Getting my Grandfathers 12ft Wards Sea King back in the water..

Hello, My name is Kevin. I have a 12ft Wards Sea King that was my grandfathers boat. As far the story goes,my grandparents bought it in the late 60's/early 70's. They would take the boat up to the Adirondacks every year for there family vacations. Them living only 20 minutes from some of the best fishing in the world (Burt Dam/18 mile creek/Niagara River) . I'm sure the boat was use in alot of waters in Western New York. So when my Grandfather passed away the boat was moved to my parents house. My parents took the boat out once about 10 years ago in the Erie canal. And since then the boat was sitting up against a garage at my step fathers mother's house. Now i'm working on getting the boat sea worthy again. I guess there's a couple of reason for restoring the boat. Sentimental reasons because it was my grandfathers boat. The other one is to have a nice fishing boat for my now 16 month old son and me to go fishing with. So im here to get some tips and maybe give some as i move along with the restoration. Thanks.

Re: Getting my Grandfathers 12ft Wards Sea King back in the water..

Here are acouple pics of the boat.

Re: Getting my Grandfathers 12ft Wards Sea King back in the water..

Hello Kevin...Welcome Aboard!

First see if she leaks at all...either put water in her and see if she leaks or drag her to the water and put her in..
How is the wood in the transom? Is there wood (?) if so is it solid or can you poke into it with a screwdriver?
If you will be painting the old girl, use the search function and use key words like "PAINT ALUMINUM" and hold on tight..

Be careful in them lil 12 ftrs...they are a bit tipsy..

Re: Getting my Grandfathers 12ft Wards Sea King back in the water..

Ok my first question. Reading some of the other forums on the type of wood to use on Aluminium boats. I used a piece of pressure treated 3/4 plywood for the transom on my boat. This was a suggestion form a local boat mechanic instead of using marine board(too expensive). I read in some threads to never use treated wood because the chemical will react with the aluminium. I did put wood stain on the piece also. What is everybody's opinion on this? Thanks again.

Re: Getting my Grandfathers 12ft Wards Sea King back in the water..

Hey Cheapboat. Thanks for the quick reply, that was fast. The transom was shot so I replaced it with 3/4 PT plywood. And the plan was to put the boat in the water Saturday and she if she floats. I think the paint and redoing the seats with probably happen over the winter or next spring. Thanks for the search tips tho. My main goal for now is to get her in the water,and make sure she's sea worthy.

Re: Getting my Grandfathers 12ft Wards Sea King back in the water..

Sorry, but the PT has to go.
It will react with the aluminum skin, and it will pit and put holes in your family treasure.
Not immediatley mind you, but it wont last another 40 plus years either.
Better off with plain old wood encapsulated with a coating of epoxy and fiberglass mat.

If she leaks at all, use Gluv-it on the inside of the boat, brushed into and on all the seams and or rivets if she has them.
Its a thin rubbery adhesive that once cured, will keep the water where it belongs, outside the boat.

Re: Getting my Grandfathers 12ft Wards Sea King back in the water..

Just saw the pictures, shes very clean!!

Re: Getting my Grandfathers 12ft Wards Sea King back in the water..

Welcome to iboats! I agree, the PT ply has to go. You can get a sheet of 3/4 auruco ply for about 35 bucks. Put on a couple coats of epoxy resin to seal it and it will last darn near forever! Good luck and have fun.

Re: Getting my Grandfathers 12ft Wards Sea King back in the water..

Thanks! My Stepfather found the registration last week. Shes a 1971, last reged in NY in 1987. We took here out last Saturday with just orrs, no motor. DMV is giving me trouble registering it because the is no HIN#. But thats besides the point. We put her in the water and no leaks except a little drip thru the drain plug! We took about a half hour trip around the lake. We had to turn around because my little guy was getting pretty brave trying to test the water out! I'll replace the PT wood,i only sent $10 on the peices so not a huge lost. More pics of the boat in the water to come. Thanks so much for the help!

Re: Getting my Grandfathers 12ft Wards Sea King back in the water..

Ok will replace the transom. Its just really funny that the guy who suggested the PT wood is a pretty well known outboard guy in my area. Well maybe he just wanted me out of hes hair.