Need help figuring out allot about this boat!!!

[ddunnmpd477]

A few months ago my father and I bought what we believe to be a 1962 MFG Niagara Custom. We need as much help as you guys can give us figuring out exactly what year this boat is, where to get parts for it, and what tips or advice as to how to restore it back to new. I will post pictures of it as soon as I get a chance to take some good ones of it so you can see it clearly.

 

[pduquette]

Re: Need help figuring out allot about this boat!!!

Most important for telling what model you have is to get an accurate centerline measurement from bow to stern . Measure on a line parallel to the gunnel , without peaking over the windshield . If you get 14'-6 " you probably got a Niagra.....14'-10 " you got an Oxford . The older Oxfords also have a more rounded bow where the hull of the Niagra cuts in on an angle.
Welcone aboard and we'd love to see those pictures!! peter

 

[ddunnmpd477]

Re: Need help figuring out allot about this boat!!!

The boat has factory "Niagara Custom" aluminum decals on it and it measured out at 14'-5" and the bow deck has a unique shape that I have not seen in any of the pictures I have been able to find anywhere on the internet of any of the other MFG boats. I trying to get my buddy who has a really nice 15mp camera to come take some really good pictures of it so you guys can zoom way in and get a good look at the boat!

 

[mr 88]

Re: Need help figuring out allot about this boat!!!

www. fiberglassics.com go to librairy icon,,then to fiberglass and scroll down and hit MFG lots of pictures and info, may help you out.

 

[ddunnmpd477]

Re: Need help figuring out allot about this boat!!!

I have lots of pictures now they just won't upload because the files are too big! But I'm gonna start a photobucket account so you guys can go look at the pix! Here's the link.

http://s1130.photobucket.com/albums/m523/ddunnmpd477/

Oh, we remeasured the boat and still getting around 14'5-6". I hope you guys can help us figure this thing out because we are at a brick wall that we can not climb!

We do know that it had a button on soft top and a curved windshield that the top should have buttoned on to as well! Also that we are missing allot of parts that we are going to have to custom fabricate.

 

[ddunnmpd477]

Re: Need help figuring out allot about this boat!!!

@ mr 88. I have been on fiberclassics for the past two hours and still can't figure out an exact year model for this thing!

 

[mr 88]

Re: Need help figuring out allot about this boat!!!

@ mr 88. I have been on fiberclassics for the past two hours and still can't figure out an exact year model for this thing!

Sure looks like a 1962'ish to me, but I am no pro.Probably would help to know what parts you are looking for.There is a 1962 on Ebay For reference. The transom was cut down for a short shaft motor, not factory done.I am not a structural engineer but I would guess that the HP rating would be compromised by 25% with that being done. The strongest bridges are built with arches for a reason and normaly the transom will arch down from the gunwales to the desired motor height 15 or 19-20 inches.NOT angled like I see in your pictures, those angles are weak/tear points. It is not the end of the world depending on engine you have and if you are trying to restore to factory specs. When you put the new transom wood in, figure out if you have a long or short shaft motor and if long fill in the cut out or cover with a routed out piece of wood to match depth in cut out.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Need help figuring out allot about this boat!!!

Looked at your pictures - the hull looks in good shape other then the transom cut and the sawzall hack in the gunwale / hull cap.

As far as the transom cut, for a "normal" motor, you would have to repair it. I used 2x10 pressure treated in mine, and brought the height of the transom up to the bottom of the hull cap.

I cut out a narrow area the width of the motor bracket to mount the motor for the correct height in the water. Angled cuts, round cuts, whatever. The mass of the transom material is where it derives its strength, not its shape, however. Mine is cut at about 9-degrees (fairly sharp) and it has been that way since 2001 or so with no issues whatsoever.

Often you will find a hull ID plate with serial numbers on the port side of the transom from inside the boat. You surely have a Niagara... Looks identical to my '64 right down to the wires in the prow area. (photo 9)

The hardware for the top bows do not appear to be "factory" (photo 12) and the "Custom" had a splash well - probably removed when the transom was cut.

I guess you need to decide your priorities. You could probably buy a complete boat for what you will spend refitting this one and fixing the dumb stuff like that sawzall cut. And you still will need a windshield and steering components. If you are boudn to "restore" this one, it will cost more than just buying one complete FWIW.

Good luck!

 

[ddunnmpd477]

Re: Need help figuring out allot about this boat!!!

@ mr 88: I'm thinking my dad is right about the year model being a 62 as well. You just can't see the pictures that good on the brochure pictures to be able to tell if the 62 has that recess in the top of the dash behind the windshield.

@ Mark_VTfisherman: My dad and I are going to restore the boat back to close to original but not quite all the way. We are going to put updated electronics and things of that sort in it. We are also going to do all of the fiberglass work ourselves and have plans to fill the hull with foam and run a hydraulic steering system as well. We know the whole back of the boat needs to be reworked to be able to put the motor we plan to put on it. Also we know we are going to have to make custom braces from the back all the way through the bow to handle the power and make the boat more sturdy! But, we do need to know where we might be able to get a windshield that has the buttons for a convertible top. Also we would like to know where to get new lighting hardware and docking hardware.

Again I thank you all for all the advice and help!!!