14' Arkansas Traveler redo

[Kellyfmtx]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

The gray will require another coat, but it is almost done for the paint, thank goodness. I will use red lettering for the boat numbers.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

Nice job. Keep the pix coming. What are you going to put on the transom for power?

 

[Kellyfmtx]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

Well I have a transom mount trolling motor. I have no boat motor at this time, and will not be able to afford one for some time. I will have to buy a good used one if possible. I have a bow mount trolling motor too. These were given to me. I was told if I use the bow mount I would have to make some kind of rudder. I am doing good just to get done what I have. I have to get a piece of wood for the transom, and casting deck...and so far I have not found marine grade plywood. I just used wolmanized for the seats...they are not put in yet. I do need to get a carpet adhesive. I plan to primer and paint the seats for protection...and then possibly use some left over bumper carpet. The carpet is red. I think it will look pretty good. My main concern is whether to fiberglass or epoxy the transom wood. That is really not my expertise, and I am afraid of messing it up.

 

[Kellyfmtx]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

I got the transom on, but have some more bolts to put on. The boat seats are in as well...same thing...need to put in a few more bolts. The brackets need to be put in with a pvc pipe for the wiring. I could only find 10ft pvc...and I really needed 12 ft. I may add an extension to it so it will look better.

It has been now 3 months since I started this project. I know my friend is ready for me to get my boat out of their yard... I figured this would take 2-3 weeks...boy was I wrong!

 

[Kellyfmtx]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo



Oh, here is the seat work, and the transom board is laying across on the left side...it was put in already...but at least you can see what the seats look like. I am thinking of putting some red carpet on top of the seats.

 

[Mark42]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

Oh, here is the seat work, and the transom board is laying across on the left side...it was put in already...but at least you can see what the seats look like. I am thinking of putting some red carpet on top of the seats.

Nice work so far, really looking good! I would skip the red carpet treatment. Removable cushions work well in boat like that. Might find some replacement patio furniture cushions at Walmart, etc that can be trimmed down to fit the width of the seats. Add some tie strings to the ends and they can be tied in place under the seat. There are also seat cushions designed to fit those seats that double as flotation devices. Nice if you have other people with you and get swamped.

 

[Kellyfmtx]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

Glad you like the work so far. I bought this red carpet for the trailer bunker rails...but decided against adding longer rails...so I have two bags of this carpet just sitting here. I had planned on using it for a casting deck in the bow area too...but that has not been done yet. I had planned for a storage area under that. So far the boat project has cost me more than I had planned for...so the other stuff will have to wait a while. I would like to know the best way to attach this carpet...glue? If I use a stapler gun the staples will rust, and I don't want to do that, even though it would be easier.

 

[Kellyfmtx]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

The transom board is finished and attached. One bolt did not want to go in with the bracket...so it will have to be drilled through the metal, so the bolt can fit properly. I used all stainless steel carriage bolts, washers, and nuts on that area. Two seats are completely bolted in. The bow seat still needs one side drilled and bolted in.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

Nice work, nice pix, nice boat.

 

[Kellyfmtx]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

Thanks, I appreciate it, and am thrilled you like it so far.

 

[Kellyfmtx]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

I used bunk carpet for the seats. I also used contact cement to attach the carpet to the seats. The red goes with the trailer, and the boat lettering...and also looks good against the gray. Now I am wondering what to put on the sides of the carpet to keep it from fraying. There was not enough width to run the lip under the seat and staple. So now I need to use something like clear nail polish or varnish to seal the edges, to keep them from fraying. Any ideas on something that might be better? I also put the new drain in.

 

[Kellyfmtx]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

Someone mentioned using a marine silicone...I am wondering if that would be good...a silicone rubber type material that is clear, flexible, and would adhere to the edges alright. I think this may be a better way to go...any other ideas about this?

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

You could try that. I wouldn't worry about it...carpet in boats is meant to be replaced after awhile...a casualty of use/wear.

 

[Kellyfmtx]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

Thanks for your opinion.

 

[johnlee]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

I have been wondering also about painting my 1960 Arkansas Trqaveler 14' v bottom boat. I have already customized the inside.
I removed the seats and sprayed rubber coating over the entire inside. I then built a flat marine grade 3/4" wooden floor and sprayed both sides with the rubber coating. I have put in pedestal seats, side open trays for oars, etc with a mount for my fire extinguisher, side mounted fishing road holders, a mount for my fish finder, enclosed the front for a battery compartment for the trolling motor with room for storage. I put in an electrical control box in the back and enclosed all wires in plastic tubing. I put in a live well I made from an ice chest. Mounted a crank anchor on the rear. I have a Mercury 8hp on it now but with the added weight of the floor I really need a 15hp. I now need to paint it.
I did buy the aluminum etcing stuff and was also wondering what type of paint to use.

 

[singinout]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

Hey nice work so far! It's a cute little boat! Gud luck on finishing your project!

 

[jim shank]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

I presently own a 1963 14ft aluminum Arkansas Traveler, identicle to one pictured in this forum.! It was purchased new by my grand father, and has been in my family ever since.! My sons and I have been redoing the entire boat, bow to stern.!WE are looking for the original bow eye.!It looked similar to a christian fish, had a round ring 1 1/2 in diameter and 2 legs 2 1/2in long,with 2 holes per side.!Which went to either side of the bow,and were held in place 2 screws per side.!we have been working on this, all summer and have had no luck locating this, the last peice.! My granfather, their greatGranfather used this boat alot.! I am happy to see not only their enthusiasm, but their will to see it thru.! if any one can help us find this bow eye you will definatly , have our appreciation,and our heart felt thanks...!!!!

 

[Kellyfmtx]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

I have no idea where you can find a bow eye. You will probably have to have one made up by a machinist or something.

 

[Kellyfmtx]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

Hey nice work so far! It's a cute little boat! Gud luck on finishing your project!

Thanks. Here are more pics.

We got the old boat out on her first voyage three days ago. I did not see any leaks, but it was a test outing, I did not have it in the water more than an hour and a half. This is old school definitely, they don't make them like this anymore. This boat was quite a find. It was a lot of work, but I am pleased with the results so far.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 14' Arkansas Traveler redo

Kellyfmtx nice work there I've been working on a similar project and I'm about ready to paint so I appreciate seeing your progress.

I have been using a Minn Kota 30lb thrust on the transom of my 12' Aerocraft for a while and love it. I did get a '55 5.5hp Johnson as a gift and have been happy with it as well. What is your Ark rated for? I'd think a 10-15hp would be great on there.