Worthwhile project? (pics)

Wimperdink

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Jul 24, 2005
Messages
1,171
Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

Originally posted by DJ:<br /> 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.
very true.. but I guess if its worth more to me than what I can resell it for... i'll have to keep it or reevaluate what its worth to me :) I'm sure i'll keep it though I like it. Is insurance a requirement? I always insure however if its not a requirement i'd just have to make sure my life insurance is up to par. :D
 

AMD Rules

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 23, 2004
Messages
1,707
Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

lol.....if you're wife allows you to cut your old canoe in half to make a powered outrigger, you're home free on the little 33 horse rocket.<br /><br />I'd suggest you start a project log on that canoe...I'd like to see it when you're done.<br /><br />
doublecatamaran1.jpg
 

Wimperdink

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Jul 24, 2005
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1,171
Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

Originally posted by AMD Rules:<br /> lol.....if you're wife allows you to cut your old canoe in half to make a powered outrigger, you're home free on the little 33 horse rocket.<br /><br />I'd suggest you start a project log on that canoe...I'd like to see it when you're done.<br /><br />
Hey where'd ya get the outriggers in the pic?<br /><br />My wife isnt happy about the canoe in two project. She liked the old canoe.. we settled that she can buy us a new one that I wont hack up as long as I can buy used canoes to play with and modify. A mini battle ship with working waterguns next?<br /><br />I'm taking pictures as I go... I'm afraid to post them because of technical criticism I'd recieve for all the no no's i'm doing. I've used regular plywood for the transom as this is a test boat... other half will get the marine grade attention. Just wanna see what kind of performance and issues I come across before using the spencive stuff... good thing about cutting a canoe in half, is it gives you two tries :) hoping I dont have to put outriggers on it to keep it stable but kinda hope I do too. Also considering dropping two trolling motors out the bottom back of the craft to make it a twin engine lighter than carrying a 5 horse outboard and quiet.. trying to decide weather I want them to steer or mount solid and use a rudder.. thinking on a plan for an onboard gas powered battery charger to make it a Hybrid <-- I know a true hybrid is powered both by gas and electric but let me have my imagination puleeeeese.<br />I'm in the fiberglass phase now and hoping for a trial run with trolling motor hanging from the transom to test how it handles like that by tomorrow.<br />I'll post pictures when i'm closer to being finished... dont want anyone seeing my shabby fiberglass job till I get it cleaned up a lil better... <br /><br />p.s. how do you do a big fiberglass job without your resin drying before you finish? less hardner and more dry time? one part epoxy?<br /><br />p.s.s. Is it bad to hijack your own thread?
 

SuperGlue

Cadet
Joined
Jul 8, 2004
Messages
28
Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

Hey Wimperdink,<br /><br />I've heard of people making 12volt generators out of weed whacker engines and GM alternators. <br /><br />I just finished checking out your canoe photos in the restoration section. That's awesome!<br /><br />CG
 

Wimperdink

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Jul 24, 2005
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1,171
Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

I considered that too :D ... not sure if an alternator would keep up to a steady drain by a trolling motor though. I'll have to check the amp draw on the trolling motor.
 

joblo33

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 19, 2005
Messages
501
Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

I think I have the same motor as that big boat. Mine's a 1968 Merc 650 4cyl 65hp.<br />
1671.jpg
<br />Eric
 

Mark42

Fleet Admiral
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Oct 8, 2003
Messages
9,334
Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

So whats the story on the big ol' 16 footer? I really like that old cuddy design. Have you had a chance to check it out? Does it have any "redeeming features" like fiberglass floors and stringers to (hopefully) reduce the cost and time to restore? From what I can see there looks to be a lot of wood with paint peeled off - see the door frame, and lower half of the bulkhead. If there is much more like that you know it will mean removing and fabricating all new pieces. My guess is the floor is plywood and probably just as badly weathered as the door jam. <br /><br />It's got beautiful lines and the cuddy looks fair sized. Would be sharp looking boat restored. And a 65 hp o/b wouldn't be too hard on the wallet. This style boat is getting rarer every day. My feeling is this one will be a major restoration effort, so check it out well.<br /><br />And if you get it, don't cut it in half. <br /><br /> :D
 

Wimperdink

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Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

Havent seen it in person yet but my brother owns it... he has assured me the floors are solid and the whole thing is in decent shape... says with a quick wash the gelcoat shines like new. He said the door frame used to have a veneer on it that peeled off and thats why it looks that way. Said everything seems to be solid just needs paint and cleaning. <br /><br />When he got it, the threads to the lower unit drain plug had been filled with JB Weld due to someone cross threading the threads.. <br /><br />Now i'm hearing since that someone backed it into a hillside and there is a small crack in the lower unit on the motor and that JB Weld plug fell out, The top of the transom got cracked. He has since Installed a 3/8" plate across the entire back of the transom to give it strength where it cracked up by the motor mount.. claims it to extremely sturdy now.<br /><br />My first Plan is to first stress test the transom.. If its as sturdy as he claims I'll leave that for last... then drill holes in the floor to check for rot.. If thats as good as he claims, I'll just repair my holes, Replace whatever wood needs replaced, door frame etc etc, A layer of clean paint inside the cuddy and out back... I'll carpet the whole inside of the cuddy then remake some thicker comfier cushions... Replace the seats, Polish or repaint the console, and do a good polish and clean on the windows and gelcoat. If the windows come out foggy at all they will be replaced and retinted. I'll make sure all wiring is in good shape then hit the lake/river. Going to Aluminum weld the lower unit on the motor and repair the drain plug hole and give it a shot... I realize it will probably need the lower unit replaced. If it does, I will repower it with a 110 to 120 hp which is what it should have anyway. Once all that is done I'll start with the frills :) <br /><br /><br />No sir I wont cut it in half. :) The point of the canoe is to play and rig... this one will be repaired right :) <br /><br />If the transom even hints to not being sturdy, It will be replaced. If it feels sturdy I'll probably run it for a season then make that a next winter project. :)
 

AMD Rules

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 23, 2004
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1,707
Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

The more I look at the 'ol classic boat, the more I like it! Be sure to post a project log ..... it'd be interesting to see its make-over.
 

djzyla1980

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 26, 2005
Messages
640
Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

Could be wrong... but isn't that era of Merc's direct drive? Had one around that time and went through the impellors like crazy... and they weren't cheap. Tried not to reverse the damn thing but sometimes you couldn't help it.<br /><br />I WANT THAT BOAT....LOL Those old boats like that are neat... to me it would be well worth fixin up... Like old motors... The new ones are every where... it's the old ones I look at...
 

joblo33

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 19, 2005
Messages
501
Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

My '68 shifts in the leg. I'm pretty sure the dockbusters were a lot earlier, like early 60's.<br />Eric
 

DarkeMaster

Seaman
Joined
Apr 11, 2007
Messages
50
Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

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.


Can you send me pics of this boat. I may have one from 1960. Does it look anything like this? If it does I may have some info for you....Maybe you'll have some for me..

D Man
 

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Mark42

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
9,334
Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

Hi DarkeMaster,

In case you didn't notice this thread was last updated about 2 years ago. Wimperdink doesn't post here much anymore, but you can find him at boatbuildingonline.com, where he is very active.

Good luck!

Mark.
 

DarkeMaster

Seaman
Joined
Apr 11, 2007
Messages
50
Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

Thanks Mark,

You're right, I did not notice. barinfart....:redface:

D Man
 

marineman16

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 22, 2007
Messages
37
Re: Worthwhile project? (pics)

In my opinion, classic boats are like classic cars. If you have the time and money to spend on one you should go for it. There is nothing cooler than cruising the lake and seeing a classic gem splashing along beside you! Not to mention the joy and pride you'll have in it every time you take it on the water!
 
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