FD-15 Questions

[Cotuit]

Just bought a 1980 FD-15 with forward steering control. It's a bit "rougher" than I had expected (wife urged me not to buy based on photos), but its bones are solid and I like the lines.

I am not a fan of the forward steering. It seems a little flimsy in the construction and it doesn't have any controls other than steering, throttle and shift engagement. Is there any reason not to simply remove it and control the boat from the stern?

I have attached a couple of photos of the stern area. There are two "boxes" on either side just forward of the aqueduct brace. They are sealed and seem to serve no purpose. Any idea what they are for? They have flotation inside each of them.

The boat came with an older Evinrude 9.9HP which seems in good shape. I dropped it off at a local motor shop to have it thoroughly checked out. I was interested in a larger motor, but the shop said "give it a try for the season and see how you like it". They spoke highly of the 9.9 as easy to start and quiet. Any thoughts on the motor? I can always move up to a 25HP in the future if it's needed. I don't think I have the arm to start a 25 so it may have to be electric.

Glad to be with the Alumacraft group.

Mike

 

[River - Runner]

Re: FD-15 Questions

Mike, welcome to the forum!

The remote steering is an option. You certainly can remove it if you prefer a tiller steer motor or for the room. If you'd remove it I'd also hang onto it, to keep your options open.

In the latter years the "boxes" were added for more flotation at the stern for maximum size motors.

The 9.9 would be a nice fishing motor and the boat will plane with a light load, but adding passengers you'd need more horsepower to plane. Motor size depends on how you would most often use the boat.

 

[Cotuit]

Re: FD-15 Questions

In the latter years the "boxes" were added for more flotation at the stern for maximum size motors.

The 9.9 would be a nice fishing motor and the boat will plane with a light load, but adding passengers you'd need more horsepower to plane. Motor size depends on how you would most often use the boat.

Thanks for the response. The extra flotation makes sense, although it certainly takes up some usable space at the stern. Will have to see about the motor size. I'll use it this season and then make a decision. The boats main purpose is to try some inland-bay striper fishing and showing my three year-old grandson how a boat works.

I have been drooling over how you have kept your Alumacraft. Looks like stainless steel! I think I can clean mine up but certainly not to your boats' level.

Thanks for the information.

Mike

 

[Cotuit]

Re: FD-15 Questions

I removed the steering controls on the FD-15 and the boat looks more "normal". The 9.9 Johnson turned out to have some significant problems so I traded it in for an older 15 hp version. It has a bit of salt corrosion, but has high compression and runs very well.

I have taken off the long decals on the side of the boat with acetone. It doesn't harm the aluminum. Now I need to start cleaning the hull and buffing it out.

Has anyone used Sharkhide on their aluminum hull? It's a clear protective coating. I just wanted to add a layer of additional protection on the bottom. Someone, on another forum, had even used the Rhinolining process, but didn't offer his opinion after it was done.

Mike

 

[River - Runner]

Re: FD-15 Questions

I have been drooling over how you have kept your Alumacraft. Looks like stainless steel! I think I can clean mine up but certainly not to your boats' level.

Thanks, but the pictures of my boat doesn't show the wear of 41 years of use. The main care given is it's being garaged kept and I think the last time I washed it was two years ago for hull algae water line.

Sorry, I don't know much about restorations or methods but sounds like you're committing to doing a good job. Take your time. I do know that it's a high quality aluminum and if a process isn't to your liking it can always be reworked. You mention you'll be buffing, so don't get carried away! I've seen up close, years ago, that this boat can shine like chrome. It's not practical but it can be done.