1958 Queen Merrie

Backwaters2

Seaman
Joined
May 25, 2011
Messages
68
I have been looking at a lot of older vintage alumacrafts and was uncertain if I wanted get a Deep C or not. I really wanted an Open C but I have yet to see one for sale. Two Deep C's were available on craigs list but they seem pretty close in style to my 56' FD. So today I found this Queen Merrie for sale and decided I could not turn this one down. The hull is in pretty good shape and it has the seating layout that was offered as new I believe. The boat was not water ready as it was embedded with leaves and other junk. Trailer is solid and it is powered by a 58' Evinrude 35 hp Lark. Tag is for up to 90 hp, but I'm not interested in speed. Engine needs to be gone over prior to running. First thing to do is "rake" the leaves out of the floor and give it a cleaning. It has a plywood floor so that is going to be replaced. I'm not a fan of plywood floors and carpet, but I'm not sure what else would be an alternative. Also, I will be rebuilding the back to back seats and using the bad wood for a template.
 

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garbageguy

Lieutenant Commander
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Re: 1958 Queen Merrie

Sounds like a cool project - got any pics?
 

Backwaters2

Seaman
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May 25, 2011
Messages
68
Re: 1958 Queen Merrie

The craigslist ad is deleted but it's probably the same one.
 

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Backwaters2

Seaman
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May 25, 2011
Messages
68
Re: 1958 Queen Merrie

Same day of purchase I was able to remove the seats and floor. I did a power wash and will run a shot of gluvut down the center seam. Not sure if its needed though.
 

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Backwaters2

Seaman
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May 25, 2011
Messages
68
Re: 1958 Queen Merrie

Spent time today cutting the floor. I used 1/2" exterior plywood from Lowes. It was pretty clean on one side and a lot better then Home Depot. I need to find a source for these T-Screws that allow for quick removal of the center pieces. I decided on staining then using Spar Polyurethane to coat it. I'm keeping the would exposed and not gluing carpet down. This will allow for better breathablity and easy maintenance for touch ups.
 

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Backwaters2

Seaman
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May 25, 2011
Messages
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Re: 1958 Queen Merrie

I'm looking for a source for these t-screws. I'll stop by Fastnall tomorrow after work...

The salesman at Fastnall did not have source for the hatch screws. If anyone knows where to get them please let me know. Thanks.
 

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Backwaters2

Seaman
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May 25, 2011
Messages
68
Re: 1958 Queen Merrie

I found the serial number for the Queen Merrie while cleaning the back transom bracket. The number is Q 224. I'll email Alumacraft and see what kind of response I get from the lady.

Also, the model number on the Evinrude is 35515 so that confirms it's a 1958 35 hp.
 

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Vintin

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Oct 12, 2011
Messages
223
Re: 1958 Queen Merrie

I'm looking for a source for these t-screws. I'll stop by Fastnall tomorrow after work...

The salesman at Fastnall did not have source for the hatch screws. If anyone knows where to get them please let me know. Thanks.

Congratulations on the Queen Merrie! I've got a 1955 AlumaCraft Cruiseabout and have those same screws holding down some floor panels. I'd be quite interested should you find a source. Wish I could help.
 

Backwaters2

Seaman
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May 25, 2011
Messages
68
Re: 1958 Queen Merrie

The floor always goes quickly until the stain and varnish part, so I cleaned the windshield and removed som crude off the front deck. Recieved an email back from Alumacraft Lady, however she wanted to know how many feet the boat was. Replied with 18' so tomorrow I'll see if she can verify its a 1958.

Still looking for those 1/4 turn deck screws on the internet. That could take some searching???
 

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Backwaters2

Seaman
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May 25, 2011
Messages
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Re: 1958 Queen Merrie

Received a quick email response from Alumacraft on the boat year. They confirmed it is a 1958. Hull number is 224 and they also confirmed the production numbers started at 100, so this boat would be the 124th made. She also said that total production was about 900 boats.

Thank you for sending me that information. Your Queen Merrie serial number 224 was built in 1958, this boat model was built from 1958 until 1960. There were approximately 900 total units of this model produced during that time period.

Thanks,
Alumacraft Customer Service Support
 

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Backwaters2

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May 25, 2011
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Re: 1958 Queen Merrie

Started replacing the wooden back to back seats. The best method is to just trace the old seats and use a template. Many different curves and angles to get it correct. One done, one to go.
 

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Backwaters2

Seaman
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May 25, 2011
Messages
68
Re: 1958 Queen Merrie

Busy weekend geting things back together on the Alumacraft. Primed and painted the two bench seats. Will put a second coat on this week. Use Interlux Brightside polyurthene. Good paint and should do ok sealing the wood. Checked the boat for leaks at the ramp and nothing obvious showed up so no issues there. Spent most of today putting foam in the hull and getting the floor boards back in. Most of the screws lined up from my old template but the center boards do have a small space between them that I did not notice when I removed them. Not sure if I should keep the space or widen the center boards to butt against the two sides boards. Three of the centerboards do have 1/4 turn quick releases so I think its not a bad idea to have some space between the boards. If water gets in the boat it will still find its way through the joints so why not have some space to let things air out a little? Wish I had an original view of the floor from 1958. Not sure if the floor was painted, stained or I hope (not carpeted). Not a fan of carpet in boats.
 

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Hain't Blue

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May 1, 2014
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Re: 1958 Queen Merrie

Backwaters2, congratulations on the purchase. She's a real beauty. I just purchased my first restoration project May 1st. It is a 1959 Alumacraft Queen Merrie with original (assumed) Gator trailer and original (on fairly good authority) 75 HP Evinrude Starflite II. I've got a few "Honey do's" to take care of before I am permitted to work on the boat, so I am amazed and quite envious of your progress so far. Love all the pics. Takes some of the mystery out of what I will find when I remove the partially rotted floor and flotation foam ant farm. My boat does not have the back to back seating, but under some terrible white vinyl cover, I did find the original upholstery. It's pretty cool. Once I figure out how to add photos, I will upload some pics. Hopefully you will keep us posted on your progress. Good luck.
 

Backwaters2

Seaman
Joined
May 25, 2011
Messages
68
Re: 1958 Queen Merrie

Hain't Blue, can't wait to see your project photos too. I know its tough getting adequate time to work on restorations, but I've been poking away each evening. This weekend did not allow much time with Mothers Day and other family events. I did find time to test the bench seats that go underneath the aluminum side trays. I'm happy they fit, not perfect, but enough to start reassembling and looking forward to the seat cushion phase. I took all of the vinyl off the old seat rests and will work on the templates and new wood this week. Not sure if I'll try the upholstery or not. Side panels on the floor are on too.
 

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Backwaters2

Seaman
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May 25, 2011
Messages
68
Re: 1958 Queen Merrie

Thank you vspeedster. Trying to get things done vs quality can be conflicting at times. I recently replaced the water pump, thermostat, and last night rebuilt the carb. I anticipate getting the coils, condensers, and points done tomorrow. Then I'll be able to see how the 1958 Evinrude Lark performs. I'm debating doing the upholstery myself or having the local upholstery shop do them. After doing a test run on one of the seats, I think it might be easier and faster to have them do it. Also, I can't decided on a vinyl color. My test seat is off white with blue trim but I'm thinking that might be too of a light color.
 

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Backwaters2

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May 25, 2011
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I decided to have a local shop put some new vinyl on the seats. They should be done this week so my test runs on the lake will be more comfortable. During the last week, I replaced the coils, condenser, and points. Carb has new gaskets and was cleaned. Also put on new head gasket. Tested motor in tank and the idle was tricky to get correct and starting was a little weak. Took a second look at the carb and put a "boss gasket" on the main nozzle. Also noticed that the armature plate had to much play and this was making the idle difficult to get smooth. Used the "Joe Reeves" method to tighten up the armature plate holder. Also turning the armature plate retainer "flat side" up helped to take out all of the play. Everything should be dialed in and I'll test it again tomorrow and set the mixture and idle.
 

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Joined
Sep 7, 2012
Messages
21
Backwaters2, nice workmanship on the boat! Where did you source the floatation foam? I have a source for those t nut thingys, I need to get all new ones for mine as well. I will be working on mine the rest of the weekend. Hopefully I'll get it closer to putting it in the water by Tuesday if I don't run into any more issues. What are the things that look like lights on the dash, are those gauges? The previous owners of my QM did a real hatchet job in the dash, then the dealer did even more damage when they installed the new hydraulic steering. I need to figure out a way to cover the dash to make it look better and give me a place to put the new motor gauge. Good work, glad to see others saving these old beauties from the scrapyard!
 
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