Greetings everyone!
So, down to the details. Last year we took ownership of a 1974 Vanguard TRII 14foot. The year may not be exact. The boat has been in the family since I don’t know when.. long time anyways. It wasn’t used a whole lot in the later 1980’s and not at all after that. It had a tarp thrown over it and parked at the farm. So, this means the engine has very low hours on it. But it also is suffering from neglect. I’ll share the pics, you can see the transom will definitely be on the project list and the floor is very soft and as you can see at the bilge area the floor is a definite (yes, stringers and such most likely)
It’s in rough shape. The bow eye is pulling out, hence the blue strap across the bow. I was a bit nervous with that bow eye so decided to take extra precautions on the highway, rather than looking out my side mirror to see the bow skipping along the highway.
The transom and a good view of the floor.
A more direct view of the transom.
Outside view of the transom.
A view of the floor in front of the seats.
And finally the windshield.
I have some more views of different areas and some exterior shots. There isn’t too much damage on the exterior of the hull but some nicks and scratches as you could imagine a boat of this age would have. I’m told that crack in the transom has “always been there”. That’s a scary thought.
Other problems: The steering is real sloppy. The FIL took it out last year and the steering was seized, not sure what he did to make it work. And the wiring connection to the motor is bad, to start it you have to have someone push down on it. So I'll have to take that apart and figure it out. And of course the prop looks like Jaws was nipping at it.
Now, you’re probably wondering.. Is he going to ask if it’s worth fixing? Nope, I’m not going to ask that. This boat is important to the Admiral. So this boat will be repaired over a period of time. Although it will take a back seat to any work I have to do to the 1990 motorhome, but will be ahead of the renovation of the 1968 Ford Torino GT. (I think I need more projects)
So my first couple tasks other than tearing things out is going to be building a motor stand (I’ve got the perfect wheels kickin’ around) and some form of cradle. I really don’t want to have to take it off the trailer though. So I’m going to look at how I can do a cradle incorporating the trailer. Thoughts, ideas.. friendly insults are welcome.
Admittedly this will be slow going but I will update as I go. I’m still doing a crap load of reading here on the forums. But with everything else going on it's hard to find a lot of time to just sit and read. I finally found where someone said exactly what peanut butter was! Sheesh..
As always, thanks you for your time and attention.
Raist - Collector of Projects
So, down to the details. Last year we took ownership of a 1974 Vanguard TRII 14foot. The year may not be exact. The boat has been in the family since I don’t know when.. long time anyways. It wasn’t used a whole lot in the later 1980’s and not at all after that. It had a tarp thrown over it and parked at the farm. So, this means the engine has very low hours on it. But it also is suffering from neglect. I’ll share the pics, you can see the transom will definitely be on the project list and the floor is very soft and as you can see at the bilge area the floor is a definite (yes, stringers and such most likely)
It’s in rough shape. The bow eye is pulling out, hence the blue strap across the bow. I was a bit nervous with that bow eye so decided to take extra precautions on the highway, rather than looking out my side mirror to see the bow skipping along the highway.
The transom and a good view of the floor.
A more direct view of the transom.
Outside view of the transom.
A view of the floor in front of the seats.
And finally the windshield.
I have some more views of different areas and some exterior shots. There isn’t too much damage on the exterior of the hull but some nicks and scratches as you could imagine a boat of this age would have. I’m told that crack in the transom has “always been there”. That’s a scary thought.
Other problems: The steering is real sloppy. The FIL took it out last year and the steering was seized, not sure what he did to make it work. And the wiring connection to the motor is bad, to start it you have to have someone push down on it. So I'll have to take that apart and figure it out. And of course the prop looks like Jaws was nipping at it.
Now, you’re probably wondering.. Is he going to ask if it’s worth fixing? Nope, I’m not going to ask that. This boat is important to the Admiral. So this boat will be repaired over a period of time. Although it will take a back seat to any work I have to do to the 1990 motorhome, but will be ahead of the renovation of the 1968 Ford Torino GT. (I think I need more projects)
So my first couple tasks other than tearing things out is going to be building a motor stand (I’ve got the perfect wheels kickin’ around) and some form of cradle. I really don’t want to have to take it off the trailer though. So I’m going to look at how I can do a cradle incorporating the trailer. Thoughts, ideas.. friendly insults are welcome.
Admittedly this will be slow going but I will update as I go. I’m still doing a crap load of reading here on the forums. But with everything else going on it's hard to find a lot of time to just sit and read. I finally found where someone said exactly what peanut butter was! Sheesh..
As always, thanks you for your time and attention.
Raist - Collector of Projects
