14ft McKee Craft

[cucomaza]

Hopefully the members of this group can give me your thoughts on a boat that I just purchased. It is a 14ft Mckee craft boat that is in pretty good condition. This boat will predominantly be used by my wife and I. Considering that this boat is almost a clean slate, I would like to get your input on installing some more comfortable seats and maybe giving me some insight into this type of boat. I picked this boat mainly because it seemed to be great shape and has a great working 48hp spl johnson Motor.

Also, My wife was disappointed that this boat did not have the railings and a bimini top that some whalers we have seen in South Texas. If anyone knows where I can find some used railings, bimini top, or other accessories for this boat, please let me know. thanks a bunch.

I have not put this boat in the water yet but would like any input as to what I can expect with regards to speed and comfort.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: 14ft McKee Craft

Nice boat. Welcome aboard. Google search marine salvage in your area and you might find some used stuff. Craigslist is a great place to start also. Just search railings under boats and you could end up with something like this Boston whaler side rales

Same for the bimini top.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: 14ft McKee Craft

I got my daughter a 14 with a 70 on it about 15 years ago. I just traded it for a different boat. They are heavy and can knock down small chop. The larger stuff will break your back. The 50 HP ( it really is a 50 should be fine. The 70 was too much. You can buy the parts to add rails tops seats ect here on Iboats or other supply houses. If it works for you install it. Let the woman pick out things. Put her name on the boat. The boat does well at slower speeds with the bow up a bit in rough water. They are really a well made hull.


Lyle

 

[cucomaza]

Re: 14ft McKee Craft

I got my daughter a 14 with a 70 on it about 15 years ago. I just traded it for a different boat. They are heavy and can knock down small chop. The larger stuff will break your back. The 50 HP ( it really is a 50 should be fine. The 70 was too much. You can buy the parts to add rails tops seats ect here on Iboats or other supply houses. If it works for you install it. Let the woman pick out things. Put her name on the boat. The boat does well at slower speeds with the bow up a bit in rough water. They are really a well made hull.


Lyle

My wife would really like for me to install some seats with backs. Is it possible to install two with backs on the bench behind the steering wheel. I figure if I do bold a couple of seats here I probably would lose the use of the storage underneath since I would think it would be difficult to lift with the seats mounted on there. Any thoughts?

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: 14ft McKee Craft

You have a fantastic little boat! There are many of them still in service and will be for generations to come. Check out McKee on THT. Not long ago Key McKee was posting there. You may be able to hear from him ort someone who has or made the railing. A local welder can probably make a railing to your specs. A bimini top is inexpensive and can be found on many sites. Here on iBoats store probably has them too.
I had a McKee 172 Backwater that was sadly sold as my wife feels 2 boats is all I need. Your 14 will bounce in a chop but take a better wave than you think. If you go to McKee Craft Boats you will see your boat (the site is not completely active yet ). Hit the contact button and you may get an answer on your questions.
Cannot help with speed on your 14 but with a 90 on my 17 40 mph was easy.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 14ft McKee Craft

Clean little rig. McKee boat are basically Boston Whaler clones (i.e. fiberglass hull filled with foam). While they can be a little heavy, they're generally well made and reliable. Sort of a Jack of all trades design, The motor will mostly depend on your needs, but I'd say anything between 40-70hp would work nicely. There are also lots of aftermarket "bolt on" accessories. Just look around for Boston Whaler parts and you'll find all kids of stuff. I've seen these hulls used as everything from flats skiffs, to bait boats, to small Bay/offshore rigs. Congrats on the new toy!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 14ft McKee Craft

I'd suggest removeable or fold-down seat backs; they really get in the way in a small boat. Or carry stadium seats.