1955 or 1956 Arkansas Traveler CSP-14 runabout ???? project.

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Feb 23, 2017
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First hello and thanks for having me. I have recently aquired a 1955 or 56 Arkansas traveler csp 14 I think?? Im trying to find some possible pictures of the interior etc maybe some early paint color ideas. Right now its faded light blue, red and white , with beautiful rotten plywood interior seating. I also am wonder what the max hp i can put on this beauty might be? Im thinking 50HP :) Id like to fix the old girl up is all and quite frankly there's not much info on this thing? Any help on any of these topics would be greatly appreciated or if you just want to say hi that's cool too. Again thanks for having me and i'll surely get some pictures up soon.
 
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boo!! Do you think it might take 50 :) , my thought is that a newer 50 might actually weigh less than a 50's model 40. Or is it more of the issues with what the transom can take, Im kind of a car guy so in my mind 40, 50 hp are almost the same but i can see where it could be problematic.
 
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jbcurt00

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A 1950s 40hp was crank rated

A modern 50 is prop rated (everything after 1982 (+/-))

More then the 10hp stated difference between the 2

Its a classic runabout, enjoy it for what it is or buy a speedboat built for higher HP performance.
 

jbcurt00

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Looks like its rated for a 25hp, so significantly less then a modern 50hp, by more then half.

Theres loss between the crank rated 25hp and output at the prop. No difference then like the cars you're mire familiar w

Arktravbb001.jpg


Using the SP-14 specs...
 
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jbcurt00

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If the 1972 Merc is the 50hp you mentioned, then it's twice overpowered

A fifties 25-35hp OMC is about 140lbs IIRC, but it really doesnt matter if the 72 50hp is 'only' 150lbs (no idea if it does) or 130lbs, its overpowering a smalll vintage boat that wasnt built for a 50hp motor.
 
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thru my research the boats rated for 40 hp, im gonna take the gamble after the rebuild, because America!!
 

hvymtl939

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Overpowered boats can be fun, and dangerous. Just be careful, since insurance might not cover you.
 
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The funny thing im finding is lots of info on what i shouldn't do power wise, and nothing about this boat, I have figured out its original max hp was 40. As for the rivets yeah i know its an old boat, but its is straight and its a UP fresh water boat, i see no evidence of fatigue. Jury's still out on HP. I just want a motor that's older yet not as old as the boat, as I would like to source parts. Oh and power as much as she'll take given i think she'll plane like a bulldozer. Any ideas on colors etc this thing is hard to find pictures of. I do love a challenge. thanks for the insight folks.
 
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I wanted to share some pictures of the beginning. I have also found a cool 1960 evinrude 40hp for the old girl. its cool to save history !!
 

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I work for a salvage yard and acquired 2 evinrude lark 40 hp, they are both very clean, i figure with two complete at least I can source parts, and the year range is fairly close, not to mention I think it will look really pretty on the back.
 
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