1952 14ft DuraCraft Resto

[CBGale2]

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

They're pretty narrow so the stability leaves something to be desired.

Ill tie a couple fun noodles on the sides.

 

[m casey stock]

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

They're pretty narrow so the stability leaves something to be desired.

Never seemed to be a problem in the ones I've been in, but they are runabouts being used for...well...running about. Haven't been in one that has been chopped and danced around with a fishing pole on a heavy deck conversion, probably would feel a bit unstable. I just use one of my other boats that was actually designed for that. That's why I hate to see these boats cut up and made into something that they were never intended to be. They are great if used as designed. There are plenty other inexpensive boats with a wider platform to work with, to add a fishing deck and pedestal seats without chopping up a nice classic runabout. The ones that were designed for fishing (50 some odd years ago) were not designed for the more modern stand up style fishing (were you are flipping your Jig under a willow branch from 25 yards out) and should not be expected to perform in that manner. Now if you are talking about a newer DuraCraft or now called War Eagle I don't think you'll find a better rig depending on your needs. Of course like a newer Bass Tracker you will pay a healthy amount for a War Eagle with that type of setup.

 

[m casey stock]

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Ill tie a couple fun noodles on the sides.

Now that is what I'm talking about INGENUITY :encouragement:

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Ill tie a couple fun noodles on the sides.

Put 'em on some sticks like outriggers on a canoe. Might hang off the sides of the trailer, but you'll be stable on the water.

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[jigngrub]

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Never seemed to be a problem in the ones I've been in,

That's because you can't hardly stand up in one and there isn't enough room to move around in them. Those boats were designed for sitting and riding around, in fair weather and calm water... and that just about all you can do with one of them.

I agree that the old runabout style DCs aren't worth chopping up to make something else out of them because they're too small and too narrow, but since the OPs boat is already kinda mangled it won't hurt a thing to make it a fair weather fishing boat and will be cheaper than trying to restore it back to what it was before it was chopped up.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Ill tie a couple fun noodles on the sides.

People fish out of smaller and narrower boats all the time and catch lots of fish.

I think it's great that you want to give this boat a new life and recycle it into something you can use.

 

[m casey stock]

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Those boats were designed for sitting and riding around, in fair weather and calm water... and that just about all you can do with one of them.

I was wondering how long it would take for you to catch on. I think that is what I said in one of my last posts :facepalm:

I agree with you on the restoring back to original (whatever that is LOL) it really would not be very practical unless it was a Chris Craft or some high dollar vintage boat..... Of course due to the smaller size they will tip more when getting in and out than a larger boat would, but for what I want mine for (just cruising around) it's perfect.

I agree that the old runabout style DCs aren't worth chopping up to make something else out of them because they're too small and too narrow, but since the OPs boat is already kinda mangled it won't hurt a thing to make it a fair weather fishing boat and will be cheaper than trying to restore it back to what it was before it was chopped up.

LOL, I think you put some words in my mouth that I didn't say. To no surprise though :lie:

 

[CBGale2]

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Well the PO used this for a duck boat on Lake Erie for years and years so I'm sure it will suit me and the family on inland lakes to hang a line over the edge and pull up gills. I would just like the option to stand up and pee off the back once and awhile. :lol:

Today's purchase. :joyous:

 

[m casey stock]

Re: 1952 14ft DuraCraft Resto

LOL I have stood up plenty of times in other runabouts just like yours with no problems (Peeing is optional just make sure you face the right direction :jaw I think the boat will be perrrrrrrfect for what you want to do with it. It's what I started off wanting to do with mine, but it wasn't hacked that bad and I got bit by the restoration bug, and look what it got me. I now have a basic Jon boat to do the job that you just mentioned with, Oh well. My wife told me the other day when I mentioned a possible Islander build for overnight cruises "You CAN have too many boats" I guess I can pitch a tent on the 21ft center console for an over-niter

Hey I like the thread name change!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1952 14ft DuraCraft Resto

You have the Duracraft, you have the power, you have the trailer - Now if the water would soften, you could pee off the boat.

That old Jonny will look good on the back of the DC.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1952 14ft DuraCraft Resto

nice motor!

If you post action photos when you do splash her, please make sure it's JUST of the fishing, NO shots of you standing up at the stern Thanks....

 

[m casey stock]

Re: 1952 14ft DuraCraft Resto

In all the other silliness I forgot to complement you on your propulsion unit. Nice find, should look real appropriate hanging over the rear of the DC.

 

[glnbnz]

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Re: 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Well the PO used this for a duck boat on Lake Erie for years and years so I'm sure it will suit me and the family on inland lakes to hang a line over the edge and pull up gills. I would just like the option to stand up and pee off the back once and awhile. :lol:

Today's purchase. :joyous:

Nice score on this motor. I love the older look!!

 

[CBGale2]

Re: 1952 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Thanks gentleman. For $90, how could I resist. :rockon:

 

[jasoutside]

Re: 1952 14ft DuraCraft Resto

90 bux? Nice:thumb:

 

[64osby]

Re: 1952 14ft DuraCraft Resto

I had this 14' Duracraft.

On the test run I used a '56 10hp. It zipped along nicely, no gps, but would estimate high teens. The guy who bought it posted in the thread he did 13mph with a 6hp. Here's the link to the above boat, http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topic...cs/14-duracraft-utility-maybe-50s-599590.html

The test run was great, but wasn't as stable as my 14' Lone*Star. The LS is much wider.

Your 5.5 Johnson is awesome. Stylish motors that are easy to work on and bottom feeder friendly. :thumb:

 

[m casey stock]

Re: 1952 14ft DuraCraft Resto

I had this 14' Duracraft.

On the test run I used a '56 10hp. It zipped along nicely, no gps, but would estimate high teens. The guy who bought it posted in the thread he did 13mph with a 6hp. Here's the link to the above boat, http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topic...cs/14-duracraft-utility-maybe-50s-599590.html

The test run was great, but wasn't as stable as my 14' Lone*Star. The LS is much wider.

Your 5.5 Johnson is awesome. Stylish motors that are easy to work on and bottom feeder friendly. :thumb:

I remember this little beauty. Still like the shark teeth it used to wear LOL like most boat manufactures, Duracrafts made many sizes and I could tell by the pictures that your old utility is much narrower than my runabout. That was a nice unit, would have loved to had it.

 

[64osby]

Re: 1952 14ft DuraCraft Resto

^^^ 48" wide midship and 36" wide at transom

 

[glnbnz]

Re: 1952 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Yeah WOW great price!

 

[CBGale2]

Re: 1952 14ft DuraCraft Resto

Got it turtled. Giving it a quick hit with the orbital. Then hopefully get a decent day to rattle can on some rusto.