happy traveler marine?

[whosmatt]

anyone ever heard of this mfg? i have a 14' flat-bottom open fiberglass hull, similar to carolina skiff j-series... sort of like a jon boat, but made out of fiberglass.... molded in seat pedestals, small casting deck, bait well(or mount for center console).. blah blah....<br /><br />it was made in 1982 in tifton, GA (very close where carolina skiff is made, incidentally)<br /><br />i gather that the mfg is no longer with us. i'd like to perform some repairs, but i want to know whats underneath all that fiberglass before i get the saw out...<br /><br />i will post some pictures when i can, just wanted to see if anyone knows anything...

 

[jomac]

Re: happy traveler marine?

I'll get back with you! its late!!!!!!

 

[jomac]

Re: happy traveler marine?

Happy Traveler was a knockoff company! As is most small boat companys, worked there around that time frame, but can't remember exactly the how the floor was built(Many Moons Ago) I what to say it had three? stringers only about 2"-3" tall with 1/2 ply laid out to the edges, JUST NOT sure some of the jon boats they built just had sheet foam in the floor that was glassed over, some had No floor just strips of wood glass directly to hull TRY to get some pics posted, Maybe they will jogg my memory One thing for sure if has a flat bottom it would not have been very deep, cut a shallow hole(3/4" maybe) near center first and take a LOOK Good Luck

 

[whosmatt]

Re: happy traveler marine?

i think you described it perfectly "three stringers only about 2"-3" tall with 1/2 ply laid out to the edges"<br /><br />this is a fairly heavy and sturdy hull, rated for 25 or 35hp (can't read plate) and built with a LOT of foam toward the back of the boat in the sides.<br /><br />the hull of the boat on the bottom appears to be molded around these stringers, they protrude about 1" from the bottom. the 2 side ones stop before the front of the boat but the middle one curves all the way up... the middle one is hooked where the front roller hits it, right under the front seat, and the floor is soft at that point as well.. <br /><br />i was thinking i would take a skil saw set to 1/4" and cut through the glass in the floor, around the molded seat and lift the seat out in 1 piece so i can glass it in again later, then cut around the edges and remove the glass skin that covers the floor(i think it's separating already)<br /><br />but after that i don't know, i'm not sure how much i will have to remove to perform the repair, or whether it will be cost effective.<br /><br />but it's a small world i guess, i haven't been able to get any information from the internet about this mfg and here i find someone who worked there...

 

[whosmatt]

Re: happy traveler marine?

jomac,<br /><br />here's the only picture i have for now, hopefully this will jog your memory, gotta get the girlfriend to find her digital cam so i can take pics on the trailer and show you the bottom...<br /><br />fyi i don't normally leave it out in the snow like this, this was on mar 30, the day before it was 75 and sunny!<br /><br />

 

[jomac]

Re: happy traveler marine?

Yikes, Thats why i live in the deep south!!! Look in your live well (center of Boat) it should go to the bottom of the hull (short drain sleeve in a block?) if so you can get an idea of how deep the floor cavity is by measuring inside then outside (diff=floor height from hull) you should be able to see outline of the plywood on the floor near the front?, will be the hardest( ) area to cut out, like you mention make small cuts!