proper horsepower for 1947 Arkansas Traveler

[jim lujack]

I have purchased an aluminum 14 ft. x 58" 1947 Arkansas Traveler utility skiff needing a tiller handled outboard. Since the usual tag is missing from stern stating such,,,,,,what would it be? Would an 18 1/2 horse twin Evinrude be too big? Thanks!

 

[cyclops2]

Re: proper horsepower for 1947 Arkansas Traveler

do you have a short 15" transom hull ? if yes ? then use my 16' X 60" Aluminum, 15" transom, Lowe as a guide. It is rated for 30 hp.

But your boat has years and flexing of the transom over the years. If the transom is a 21" heught. Due to the age of the boat I would do 25 hp as a maximum. Could be that boat IS BETTER built than mine. Still the years do take a toll on transoms.Check the wood plate there. Should be chewed up by now. Same for the outside clamping area.
2 pieces of Aluminum plate & Silicone Rubber smeared on the hullside of the plates could keep her OK for another 20 years.
Post some pictures if possible of the transom. Inside & outside. Measure the height at the center line of the transom. 15" or 21".

 

[kfa4303]

Re: proper horsepower for 1947 Arkansas Traveler

HI Jim. I have a '59 14' aluminum, Arkansas Traveler that I run a '66 20 hp Johnson that pushes it along nicely (over 20 mph). I think you're boat may be a bit smaller, but I think you could run up to 25 hp safely, but I wouldn't go much more than that. Also, be sure your transom is nice and solid before you put a motor on. Replacing it easy enough, but there are a few rules when dealing with aluminum boats. 1.) NEVER use Pressure Treated lumber. The preservatives in it can cause and electrolytic reaction with the hull which will result in pitting and fatigues. Instead you should use quality, exterior grade plywood (or marine grade if you like) sealed with either epoxy or polyester resin and fiberglass. If you're not going to use the boat too much, you can get away with simply painting the new transom with a quality exterior grade paint like porch paint, I also like Rustoleum Professional Oil based enamel. The paint will by no means waterproof the plywood, but it should give you several seasons of use. 2.) Use Stainless Steel hardware dipped in 3M 5200 marine caulk, especially for any through-hull fittings such as the carriage bolts used to hole the transom in place. That's really about it.

As far as the motor is concerned, you may find that the motor sits a bit too low on the transom. Vintage motors of this era (50s-60s) had 18" legs that were a bit longer than modern "short shaft" motors (approx 15.5"), but shorter than modern "long shaft motors" (approx. 21"). As a result, they tend to sit a bit too low at times. You may want to build up the transom a bit in the middle to make up for this and/or use a jack plate to get the motor to just the right height. The cavitation plate should be level, or 1"-2" higher than the keel of the boat.

You're boat is an oldie for sure, but this link may help all the same. Glad there's another AT in the forums. Cheers!

http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/Arkansas_traveler


View attachment USCG HP rating guide.pdf (Official USCG HP rating guide for all boats)

 

[bonz_d]

Re: proper horsepower for 1947 Arkansas Traveler

Of all the old Travellers I've seen they have all been very sturdy built hulls. Not light weight stuff like one sees today. I would guess the 18-20hp range would work very well and be well balanced. with these smaller hulls an extra 40# hanging off the back is quite noticeable in how much water it will draw.

 

[jim lujack]

Re: proper horsepower for 1947 Arkansas Traveler

do you have a short 15" transom hull ? if yes ? then use my 16' X 60" Aluminum, 15" transom, Lowe as a guide. It is rated for 30 hp.

But your boat has years and flexing of the transom over the years. If the transom is a 21" heught. Due to the age of the boat I would do 25 hp as a maximum. Could be that boat IS BETTER built than mine. Still the years do take a toll on transoms.Check the wood plate there. Should be chewed up by now. Same for the outside clamping area.
2 pieces of Aluminum plate & Silicone Rubber smeared on the hullside of the plates could keep her OK for another 20 years.
Post some pictures if possible of the transom. Inside & outside. Measure the height at the center line of the transom. 15" or 21".

the transom is 15 '' high....another possible issue is the transom board is peiced in rather all in one pieced in rather than all in one piece. The wood used seems like marine plywood 'cuz it is'nt breaking down. If I were to do it again....I believe I still would purchase her. It is my ownly boat and the last boat I had was a "85 Bayliner Contessa . It was sweet. I grew up on Lake St. Clair and here in Arkansas....things are pretty dry.The area suits me better 'cuz nobody is out there telling me my grass is too long etc...

 

[Texasmark]

Re: proper horsepower for 1947 Arkansas Traveler

Not a problem. Used to rent that kind of boat and put my 18 hp Fastwin on it.

Mark