Mystery Shetland! PLEASE HELP!

[Cahervillahow]

Hi - I've just purchased a Shetland measuring approx. 16ft but have drawn a complete blank in my attempts to establish which model it is and what year it was manufactured in. Gent I purchased it from told me that it was originally a Bass boat in Wales (hence the blanked windows). It is in super condition, needing some TLC and paint. Any ideas on model / year please! Feargal.

[Cahervillahow]

Could it be a 498? Anyone.............................??????????????

[davidemania]

Could it be a 498? Anyone.............................??????????????

I don't think so, the hull is indeed identical to the 498 one (and so is the 50 HP maximum power) but the cabin is much smaller and the deck is different. If it was a 498 then it has been heavily modified, cutting away part of the cabin and removing seat benches. This could be but if this is the case you should see where modifications have been made. Of course it is possible to make them look perfect as new but this doesn't seem to be the work of a perfectionist (sorry but those blind windows aren't too nice).

The 498 had many variations, with different names (hobby, 500 and more), so it may well be yours is one of them. It is conceivable that Shetland used the same bottom mold for different boats.

[davidemania]

By the way the plate from Shetland could help. From your picture I can barely read "Shetland" then something else, between the lines "MAX 50HP" and "No. 1025"

This is mine, for a reference

Shetland 498 Plate.jpg

[Coddy]

I too think it is a 498 but the bulkhead has been cut and moved forward to almost level with the hatch.

Dave

[Cahervillahow]

Following davidemania's past above, I have cleaned off the plate and it reads Shetland 500! Thanks David!
Plan is to completely restore boat - and yes, get rid of those awful blanked out windows!

[davidemania]

Very well