Old Larson I.D. and floor help

[TommyRocker]

I just picked up this old Larson for $50. Looks to be an early 60s 16 footer, not sure of the model, All American or lapline? My real question is about the floor .It doesn't seem to have to one like I'm used to. It has fiberglass beams (bulkheads?) Running across it ever couple feet and the floor seems to be the hull itself. It has molded fiberglass seats that go all the way down to the hull. Any info on what to do about the floor would be appreciated.

 

[Woodonglass]

It's hard to "SEE" what you're referencing about the floor (Deck) Measure on the outside from the top of the gunwales to the bottom of the hull. Use a 2x4 find level for the bottom. Then measure on the inside from the top of the gunwales to the top of the deck. This will tell you if there's a void between the bottom of the hull and the top of the deck. Most likely there is. Larsons were ahead of their time back in the day and your boat MIGHT have fiberglass stringers etc. If so this is a GREAT design and will save you a LOT of time when doing your restoration. Core sample the transom to determine it's condition.

 

[sphelps]

Might find a little info here .http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/index.php?title=Larson

 

[TommyRocker]

Sorry WOG, I didn't realize they were so dark. These are a little better! The ribs appear to be fiberglass, and they run transverse. Sphelps, I'll read through that link

 

[Woodonglass]

Soooo did you measure the hull? Do you think the seats are sitting against the bottom of the hull? Maybe but I'm doubtful

 

[TommyRocker]

I haven't had a chance to measure yet. Will tomorrow. All the literature I've found describes it as a flat floor and this one is not flat. I'll measure tomorrow to see if it's double hull or what. Will also test transom. Expecting wet wood but we'll see .

 

[TommyRocker]

Still haven't measured. I decided to vacuum it out and see what it looks like.

 

[Woodonglass]

Hmmm these pics for sure show a curved surface especially the seat bases. It very well maybe the hull with reinforcement ribs. I'm not sure. Defintely a unique design. i'll be very interested in what your measurements determine

 

[MTboatguy]

That thing looks almost identical to a 1962 Seaswirl I restored about 25 years ago, same construction, same colors and same in the floor and seats.

 

[TommyRocker]

Project was put on hold for the winter and I've only been working on it here and there since the weather warmed up because I'm a long haul trucker and don't have much free time. The weather hasn't been cooperating with boaters here anyways. I apparently didn't take regular photos but so far I've stripped the boat down, built a temporary rotisserie, done a lot of cosmetic repairs to various dings and scratches and started painting. Gathered a bunch of parts. Got an old 1967 Evinrude 80hp running and started to reseal the gearcase and replace impeller. I'm back on the road for my last trip, starting a local gig in a couple weeks. Should go faster then.

 

[TommyRocker]

Should add that this one is being rushed as much as I can manage so I can take the family out this summer, I have a 59 Lake n Sea that is on hold until I can commit appropriate time to do it very nicely.

 

[Bayou Dave]

Should add that this one is being rushed as much as I can manage so I can take the family out this summer, I have a 59 Lake n Sea that is on hold until I can commit appropriate time to do it very nicely.

She sure does look different than she did a year ago! Great job, so far. I love the rotisserie. I am sure it made your work a lot easier.

 

[sphelps]

Nice work !

 

[TommyRocker]

Thanks, guys. Yes, the rotisserie has been extremely helpful, I'm surprised we don't see more of them on these smaller restorations. It only took a couple hours to set up and you can rotate the boat through its full 360 without touching the boat itself. Made paint prep and spraying so much easier and I can let it cure while I'm away from home the next 2 weeks without worrying about anything making impressions on the paint.

 

[TommyRocker]

Still plugging away at it. Hard to find time.