Old boat help

[rentalguy1]

I haven't posted in a really long time, and I was a real (edit) the last time I was here. I have since become a moderator on a second forum that does not allow political discussion whatsoever, and I fundamentally understand the concept now. I want to apologize for my previous actions. Now, with the compulsories over, I have a question.

I finally have talked my dad into getting his deceased father's boat back on the lake. It is a PITA to fish from my Stingray, and this his is a pure old-school fishing boat. It's a 1955 14' aluminum two seater. It's been stored, upside down, in the field since about 1965. We know that it needs to be uprighted and filled with water to swell it, and that the small plywood transom needs to be replaced, but is there anything else that needs to be done? We also have a 1958 25HP Evinrude that has been stored in our smokehouse the same length of time. It looks practically new, other than some grime and dust. We are taking it to the local 'rude experts for a complete rebuild. We're looking forward to taking this thing out in a few months.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[JB]

Re: Old boat help

Howdy, rentalguy. Welcome back.

It is wooden boats that need a soaking to swell the joints. Aluminum boats only need it to discover leaks.

It is very unlikely that your Evinrude needs a complete rebuild. Sounds like she only got about 7 years of use. "Awakening a sleeping outboard" in the Engine FAQs Forum should have her humming for a LOT less bux.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Old boat help

if the motor has decent compression, it can be made reliable for $200-250 in parts, it is an easy motor to work on yourself.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Old boat help

I finally have talked my dad into getting his deceased father's boat back on the lake. It is a PITA to fish from my Stingray, and this his is a pure old-school fishing boat. It's a 1955 14' aluminum two seater. It's been stored, upside down, in the field since about 1965. We know that it needs to be uprighted and filled with water to swell it, and that the small plywood transom needs to be replaced, but is there anything else that needs to be done?
Thanks in advance for the help.

I'm confused. Is it an aluminum boat or wooden boat? Whats there to soak? Aluminum doesn't shrink or swell per se.

 

[rentalguy1]

Re: Old boat help

Thanks for the replies. I was going off what my 66 year old father was telling me about the need to swell. It didn't really make sense, but he's the one that grew up fishing on this little boat, ya know. I tried to talk him into going over the motor our selves, but he really wants to take it to the dealer. I'll read the thread and talk to him again.

On the leak check, if any are found, what is the nest way to stop them? Can we just put a heavy coat of bottom paint on here to seal the bottom joints, or is there another method?

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Old boat help

I first got my jon boat i put it on saw horses filled it with water had one little leak and drained it turned it over and used jb weld to seal the leak. Been good ever since and its over 40 years old.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Old boat help

or is there another method?

Ayuh,...

Cover the leaks with Glu-vit...Outside,+/ or inside...