Dorsett SEA HAWK

This 17' Dorsett Sea Hawk jet boat is very rare (reportedly fewer than 100 were produced.

The high purchase price of approx. $4500.00 - $ 4800.00 Drove away most buyers back in it's day. (it was nearly twice the price of a new car in 1962)

There is some good information on the Dorsett Sea Hawk model, much of it coming from noted classic boat historian Lee Wangstad. These were designed by Raymond Lowey who designed many of Studebakers cars including the Avanti. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Loewy It was built as a jet boat right from the start and is not a converted outboard hull.

Dorsett introduced the prototype X-70 as a Motorama type entry into the boat show circuit, like the Cadillac Sea Lark or the Lone Star Meteor. It was meant to predict the future... as in 1970. Of all the Retro-Futuristic boat designs of the late fifties to predict future styling trends, this is the only one that got it EXACTLY right! (See 1970 Cadillac image) The boat drew a crowd wherever it was shown and it was decided to place it into limited production as the (17 foot 7 inch) 1962 Sea Hawk.

This example is ready and awaiting your fresh restoration. It originally featured two bucket seats and a folding rear bench seat, now gone. The foot throttle / gas pedal is also missing but the more important center mounted chrome shift lever and folding glass windshield which moves out of the way for a fresh sea breeze, are both intact as are the bow light lenses. Included is a seldom seen, center mounted, reverse air scoop in the deck lid. The large rear hatch looks more like an automobile trunk lid. These boats have a very automotive feel when sitting in them.

All of the Google images needed for use as a restoration guide should appear on the web as these boats have quite a following.

The original engine was an inline Ford Falcon 6 cylinder which failed and has been lost, although the motor mounts are still present. The Jet unit is intact and not seized, jet controls work and steering is functional.

The hull and fiberglass look great but the gel-coat will need refinishing. It can be expected that most of the wood in boats of this vintage will need to be replaced. Blue side sweep spears are stamped from aluminum and although originally painted they could be easily polished for a stunning accent!

As a long time collector and the owner of more than forty classic boats, it has always been my preference to restore them myself to my own taste. I saw this as a real opportunity to add a pioneering jet boat to the fleet! However, having had three cars break down in five days I decided maybe I should let it go after all!

It has been my experience that wherever you go, from the gas station to the launching ramp classic boats really attract attention, looking like vintage cars on the water!

The boat includes what is likely to be the original Balko trailer which takes a 2 inch ball. All lights will work by auctions end.

****THE DORSETT SEA HAWK WILL BE SOLD ......NO RESERVE. THE $100 STARTING BID IS FAR LESS THAN MY INVESTMENT...........LAST BID OWNS IT ****

The Sea Hawk is located in the Rockford, IL. area. The Boat and trailer both include Illinois titles. Buyer to arrange and pay all shipping cost. Full payment within seven days of auctions end. Cash (in person) bank wire transfer or Pay Pal only (buyer accepts pay pal fees). If paid in full the boat can be stored for up to one year at no cost. Winning bidder must contact me within 24 hours of auctions end. Thanks for looking and good luck!

Cadillac image for reference purposes only and not included in sale. You knew that!