2-stroke for only £700 ($1000)<br /><br />however from what i hear from you it will be pointlessly big for slow stuffa round the thames but pointlessly small for coastal runs....!<br /><br />a dilemma huh?!<br /><br />finally, i have definately got the determination to fix the boat up well and am lucky to have the support of two boat builder friends as well as my very experienced dad - the only reason i turn to you guys is because as a teenager god forbid believe what dad says!!!!<br /><br />thanks<br /><br />myles

 

[mylespe]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

UU i am fixing her up with a mixture of as good as it gets and whatever you have<br /><br />we had a sheet of chequer plate spare so i used that for floorboard and grab handle base and maybe will use for dasboard<br /><br />however, on the other hand, the cleats were ugly black plastic so i replaced them with best could get<br /><br />i am lucky, however, to have ridiculous amounts of unused boat parts such as grab handles, fittings and fixtures that are great to use<br /><br />i am determined to make her into a beaut and the best thing is i can't spend too much because i don't have the money too - no more than $1500 including engine. if i want to spend more i have to work to earn it!

 

[mylespe]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

any ideas on where to get Wise seat upholstery i bought the seats and would like matching for back seats?

 

[catfish1]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

bass pro shops.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

Regarding fuel costs, I know exactly whar you're up against as I'm in Denmark <br /><br />Over here the 4-strokes are getting still more popular due to their obvious benefits and the mpg.<br /><br />I'd suggest you set your mind for a 4-stroke as well. Work and/or trade your unused stuff to get a motor that weighs in at (max) the same as a 70hp 2-stroke and you'll never regret it.<br /><br />It will even add to the overall value, making your boat an interesting item for future trade.

 

[mylespe]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

hey,<br />yeah 4-stroke could end up being cheaper but i would probs end up with more weight and less horsepower for the same money which means even slower!<br /><br />cant spend too much as i am trying to save up for a downpayment on a house!<br /><br />cheers

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Fletcher 14 Arrowflyte

Yeah - but don't worry 'bout max. speed and hp if your main use is slow cruise and you onle need power occasionally. Modest will do.<br /><br />4-stroke is simply better fit for your use AND has better mpg.<br /><br />I understand your savings thoughts, but to be honest, a few K £s spend on a boat won't do much to the mortgages on a house..<br /><br />The goal is to end up with a boat that is worth the money put into it. So if you can't do it right, wait until you can.