New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

[highsider989]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

Thanks guys I will be patient, so...How about this? This has potential... I can drop a motor in a boat..

1994 Fisher 19ft Welded Aluminum Deep V, Mercruiser I/O, Trailer

It's near me, viewing two aluminum boats in one day on Saturday, that's the plan. The GF said lets take Roxy I can walk her while you look at the boats, she's a good GF.

 

[highsider989]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

Patience my dear friend, It takes a lot of looking to find a diamond in the rough. 1st get an idea of what you really want, how much you can spend and then how much work are you willing to put into it.

I'm on my second boat in about 4 years and each of them was purchased w\o an engine. Fortuneately for me I'm in an area where engines can be found cheaply!

I want a boat that can hold 6, aluminum and an outboard preferred, as small engines are my thing. I'm leaning to the aluminum fish and ski boats, most are out of the price range but darn they are just what i want. I like them less fishy and more family. These things make sense to me, the hulls will last, the motors can change easily, I want one.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

Then what you want to look for are Starcrafts, Sylvans, Smokercraft, Yarrcraft. more money are the Alumacrafts and Lunds.

They have all been building these things for over 50 years. there are a gazillion of them out there and still around. Of course some are in better shape than others. 16' bow riders was a very popular model. These will very easily hold a 50- 60 hp Johnson/ Evinrude 2 stroke 2 cylinder engine and still perform well.

Now you may just have to expand your search area a bit.

Do a yahoo picture search on each and you will find more pictures than you ever cared to look at,

 

[bonz_d]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

An example; I picked this one up for $1100.00

 

[highsider989]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

Thats nice. So something like this, I dont really fish but it's aluminum and perfect, the Tracker Targa V-18 combo..Way out of the budget though.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

That is just what I was looking for and found it for a price I was looking to pay, Road trip with wife and a 5 hr ride! Even enjoyed a very nice diner on the way back! Better yet the wife was pleased with the purchase.

 

[highsider989]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

Update: Looks like I found my first boat, a 1958 crestliner 14ft Voyager its totally original and unmolested other that it has an 86 evenrude mounted high on the transom due to a longer shaft than the boat calls for. Not a crack or popped rivet. The transom seems fine, Its on the original gator tilt trailer. It includes the original Johnson motor with original fuel tank. The Rude has its a tank as well. The rear seat platform has replaced, the dash and rear seat back are original. It is missing the convertible top frame, anyone have one for sale? The paint is original worn to an orange that I assume is the primer. On the sides of the boat and the bottom some of the original red is paint is still there but flaking. So we made a deal, Pending seeing the Rude run Hes getting less that he wants and I'm paying more than i want but think this is a water worthy boat right now. That's worth some extra cash to me. So we are a week or so from pickup. We will do a compression test, I'm sure it'll pass.

I'm torn though, this is so original that I really don't want to mess it up, its a true survivor, or should I use it for a season and restore it this winter. Its not a crazy hard resto job it seems. There is'nt much to the boat. What do you think?

once its home I'll it's say boat number one, funny thorough I'm still looking for a bigger one, perhaps boat two?

 

[duke33]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

Hmm, maybe you should wait for a bigger boat. Twofootitus can be a powerful thing. Does sound like a OK boat. Let us know what happens.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

Update: Looks like I found my first boat, a 1958 crestliner 14ft Voyager

Did the seller send you some pix? In Fredricksburg?

 

[highsider989]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

Did the seller send you some pix? In Fredricksburg?

I went to see it, it really looks solid other than paint, I have pictures here.

Crestliner Slideshow by bengrouby989 | Photobucket

The Starcraft 18 SS

Starcraft 18 SS Slideshow by bengrouby989 | Photobucket

 

[redneck joe]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

keep it original this year, you might decide to keep it that way.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

14 is really a small boat, 2-3 max people. I would think 18 min. on length, and 18 wont do 6 adults comfy either, but it's doable. If you truly need a boat for 6, I would think 21 footer would be more realistic, Starcraft Islander maybe?? Just because there is seating for XX people, doesn't mean you would enjoy the boat at full capacity. Coolers tubes fishing gear, it gets really tight really quick. I own a bigger 19 alum Spectrum and I wont bring more than 4, 2-3 is about what I tend to do with my boat. Worth considering as you select your boat.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

I boat mainly for the pleasure of fishing and enjoying quiet alone time. Had a 14' Lund and it was great for 2 adults and maybe a couple small children. I now have a 16' Alumacraft and I still don't find anymore people in the boat! Maybe it's just me!!!!

 

[highsider989]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

I boat mainly for the pleasure of fishing and enjoying quiet alone time. Had a 14' Lund and it was great for 2 adults and maybe a couple small children. I now have a 16' Alumacraft and I still don't find anymore people in the boat! Maybe it's just me!!!!

I figure the GF the dog and I will do easy cruising. The neighbors all want to come though. I like the idea of starting small, small boat small investment.

I'm still looking at whats out there. That fischer I posted about earlier seems like a boat I'd keep for a long time. It would be more capable and versatile. Any thoughts on dropping a motor in a boat, it's an I/O, not my first choice. Any reason not to consider a project like that one? The boat and trailer are already titled in VA, so I'd have no issues there. For a competent mechanic but a novice at boats whats a good estimate of how long that project might take? Any reason to stay away?

 

[bonz_d]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

Would still stick with an outboard. Cheaper to buy, Less to go wrong and service AND OI 's require many marine specialty carb and igintion parts that get rather expensive in a hurry, an IO wouldn't be my 1st choice for a 1st time owner/ buyer. KISS and learn.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

So pain meds, anti-inflamitories and boredom seams to make me a little more chatty, Sorry.

Others may disagree with me but for a 1st boat I'd be looking for a 16-17' aluminum bow rider in an outboard flavor. There are much less things that can be totally wrong with a tin boat. Meaning rotted stringers, rotted transom, blown engine because it wasn't winterized correctly, soft rotted floors.

AN aluminum boat will withstand many more bumps and bruses and still look good compared to a glass boat. Which will come in handy while learning to launch and dock. And an outboard engine requires much less maintenance come the end of the summer.

Trade off is a glass boat rides a lot smoother in ruff water but is usually also much heavier..

 

[highsider989]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

So my GF just gave me a ration of grief for not rolling with the 1958 Crestliner. Nice... lets see how quickly I can get that sweet boat home.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

Your GF has just been promoted ^^^

She's the Admiral And best to follow orders or it'll be swabbing the decks for ya, possibly even a trip to the brig

 

[highsider989]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

Your GF has just been promoted ^^^

She's the Admiral And best to follow orders or it'll be swabbing the decks for ya, possibly even a trip to the brig

Love it.. she says , ya, i'm right..

 

[highsider989]

Re: New to forum, working on getting an aluminum resto project for first boat

I'm dreaming about runabouts now, I'm fully in boat fever..