Possible new project boat

fishingdan

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 12, 2005
Messages
1,045
I'm looking around for this winter's project. Here is one possibility. It is a 19' 1976 Grady White Angler. It needs all of the typical work (stringers, sole, transom, etc.). The hull itself is in pretty good shape. It is sound and straight. No blistering that I can see except between the bottom paint and the hull gelcoat. The Angler was an I/O model. Some poorly converted it to an outboard, but they appearently got many years of service out of it after the conversion. This is the second GW that I have found to have been converted from I/O to outboard. The interior pics didn't come out well, but there is really anything to see. There are no seats and the remnants of a floor are in place. There is a late 70's or early 80's Chrysler 105 on the back. It doesn't look in too bad of shape, but it would probably not power this boat if I take this project on. I really like the lines of the old GW lapstrake hulls and they have a good beam for their length. My goal for the winter project is to restore/rebuild a boat in the 19 to 20' range that has a nice wide open cockpit, fairly deep cockpit, and has just enough transom deadrise to give a decent ride, but doesn't require an enormous engine. <br /><br />I don't think the trailer can be repaired. I have included pictures of the middle two cross members. They look like rusty swiss cheese. This brings me to my question. The cross members in front of and behind the ones pictured are serviceable. Other than the flat tire, do you think I can tow this trailer home (about 3 miles) or will it need to be transported? Is the trailer repairable? I am assuming it is junk, but I thought I would ask. I have rebuilt boats and built boats, but I have never had to deal with a bad trailer. <br /><br />The boat<br />
976GWsmall.jpg
<br /><br />The rusty trailer cross member. 4 cross members on the trailer. This is a pic of #2 (from the front). <br />
976gwtrailersmall2-med.jpg
<br /><br />This is a pic of #3 (from the front).
976gwtrailersmall1-med.jpg
 

Wimperdink

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 24, 2005
Messages
1,171
Re: Possible new project boat

I'd pull it home 3 miles... just go slow and easy and ignore the people riding up behind ya too close... :) <br /><br />First get about 4 people in the boat and jump up and down at the same time... if it holds... pull it home :) <br /><br />Or if your planning on a new trailor anyway... buy it first then just swap trailors right there.
 

joblo33

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 19, 2005
Messages
501
Re: Possible new project boat

That trailer doesnt look too bad. Maybe just in case put some 2x4's across under to boat for the trip home, those cross members do look pretty weak. Oce you get home make some new cross members out of galvanized channel.<br />Eric
 

JasonJ

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2001
Messages
4,163
Re: Possible new project boat

I've seen worse trailers used regularly. I would tow it, just drive slow. Three miles is nothing. You could easily repair that trailer and bring it up to proper condition when the time comes.
 

fishingdan

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 12, 2005
Messages
1,045
Re: Possible new project boat

Thanks folks. After more thought, I agree with your comments regarding the trailer. If I take my time, I am sure I could move it. I'm still debating on the boat. <br /><br />I found another boat/motor/trailer combo that would be a provide a good trailer and engine for this boat. The problem is that I need to convince the wife that I "need" 3 boats at the house for a little while. :rolleyes:
 

Marc J.

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 16, 2004
Messages
267
Re: Possible new project boat

I understand exactly Dan. I got two boats currently (passed on a third for the same reason) I also have a junked out Dodge Neon out back, it will soon be joined by a non-running 95 Mercury Villager. The wife is OK with the Villager because it will be donating some parts to her van in the near future.<br /><br />Bring on the Rustoleum, that rust looks mostly cosmetic to me. If I believed that yours looked bad, I'd be afraid to pull my old Baja around on my vintage trailer.
 

JustMrWill

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 12, 2003
Messages
877
Re: Possible new project boat

Dan,<br />When ya going to pick it up (if you do). I live about 3 miles south of there and if you need a hand or just someone following with hazards on let me know. <br /><br />-JMW
 

fishingdan

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 12, 2005
Messages
1,045
Re: Possible new project boat

Thanks JMW. I haven't made any decision yet. I am hoping to stumble upon a couple of more options before I pull the trigger on anything.
 

Peter J Fraser

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 22, 2003
Messages
598
Re: Possible new project boat

Easy fix to boat count problem....<br />Buy 3rd boat for wife as a present. It's HER boat then and you cant be blamed for having too many boats on the lawn.<br /><br /> :) :) <br /><br />Peter
 

fishingdan

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 12, 2005
Messages
1,045
Re: Possible new project boat

Good thinking Peter. Actually, today is her birthday!! <br /><br />Anyone have a sofa that I can sleep on if she doesn't appreciate my thoughtful gift?
 

JustMrWill

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 12, 2003
Messages
877
Re: Possible new project boat

I don't have a free sofa....you just need to get a boat with a cabin..then you will be all set! :cool:<br /><br />-JMW
 
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