Kristian Ferrell
Sea Nymph boats have been around since the mid-1970s, with the company manufacturing aluminum boats and canoes since 1946. Over the years, there have been mixed reviews of these boats, with some praising their solid build and others complaining about issues with leaking rivets. One source mentions that their 1982 Sea Nymph 12' tiller boat was in great shape and built solidly, while another mentions that their 1984 Sea Nymph had leaking rivets. In terms of construction, Sea Nymph boats are made of aluminum, with some models from the 1980s being made of fiberglass. So, while not all Sea Nymph boats are fiberglass boats, some models from certain years may be.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Boat type | Bass boat, Canoe, John boat, V-hull |
| Materials | Aluminum, Fiberglass, Wood, Foam, Epoxy, Marine-grade plywood |
| Length | 14 ft, 15 ft, 16 ft, 17 ft, 18 ft |
| Weight | 1862 lbs |
| Horsepower | 35 |
| Motor | Johnson, Shakespeare trolling motor |
| Thrust | 28 lbs |
| Common issues | Leaks, Soft spots in the floorboards, Locks with plastic parts |
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What You'll Learn
Sea Nymph boats are made of aluminium and fibreglass
One of their earliest bass boat models was the JB-150 Bass'n John, a 15-foot aluminium boat with a 35-horsepower Johnson motor and a 28-pound thrust Shakespeare trolling motor. This particular model retailed for less than $3,000 in 1976. Sea Nymph also offered the SS-160 and SS-161, both 16-foot boats with different features and a brown paint scheme or plain aluminium finish.
Over time, Sea Nymph boats have been made with a variety of materials, including wood, fibreglass, and composites. For example, a 1983 16-foot Sea Nymph is mentioned in a forum post, where the owner is seeking advice on its fair price and potential issues to look out for. This model is made of fibreglass, as indicated by the post's title.
Another forum post from 2020 details the extensive restoration process of an 85 Sea Nymph, which involved stripping the boat down to its bare aluminium hull and making various repairs and upgrades. This suggests that Sea Nymph boats with aluminium construction were also produced and remain in use.
Therefore, it is evident that Sea Nymph boats have been made with both aluminium and fibreglass construction over the years, with some models utilising wood and composites as well.
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They are well-built and rarely leak
Sea Nymph boats are well-built and rarely leak. The brand has a solid reputation, and its boats are known to be stable and manoeuvrable. They are also well-regarded for their storage capabilities, with good storage areas under the front and passenger seats.
Sea Nymph boats were first manufactured in the 1970s, with their initial offerings including canoes, john boats, and v-hulls. In the mid-1970s, the company began manufacturing bass boats, using their existing john boats and v-hulls as a foundation. These boats were typically made of aluminium, although some models, such as the 1977 Sea Nymph, were made of fiberglass.
Over time, Sea Nymph expanded its offerings to include a range of boat types and models, such as the JB-150 Bass’n John, the SS-160 and SS-161, and the FM-161 (Fishing Machine 16 ft). The brand also introduced different paint schemes, including a brown paint scheme and a plain aluminium finish.
While Sea Nymph boats are generally well-built, some owners have reported issues with hardware, such as plastic locks that are prone to breaking and plastic windshield clips that can break over time due to stress and UV breakdown. Additionally, some models may require additional ballast in the front end to improve stability in strong winds and waves.
Overall, Sea Nymph boats are well-constructed and tend to be leak-free. With proper maintenance and care, these boats can provide many years of enjoyable boating experiences.
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They are sought-after and hold their value
Sea Nymph boats are sought-after and hold their value due to their solid reputation as one of the most popular aluminium boat brands of the 1970s and 1980s. They are known for their durability, with one owner reporting that their 1978 Sea Nymph was still in use more than 20 years after they bought it, and another stating that their 1985 Sea Nymph "runs great" after a restoration project.
Sea Nymph boats have a dedicated following, with owners sharing restoration tips and advice on forums and expressing their affection for the brand. One owner recalls that their first bass boat was a Sea Nymph purchased in 1976, which they used for bass fishing until 1980/81. The boat was fitted with a 35-horsepower Johnson and a 28-pound thrust Shakespeare trolling motor, and cost less than $3,000 at the time.
The brand is particularly well-regarded for its bass boats, which were introduced in the mid-1970s. Sea Nymph built on their existing range of canoes, john boats, and v-hulls to enter the bass boat market. Their bass boats were offered in different configurations, such as the SS-160 and SS-161, with varying features like raised casting decks and rod lockers.
The durability and popularity of Sea Nymph boats are further evidenced by the active community of owners who buy and restore older models. For example, one owner shared their experience of purchasing a 1983 16-foot Sea Nymph for $2,500 and investing in restoration work, including a new battery, gas tank, and exhaust plate. Another owner of an 85 Sea Nymph described their extensive restoration process, which included stripping the boat down to the bare aluminium, sealing leaks, and replacing the transom and wiring.
While some older Sea Nymph boats may have issues with leaking rivets and soft spots in the floorboards, they are still sought-after by enthusiasts. Owners are willing to invest time and money into restoring these boats to their former glory, ensuring that they continue to hold their value.
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Sea Nymphs are suitable for bass fishing
Sea Nymph boats are well-known vessels for bass fishing. In the 1970s, the company began manufacturing aluminium bass boats, making them one of the most popular brands of aluminium boats in the 1970s and 1980s. Sea Nymph initially produced canoes, john boats and v-hulls, but in the mid-1970s, they entered the bass boat market, using their existing boats as the foundation for their new bass boats.
One of the first bass boats they offered was the JB-150 Bass’n John, 15-feet in length and fitted with a 35-horsepower Johnson and a 28-pound thrust Shakespeare trolling motor. This boat was purchased by a family in 1976 for under $3,000 and kept them on the fish from 1976 through 1980/81.
Sea Nymph boats are known for their stability and manoeuvrability, making them well-suited for bass fishing. They are also relatively affordable, with a 1983 16-foot Sea Nymph being offered for $2,500, although this particular model did not include a motor.
Some owners of Sea Nymph boats have reported issues with hardware, such as locks made of plastic that are prone to breaking, and soft spots in the floorboards. However, overall, Sea Nymph boats have a solid reputation, and with proper maintenance, they can provide many years of enjoyable bass fishing.
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They are manufactured in Syracuse, Indiana, and Woodland, California
Sea Nymph boats have been around since at least the mid-1970s, with the company starting its journey manufacturing aluminium boats and canoes in 1946 out of Syracuse, Indiana. By the 1970s, the company had expanded and opened a plant in Woodland, California. During this decade, Sea Nymph began manufacturing aluminium bass boats, which were well-loved by fishing enthusiasts.
One of the reasons for the popularity of Sea Nymph boats is their sturdy build. Many owners have reported that even older Sea Nymph boats from the 1970s and 1980s are well-built and hold up well over time. This is likely due to the quality of manufacturing across their plants in both Indiana and California.
However, as with any boat, some maintenance issues have been reported over the years. Some owners have mentioned issues with leaking rivets, especially in older boats. Others have reported broken locks and the need for general repairs and part replacements. Nevertheless, many Sea Nymph boats are still in use today, a testament to the quality of their manufacturing.
Sea Nymph boats have a dedicated following, with some owners going to great lengths to restore and refurbish their vessels. This includes stripping the boat down to the bare aluminium, sealing leaks, and installing new parts. The process can be labour-intensive but rewarding, with many owners reporting great results and improved performance after their restoration projects.
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Frequently asked questions
Sea Nymphs are mainly aluminum boats. However, some older Sea Nymphs from the 1970s and 1980s are fiberglass.
Sea Nymph produced mainly canoes, john boats, and v-hulls. In the mid-1970s, they started manufacturing aluminum bass boats.
The weight of a Sea Nymph fiberglass boat depends on the model. For example, the weight of a 1977 Sea Nymph fiberglass boat is 1862 lbs.
When buying an older Sea Nymph, it is important to check for leaks and soft spots in the floorboards. Other common issues include hardware problems, such as locks made of plastic that may break over time.
