Worthwhile project? (pics)

[Wimperdink]

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1958 Uniflite that is either a 16' or 17' cuddy. I'm not sure of the exact size or model. I know that the owner is a bit of a redneck customizer and I'm very sure this boat has its issues. The thing is i've never seen another boat like this. I've searched far and wide on the forums here and google and about 10 diff boat classifieds etc etc. I am even having trouble finding an uniflite cuddy under 26'. Anyone have pictures of one of these fixed up? Anyone familiar with this boat or the general year of this 65 hp merc outboard? I want it for a rehab project. are these few and far between or am I just not a proficicant (spelling?) searcher. <br />

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<br /><br />I'm fully aware that this will more than likely require a full restore. But if its rare enough it'll be worth it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

Cool Looking Boat,....... Really Old Motor,.......<br /><br />Have a Look Around Over Here,...................

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

I've been through that site top to bottom and found some similar boats that look very cool on the water but no uniflites. Very cool site though.<br />Searching ebay and finding cowls for sale i'm guessing the motor is middle to late 60's... amazing it still runs perfect.. lower end has a crack in it though

 

[robpoe]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

Wow, that's a cool boat.<br /><br />I have that same motor (not sure if same year, but looks EXACTLY the same) on the back of my 16' bowrider. <br /><br />They run nice (but have had no problems to fix so have no idea except that parts can be gotten at oldmercs.com)

 

[Triton II]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

1958... what a great year! <br /><br />Mark. (DOB 10 July 1958)

 

[one more cast]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

Seems like I remember seeing a boat like that on iboats not to long ago?<br /><br /><br /> EDIT: The guy that owns the bait shop I go to has one something like that. I'll stop by and ask what his is.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

Originally posted by Wimperdink:<br /> ...I know that the owner is a bit of a redneck customizer...

I didn't see any Dale Earnhardt or Larry, the Cable Guy stickers. Can't be all that bad!

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

[/quote]I didn't see any Dale Earnhardt or Larry, the Cable Guy stickers. Can't be all that bad! [/QB][/quote]<br />You have no idea my friend, this individual is my brother, and when I say redneck I mean he has a Bathtub in his yard that he has a coal pit underneath and a trolling motor in the end of it for a hottub... When he told me about it all I could do is shake my head and ask if he at least put a cage over the prop so noone got their toes taken off. <br />He did tell me last night that all the fiberglass is in perfect shape and only needs cleaned but the exterior wood pieces would need help... and that the floor was very solid. The transom felt soft so he strengthined it with big chunk of aluminum that you can see in the pics with the motor (dont ask me how he did it as I can only imagine). Sounds like a decent project boat though. I'm going to have to visit a library to see if I can find anything at all on it.

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

Great now I have the opportunity to get this one too...<br /><br />I'm all conflicted... I want them both and I already have an 18' bowrider. Wonder if my wife will let me clear the back yard for a boat parking lot<br /> <br />

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[heman37]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

from the looks of the big old boat it should be plenty stable, and the little 1 would be fun on the water , good luck with the project!!

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

wanna buy an 85 bayliner capri bowrider in good shape?

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

It should be a pretty cool boat when cleaned up and finished. For whatever reason, the 50s and early 60s boats tend to be in better shape structurally than the late 60s on up, the only thing I can think of is there is no foam, so no water retention. That little boat looks like floating suicide, but I guess it would be fun...

 

[Solomonsb]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

Not if you are married unless your wife already hates you. he he I would think it is a great boat though. Nice lines V and cuddy.

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

That boat has cool lines and really doesn't look all that bad from the pictures. <br /><br />Whatever you think it'll cost to fix it, double it, and you'll be kind of close to what you'll end up spending on it. <br /><br />That little scooter looks like fun but I didn't see a rod holder on it so I'd let it go.

 

[treedancer]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

I can just imagine the water patrol coming up to me at the lake and asking me where my fire ext.is when me and my wife are.. In that little boat.<br /> Don

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

Are you sure that little one wasn't part of a log flume?!

 

[Triton II]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

Are you sure that little one wasn't part of a log flume?!

LOL: yes, it looks like it came off a fairground ride! How many HP is the motor?

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

thats a 33 horse johnson on that 10' fiberglass.. I have since changed my mind back and forth 1000 times. I have since been offered a deal on the 16' cuddy.. free if I help market a product my brother got a wild hair on... if we sell $1000 worth of his product I get the boat for free. I've also cut my old fiberglass canoe in half and am in the process of making a transom for one side for a trial and error small craft... saving the other side for after my trial and error side. I wanted the lil one for a lil scoot to go for a ride by myself whenever I want as I live 3/4 of a mile from a good sized lake. <br />As for the big one I'd be willing to spend lots on it as it'll be a project from the day I get it to the day I sell it... All done over time... I'm just that way with boats anyway... every boat I'll ever own will be a money pit because of hairbrained ideas etc etc. The little boat is not an amusement park ride boat rather a homemade boat. I would loved to have put some small round headlights on the top front moulded to the top and paint a frog mouth with tounge sticking out. They would sell it for $600.. I figured if it ran good I'd sell the motor alone for around that and put something a lil smaller on it.<br /><br /><br />Whatta ya think... 3-4' outriggers at the back on both sides for stability and floatation with a 5 horse on it?<br />

 

[DJ]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

That is a pretty cool old boat. However, be aware that it will not be worth as much to someone else as it may be to you.

 

[mrn714]

Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

It seems to me that it will be hard to get that one insured.