Resurrecting a Classic: The Journey of Our Chris Craft Scorpion 230 LTD

Restoring an old-timer speedboat is no small feat, especially when dealing with structural damage, aging materials, and hidden fuel tank failures. Our team at SkipperCro is dedicated to preserving maritime heritage by restoring a Chris Craft Scorpion 230 LTD, an iconic speedboat that will soon be available for Pula Boat Tours and soon even boat tours in Malta. This restoration is powered by our Start-Up Crowdfund, which gives supporters the chance to be part of this exciting project.

The Chris Craft Scorpion 230 LTD is more than just a boat—it’s a symbol of maritime tradition and craftsmanship. Originally built as a high-performance offshore boat, its deep-V hull design ensures smooth sailing even in choppier waters, making it an ideal vessel for the Adriatic.

Unlike modern fiberglass boats, the Chris Craft Scorpion 230 LTD was built using marine-grade fiberglass and heavy-duty hull reinforcements, ensuring a long lifespan. However, over time, exposure to saltwater, improper sealing, and fuel leaks created significant fuel tank damage, which we are now addressing in our Old-Timer Speedboat Restoration.

Discovering the 70-Gallon Tank Problem

The first major issue we encountered during our Old-Timer Speedboat Restoration was a fuel leak in the 70-gallon tank, which was hidden beneath the deck.

How We Identified the Problem

One day, we noticed an odd smell of fuel, but couldn’t pinpoint its origin. We checked the intake tubes, but the smell remained faint. The next day, the odor intensified near the stern opening, where the fuel intake connects to the Chris Craft Scorpion 230 LTD’s 70-gallon tank.

Upon further inspection, we saw foam discoloration around the tank area, indicating a possible fuel leak. This prompted us to cut the deck open for a closer look.

Assessing the Damage: Fuel Tank Leak and Structural Risks

After carefully cutting the deck in sections, we found that the top of the fuel tank was in excellent condition. However, once we removed the surrounding foam, we discovered that the lower sections were soaked with fuel.

The main issue was that saltwater had been entering the tank compartment through cracks in the fiberglass stringer system. Over time, vibrations from the boat’s movement widened these cracks as indicated on image bellow with red lines, while green lines indicate outflow tube, allowing moisture to reach the fuel tank and accelerating corrosion.

Challenges of Restoring an Old-Timer Speedboat

While restoring an old-timer speedboat is a dream project, it comes with numerous challenges that make it time-consuming and expensive.

1. Fuel System Deterioration

• Problem: Fuel tank leakage, corrosion, and foam saturation.
• Solution: Removing and repairing the 70-gallon aluminum tank, sealing holes with Liquid Metal epoxy close to this one, and reinforcing the deck above.

2. Structural Damage to the Hull

• Problem: The fiberglass stringer system had small cracks allowing saltwater intrusion.
• Solution: Fiberglassing the outflow drainage system, reinforcing key stress points with West System 301 Silica.

3. Deck Weakness & Reinforcement

• Problem: Weakening of the plywood deck, making it unsafe for future passengers.
• Solution: Replacing damaged sections with marine-grade plywood, applying multiple layers of fiberglass, and sealing edges with melded fiberglass rowing.

Step-by-Step Repair Procedure

Step 1: Removing the Fuel Tank

1. Cutting the Deck: To access the tank, we had to carefully remove deck sections, avoiding electrical and fuel lines.
2. Extracting the Tank: Once exposed, we slowly freed the 70-gallon aluminum tank from the foam.

Step 2: Repairing the Tank

At this stage, we had three options:

1. Buy a new tank (€3,000)
2. Weld and repair damaged sections (€2,000)
3. Use Liquid Metal epoxy reinforcement (€909 total cost)

Given the high costs of replacing the tank, we opted for Liquid Metal, a marine-grade epoxy-metal compound known for its strength and durability.

Tank Repair Process:

1. Clean the Tank: We removed corrosion, cleaned the tank surface, and prepared it for repairs.
2. Seal Small Holes: Using Liquid Metal epoxy, we sealed all small holes to create a permanent bond.
3. Patch Large Holes: We cut aluminum patches and applied Liquid Metal to reinforce weak areas.
4. Coating for Longevity: To ensure a 20-30 year lifespan, we coated the entire tank surface with Liquid Metal, making it completely sealed and fuel-resistant.

Step 3: Fiberglassing the Drainage System

1. Reinforcing the Outflow Tube: The drainage system running beneath the fuel tank was also compromised. We fiberglassed the entire length to prevent future water intrusion.
2. Drying Process: The fiberglass was cured for five days before the tank was reinstalled.

Step 4: Strengthening the Deck

1. Fire Stoping foam: We applied fire stoping foam bellow tank and than placed tank back and additionaly we restrained it from moving by placing fire stop foam around its edges within compartment.
2. Marine Plywood Installation: We used 2cm marine-grade plywood, coated in fiberglass, and let it dry for five days.
3. Structural Reinforcement: We applied West System 301 Silica with melded fiberglass rowing to strengthen deck edges.
4. Sealing and Final Touches: Once everything was secured, we sealed all edges and ensured the deck was watertight.

The Cost of Restoration and Our Crowdfunding Efforts

So far, the Old-Timer Speedboat Restoration has cost approximately €1,100 for this phase, but our total estimate for completing the project is €17,000.

This is why we launched our Start-Up Crowdfund, inviting boat enthusiasts, adventure lovers, and those passionate about preserving maritime heritage to join us in bringing this classic back to life.

Why Support Our Crowdfunding Campaign?

• Experience a Historic Boat: Your support helps us preserve a Chris Craft Scorpion 230 LTD, a rare classic speedboat.
• Join Unique Pula Boat Tours: Once restored, this boat will provide exclusive tours along Croatia’s stunning coastline.
• Be Part of a Legacy: This project isn’t just about restoring a boat; it’s about honoring traditional shipbuilding craftsmanship.

👉 Support Our Crowdfund Here by following link from that article to official crowdfund page and be part of something truly special and obtaining various reward ranging from tours with restored boat, Chris Craft Scorpion 230 LTD original plans and much more!

Future Plans: A Speedboat Like No Other

With our goal of €17,000, we aim to make this Chris Craft Scorpion 230 LTD one of the most unique speedboats available for boat tours in Croatia and Malta. Unlike modern boats, this restored old-timer speedboat will offer:

• A connection to maritime history, blending tradition with adventure.
• A one-of-a-kind boat tour experience, impossible to replicate with contemporary speedboats.
• A lasting impact, keeping classic boats alive for future generations to enjoy.

Join the Journey: Support & Stay Updated

Our Old-Timer Speedboat Restoration is more than just a project—it’s a movement to preserve a piece of Croatia’s maritime heritage.

📢 Follow our progress and upcoming boat tours:

• Check out our restoration updates: Chris Craft Scorpion 230 LTD Restoration
• Explore our unique tours: Pula Boat Tours
• Be part of the restoration: Start-Up Crowdfund

👉 Support us today and help bring this classic back to life!