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

Looks like a cool project. Good luck. The trailer is gonna be your question mark. 4hrs on the road and what looks like bent arm could erase tires in short order. Maybe rig a bottle jack between frame and arm to try to tenderly straighten arm some before hitting the road, If the tires/bearings look like they will make it. Be safe.

Will do. There are two new wheels and two wheels with old tires, the wheel/tire combo can be found at tractor supply. I would take the time to try and straighten the trailing arm if it is bent. 55mph to DC, sounds slow and safe. lol I'll be bring my tools, compressor full of air. Floor jack, another strong back (my neighbor Calvin said he would make the trip with me). I might even take my dog and a can of WD/40.

If this is the original trailer sold with the boat I want to keep using it. The bearings are the biggest worry for me. I'll jack up each side and check before making the trip. Once home and with the motor pulled I can asses the trailer. I'd like bigger wheels if I can find them.

Wish me luck, I head up there Friday. I hope to find a cool runabout with the motor and trailer it came with. Is there any thing to matching number boats?:laugh:

 

[jbcurt00]

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

Matching vintage motors & trailers to the correct period for the boat will often gain extra points in a judged boat show, but unless you plan to do a factory faithful total restoration to all 3, not a lot, if any, extra money in keeping the original parts & pieces together, IMO.

I can easily spend $500 (or more) & quite a bit of time working on & getting a trailer setup just right for my Duracraft:

New rims & tires or prep/paint existing rims & just get new tires
wiring & lights
fenders (current trailer has none)
winch
possibly winch post
bow stop
keel rollers
bunk brackets
bunks (wood & carpet)
coupler
wire wheels & flap discs for rust removal & paint prep
primer
paint
hardware for any of the above

And it won't be an original, vintage trailer that 'matches' the 1957 period of the boat. It'll just be a trailer. On the other hand I could spend just over $700 & get a brand new trailer that I can fairly easily fit to the boat.

I think $200 is cheap to save several weekends worth of work and end up ahead w/ a brand new trailer. But until recently, I lacked the space to do trailer work, and still lack much time on boat tasks.

 

[highsider989]

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

Matching vintage motors & trailers to the correct period for the boat will often gain extra points in a judged boat show, but unless you plan to do a factory faithful total restoration to all 3, not a lot, if any, extra money in keeping the original parts & pieces together, IMO.

I can easily spend $500 (or more) & quite a bit of time working on & getting a trailer setup just right for my Duracraft:

New rims & tires or prep/paint existing rims & just get new tires
wiring & lights
fenders (current trailer has none)
winch
possibly winch post
bow stop
keel rollers
bunk brackets
bunks (wood & carpet)
coupler
wire wheels & flap discs for rust removal & paint prep
primer
paint
hardware for any of the above

And it won't be an original, vintage trailer that 'matches' the 1957 period of the boat. It'll just be a trailer. On the other hand I could spend just over $700 & get a brand new trailer that I can fairly easily fit to the boat.

I think $200 is cheap to save several weekends worth of work and end up ahead w/ a brand new trailer. But until recently, I lacked the space to do trailer work, and still lack much time on boat tasks.

Ok, I thought so and because of this I have been looking for other OB's that run for less that it seems the mercury 50 could be fixed for. I wanted to get another trailer for the trip but my budget will not allow it this month. I still cant pass on this deal. Just as long as the trailer holds together for 5 or 6 hours I'll be fine.

Have truck, have tools, have air tank, have friend and dog, I'm going to Jersey!

 

[jbcurt00]

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

Have truck, have tools, have air tank, have friend and dog, I'm going to Jersey!

Tell Snooki, J-wow & Pauly hello for me :facepalm:
uke:

 

[highsider989]

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

Tell Snooki, J-wow & Pauly hello for me :facepalm:
uke:

You got something against "the Situation," you forgot that fool...:lol:

 

[highsider989]

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

So since it may be more cost effective to get another motor what would you guys recommend? The max HP for the boat is 50. I'd love a four stroke but that will blow my budget. what are some reliable OB's out there on the used market? I would like to stay with 50 HP but I've seen a few nice 40 HP motors. What difference would 10 HP make on this little boat?

Ive also thought about a small kicker or electric trolling motor as a backup. I like the idea of the kicker mounted on a retractable extension but how would this effect the handling of the boat with all the weight on the stern? What are your thoughts on this?

 

[bonz_d]

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

Though it may be more cost effective and I'm partial to them anyways I'd look for a 50hp Johnnyrude. Very simple to work on and parts are readily available.

Tke boat I'm working on came with a 70hp Evimrude that wa toast, Found a very nice 60hp 2 cylinder to replace it with and haven't looked back. It also reduced about 60# from the transome, can't tell much difference,

 

[highsider989]

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

Though it may be more cost effective and I'm partial to them anyways I'd look for a 50hp Johnnyrude. Very simple to work on and parts are readily available.

Tke boat I'm working on came with a 70hp Evimrude that wa toast, Found a very nice 60hp 2 cylinder to replace it with and haven't looked back. It also reduced about 60# from the transome, can't tell much difference,

So I have a line on a 1993 Jhonson tracker 40 HP for cheap, runs, owner is repowring, what do you think?

 

[bonz_d]

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

If for cheap I see no propblem. The 40-50-55-60 hp al are basically the same engine. meaning they all weigh the same. as a matter of hp to wieght ratio. If it runs well and the price is right, go fot it. May have to reprop it to get the RPM up to snuff.

 

[highsider989]

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

It's such a good deal, and so close to me locally, I'm going to buy it if the guy lets me see it run

 

[highsider989]

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

If for cheap I see no propblem. The 40-50-55-60 hp al are basically the same engine. meaning they all weigh the same. as a matter of hp to wieght ratio. If it runs well and the price is right, go fot it. May have to reprop it to get the RPM up to snuff.

If they're basically the same are you saying that I could do a cylinder upgrade. And then I could maybe have 50 hp. What are the interchangeable parts on those.

 

[highsider989]

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

Crap, the seller may be getting cold feet....Arrgh!!:jaw::jaw:

 

[Woodonglass]

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

Why do you say that???

 

[bonz_d]

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

Why do you say that???

maybe they're already iboat members and think their price is too low!!!

 

[highsider989]

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

Why do you say that???

I sent him an e mail this AM early that I'd be there Friday. Midday the seller e mailed me that he may give it to his brother. He said, "you wound not be the first guy to say he was coming and didn't." I told him i was a man of my word. He said he will let me know by 8pm tonight. He better act quick because....continue below.

maybe they're already iboat members and think their price is too low!!!

Could be, so i went looking again and....I found some better running boats. Yes they are for more but usable now is worth a lot. This could end up being his loss, his isn't the only cool aluminum boat out there. His trailer is suspect as well. I have a new line on another one family boat that runs..and its about 3 hours nearer to me. Take that you pesky seller..

 

[bonz_d]

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

I myslf have lost out on many a deal only because I didn;t have cach on hand. But then who knows it also could have been a blessing in dequise. Be patient something will turn up, it always does!

Also for a 1st project I would reccommend looking at a tin boat there is always less that can go bad,..

 

[highsider989]

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

I myslf have lost out on many a deal only because I didn;t have cach on hand. But then who knows it also could have been a blessing in dequise. Be patient something will turn up, it always does!

Also for a 1st project I would reccommend looking at a tin boat there is always less that can go bad,..

I've got the cash, how I get it to him now? We are in different states. I'm not sending money to someone I haven't met and hes a long was away for a boat I haven't seen. It could be a blessing. There are two very solid options already. I've made contact with both sellers.

If I don't get the sea scout, and now that I think on it, a 5 hour drive with a crappy trailer, I'm thinking its a bad idea, there is a nice older crestliner and a newer open bow boat that would really fit me better. I had an open bow boat in mind all the time. Its way more but runs, the only draw back is that is not vintage.

There are good options out there...

 

[highsider989]

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

So the seller of the Sea Scout replied that his brother passed on wanting the boat. Well, I think I'll pass also, thank you very much. In the meantime, I've got a buyer for a motorcycle so my budget just got bigger. I'm still looking for a tin boat but a bigger one. I'm going to take a look at one on Friday. Does anyone know a good marine surveyor in PA? I could do a compression test no problem but I have no Idea what I'm looking at when it comes to the lower units on outboards. Any suggestions? Ive read the Buyers Checklist, thats good stuff..

 

[bonz_d]

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

highsider there isn't much that can go wrong with a tinney, Check to see that the bottom is quare, no big dents. Rubrails are well attached. Steering is tight, shifts smooth. Floor is solid. Look for any oil drips, even under the cover. Owner may not allow you to pull the lower plugs to check for water or metal shavings, if you can run it on muffs and check for water from the pump. Which I would change anyways, just good insurance.

 

[highsider989]

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

highsider there isn't much that can go wrong with a tinney, Check to see that the bottom is quare, no big dents. Rubrails are well attached. Steering is tight, shifts smooth. Floor is solid. Look for any oil drips, even under the cover. Owner may not allow you to pull the lower plugs to check for water or metal shavings, if you can run it on muffs and check for water from the pump. Which I would change anyways, just good insurance.

Ok, It is an inexpencive boat. It seems to be in reasonable condition. The only question is the motor. I'll let y'all know if I've become a boat owner soon. Goodness I hope he has all the paperwork....