My first boat restoration

[The River Rat]

I am restoring this hull i saved from the scrap heap. Got it for $1 per pound . So far I have sanded, prepped and primed the trailer and hope to get the top coats on it this week. As for the hull i have questions about paint. I see a LOT of talk about using Rustoleum paint. Is this the better option for my top coat? I am still undecided about the final color but I'm sure it will come to me as i finish hull prep.

And so it begins...

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[TruckDrivingFool]

Re: My first boat restoration

I'm no help, just wanted say that's a cool hull. Needs plenty of work but it'll be head turner once its done.

Nice work literally saving her from the scrap heap.

 

[The River Rat]

Re: My first boat restoration

Thanks. I bought her on a phone call from a buddy of mine that found two boats at the scrapper. We each bought one. The hull looks rough in the pics but its really in pretty good shape. Some minor body work and paint work and she will be good as new

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: My first boat restoration

The Citri-Strip in the Orange can seems to work well to strip the paint, or you can just sand with 80-100 grit. Gluvit or Coat-It is what most of the Tinny Guys use on the inside of the Hull to ensure all the seams and rivets are sealed. The last link in my signature below has some good info on how to paint your boat. One rule of thumb is NEVER use regular pressure treated lumber in an Aluminum Boat. Only CCA treated or Plain Ext. Grade Coated with Epoxy. I really love the old classic closed bow boats. She'll be a "Looker" when you get done with her. Keep posting pics and questions...We'll be here to help!!!

 

[jasoutside]

Re: My first boat restoration

Welcome to the iboats dry dock rat!

Looks like a fantastic project you grabbed there! Well done saving her from the scrapper, that's where my big one came from too.

I think your budget and skill level dictates your paint choices. I'm short on cash and skill so Rustoleum suits me just right!

 

[The River Rat]

Re: My first boat restoration

Got the trailer finished up today. No pics tho as it was dark when i finished. Next.. time to get to sanding on that hull. I have found 3 places that will need welding. Im sure i'll find more as i get the hull stripped.

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: My first boat restoration

Yeah, I like the look of this tinny. This could be one cool boat for sure. Just remember, make it yours and have fun with it.

 

[The River Rat]

Re: My first boat restoration

I still cant find the builder for this model. Being that sa it may, i have decided to go with a Burgundy-ish color for the top and white on the hull. May add a little metal flake to the top for a little something extra. Stripping/sanding starts this week then on to transom work. That is gonna be rough.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: My first boat restoration

Looks like a lot of fun. Sure is easier to work with an a glass hull. Any ideas yet as to a power source?

 

[The River Rat]

Re: My first boat restoration

I have a 1975 Chrysler 45hp outbd on hand. Motor isn't all that heavy. Heck, I can move it by myself so I hope it will work on this tinny.

 

[The River Rat]

Re: My first boat restoration

SUCCESS!!! I have identified this tinny as a DuraCraft 100% positive. Best guess on year model is somewhere between '52-'56. DuraCraft is now War Eagle isn't it?
I am going to contact War Eagle and see if they have any archives to compare my hull with.

 

[The River Rat]

Re: My first boat restoration

Well, i got the top sanded and just have to bang out a couple of dings in it. splashwell is out so i can now replace the transom, which was totally rotted out. I know that pressure treated wood is NOT to be used for this application but rather exterior grade plywood. My question is what is best to seal the wood with? I have read a lot about using epoxy but i have no idea what kind is best for this. I am going to laminate 2 sheets to get the needed 1 1/2" thickness for my transom. Once that's done it time for prep and paint!! I can't wait to hang my '75 chrysler 45hp on this tinny and take her out for a ride.

 

[fishingron]

Re: My first boat restoration

Hi, That is a really nice looking boat, very cool to restore something from the 50's, bringing it back to life to enjoy the water again. That's great!! Post some pictures as you go along, I would love to see this!!