My first boat project

[goodtimesfishing]

So I bought this boat and was told it was a 1952 14 foot bell boy and I don't think that it is 1952. The outboard on it is a johnson 35 super sea horse I believe is a 1959. I was told they made them in 57,58,59 but from the little research I have done so far it looks like the 59. This make me think the boat is also a 59, does anyone on here know by looking at the pictures?
Oh ya and by the way I am new to the site and not quite sure how all works yet. But from what I have seen this looks like a great site and I am sure I will be spending a lot of time here.

 

[1fishbone]

Re: My first boat project

Welcome to the forum!

Nice boat, but don't count the motor to be the same year as the boat...outboards can be changed.

Look for a plate on the transom or look around the dash for the boat info.

Good luck!

 

[Steve A W]

Re: My first boat project

I'm not an expert but I believe the motor is a 1959.
The 57 & 58 were red and white.
Good Luck with your boat.
Steve A W

 

[goodtimesfishing]

Re: My first boat project

ya, I am 99.9% sure the motor is a 1959. I checked the transom for a hin tag and there does not seem to be one. I have search the internet for a picture that matches my boat but can't seem to find one. I have noticed several 1959 model boats with the same identical dash instruments and controls (but different steering wheel). I did find one picture of a boat online that looked like mine but the person posted it asking if anyone new the make and year of there boat....no help.

 

[andgott]

Re: My first boat project

Nice boat! Looks like a 13'09" runabout-

http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/File:Bellboyb57011.jpg

Though the design is a bit different, yours is a single cockpit where that one is a dual- Or at least looks like it in the photo. There are more brochures here-

http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/Bellboy

But the transom doesn't look the same in later 14' models.

If the motor is a Super Seahorse 35- It's a 1959- http://www.old-omc.de/j_1959/seite_1011.jpg

Prior to '59 the looked VERY different, After 1959 they were 40 hp

Nice vintage trailer, too- You've got the whole package!

How are the stringers/ transom/ floor?

-Andrew

 

[goodtimesfishing]

Re: My first boat project

I was looking at those sites earlier and thought maybe the bantam model, but again just slight differences. Does look like the runabout or bantam though. I just brought them home today and have not got the chance to get a real good look. However at first inspection I was quite surprised how rigid everything is after so many years. Nothing stood out as being soft. I am 100% sure that the outboard is 1959. the trailer title is 1962. boat title says 1952 but I am sure it is not the correct title, just have not been able to find a hin number yet. Maybe tomorrow, I will let you know.

 

[andgott]

Re: My first boat project

You aren't going to find a HIN- The boat predates them. You MIGHT get really lucky and find a serial number or something else from the manufacturer that indicates a date, but don't count on it- They are often missing.

Sometimes it's impossible to pinpoint exactly what year some of these classics are... Often you've just got to go with a 'best guess'. I can say with certainty that it's not a 1952, though- It has to be later than that!

-Andrew

 

[oops!]

Re: My first boat project

nice boat........

welcome to iboats.

spend some time here reading.....

search transom replacement.
deck replacement.
making a windsheild.

that is a real classic.....i have seen them re done.....they turn heads wherever they go.

cheers
oops

 

[goodtimesfishing]

Re: My first boat project

Today I got a chance to look closer at the motor and the back of the boat. First thing I question is why did they not put a splashwell on these? and would it be worth it to build some type of splash well? It would also provide a covered spot for the battery and gas can, maybe even make it into a enclosed battery/gas can spot.

The transom does not seem to be rotten and is fairly rigid, however the top edge of the wood looks damp and beginning to get soft(finger nail only goes maybe 1/8 inch into wood) due to there being no type of cap to cover edge of wood. Is there anything I should do to the wood before adding a cap to cover woods edge?

 

[goodtimesfishing]

Re: My first boat project

What is the best way to determine if the transome is good or if it needs replaced? The top edge of the wood is soft but not for very far down. It feels real solid and rigid. If it does not need replaced then what can I do to the edge(top edge of transom) of the wood to keep it from getting worse? I am thinking that the top edge is just getting weathered due to not having any kind of cover over the edge of the wood.

 

[jetskier16]

Re: My first boat project

Welcome to iBoats!

A lot of the bigger boat makers would also sell their boats just with slight differences and under a different name plate. Generally the hulls were from the same mold just the deck caps were a little different. That was the case with mine.

Honestly you should just replace your transom. Most people on here will tell you that. I had the same thing on mine and when i finally got myself to tear it out there was a lot more hidden rot, especially if your boat doesn't have a transom cap. Its only like $100 and you wont have to worry about it. And as far as the sturdy-ness goes, there is a big difference between study-ness and overall strength/weight load. If you really want to see if its ok you can use small drill bit and drill a few core samples in various parts of the transom. If the wood is dark thats bad, if its dusty thats bad, if its light and solid thats good.

 

[blynch35]

Re: My first boat project

hi

i also just bought my first boat last weekend and im having the same problem with finding out any info on it. im replacing thr transom i was hoping there would be info under there but nothing it looks like a late 50's seaking im not sure it is painted green but i need to redo it 13'10'' by 50'' wide i got it for 100 buck and picket up a 1977 eska sears gamfisher 15 hp for thirty at a local thrift shop.