14' Arkansas Travler project

[mbriddler]

Hey guys new to this form and have found a ton of useful info on it. I bought a 14' arkansas traveler about 4 yrs ago from a buddy i worked with for a 100 bucks includes trailer, not a bad deal at all. Im just now finally getting around to restoring it, ive had it stored since i got it. The seats were rotted so those are gone, got it stripped down pressure washed and did a leak test, couple leaking rivets and the main seam weeps some. So now going to put coat it on and i was wondering if 2-2lbs kits would be enough, i plan on doing the inside and out, want to make sure she's tight. Ill start posting some pics so you can keep track of progress, and tips, tricks, or any info will be greatly appreciated. thanx

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 14' Arkansas Travler project

This should help...Coat-It Two Part Epoxy Product Information
@ temps above 75? you only have approx. 15-20 minutes working time so make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go. Tipping and tilting the boat to get it to flow into the cracks and crevices is a good idea.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 14' Arkansas Travler project

HI mbriddler. Welcome to iboats. Great to have another AT owner here in the forums. I have a 14' AT tinny myself. It started life as late 50s-early 60s skiboat/runabout, but I've since converted it to a poor man's flats tiller skiff sort of thing. I run a '66 20hp and Johnson and it pushes me along nicely at around 20mph. Only a few things to remember with aluminum boats; NEVER use pressure treated wood, instead use non-pt, exterior grade plywood and seal it with epoxy, spar urethane, or exterior grade paint. You'll want to mount it to the hull using stainless steel hardware and/or aluminum rivets. That's really about it. The rest is only limited by your budget and imagination. Here's a handy link that can help you get you started.

Arkansas traveler - Classic Boat Library
Arkansas traveler - Classic Boat Library

 

[mbriddler]

Re: 14' Arkansas Travler project

Here's a few pics to show what I'm working with, not too bad of shape

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 14' Arkansas Travler project

Sweet! It looks like an early model from the mid 50's or so. I love the wooden gunnels. I believe we have another member with the same/similar model doing a resto as well. Do you have any idea what you want to to with her? What kind of motor do you plan on using?

 

[mbriddler]

Re: 14' Arkansas Travler project

started on gunnels, they arent rotted but in pretty bad shape. My plan is to fill in cracks with 3m filler than oil the would, according to anther forum i think they are teak, that the plan anyway. I could replace them, but since they are original and installed by hand ill try to save them, i like the randomness of the rivets from the two man teams, no defined pattern