1997 Sea Chaser

[First Light]

Not mine.


https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/boa/d/auburn-19-arima-sea-chaser-1997/7735383024.html

[Chief of the Boat]

Rare Skiff Top.

[First Light]

yes, that's what I thought when I first saw it!

Any ideas on how many of this model were made, or was this an aftermarket installation?

Looks like a head banger to me! I tend to get highly excited when rods go off!!!

[Chief of the Boat]

I believe they are Skip Top and factory installed.

[ak-angler]

I believe they are Skip Top and factory installed.

Nope. It's a factory skiff top (I owned one). They were discontinued fairly early. I believe it was because the window wasn't structurally able to handle the fore-aft forces that the (heavy-ish) roof applied to the window frame in hard chop.

[headduck]

The do look cool... aside from structural flaws and a height that eliminates any hopes of standing up while driving.

Pretty well priced.

[vxhatch]

My old boat. Put a lot of work into it. Nice to see it again.

The project:
https://www.arimaowners.com/index.php?topic=1395.0

[amazing grace]

Dang VX, been a loooooonnnnggggg time. Good to see you here again. Oh my, the ultra rare Skiff top

[fishmeister]

Hadn't seen (or heard of) that top option before.  I kinda like it.  Wonder what it would look like on a SH?

[Chivo707]

Just got back from a 24 hour round trip from the Bay Area to Seattle. Boat is not in the condition that the seller claims it's in. He claimed it was dealer maintained and in excellent shape with a perfectly running motor, all lies. Truth: Hull stress cracks on both starboard and port side of hull, electrical connectors and wires corroded all throughout with things not working, and most importantly, an outboard with fuel in the crankcase that cannot idle. First red flag being that he put the boat in neutral and gave it gas before cranking in order to get it to start and idle on muffs. As soon as I asked to put the throttle back on the neutral position, outboard died.

Seller took the post down shortly after I left and claimed he had a long list of other buyers waiting so I wanted to share with those who come across this boat in the future in hopes to save them from wasted time and money. I hope he does the right thing and is truthful if he decides to repost. There are other things I noticed but nothing as major as stated above.

As as side note: Props to VXHATCH if he did the electrical work because the wiring was impressive.

[beancounter]

Sounds like it needs a new jar of turd polish.

[headduck]

Wow. Bummer. Priced low for some effort needed but gotta be honest, especially with a cat driving halfway across the country... 

[amazing grace]

Sorry to hear Chivo, Most here will not remember VX's complete rebuild of one or Arima's most unique and rare models. It was nothing short of impressive. He fished it awhile and then moved up to a Sea Sport. Sorry that neglect has taken its toll on such a great boat. Really sorry to hear. To remember VX's journey with that boat was something that has stuck with me as one of the great accomplishments by any member here in my book. She was a beauty.