1955

[ChiefMKC]

Hello. I am new to this site, just a week ago I picked up a 1955 13’7” long open bow style Starcraft. Similar hull to what my Dad had when I was young. Wish I knew where that one was. I will have to take some pictures. It has seen a lot of use. Was a rental boat. The last owner had someone replace the wood. What a mistake that was. Anyway I will have to replace the transom and gunwales. Does anyone happen t ok have pictures of what they look like. Was it just wood on the inside and out sitting flush with the top of the sides? I am guessing it was white oak and 2” wide by 1/2” thick. And I am guessing using two layers of 3/4” ply on the inside and 1/2” on the outside for the transom? Thanks

 

[classiccat]

Welcome @ChiefMKC !

I don't know if we've had a '55 come across the site. The closest well-documented build that I can find is @ssdale 's '59 Constellation (Link). His is a runabout however his restoration includes alot of woodwork that probably applies to your construction.

 

[Moserkr]

Welcome Chief! Looking forward to some pics so we can see what you’re working with.

 

[ChiefMKC]

Thankyou Classiccat. No light in the barn where it is at the moment but they cam out ok

 

[ChiefMKC]

A few more

 

[ChiefMKC]

And a couple more
A diamond in the ruff

 

[Moserkr]

Very nice! She looks to be in good shape. No floors either so seeing if rivets are bad will be easy. What are you planning on powering her with?

 

[ChiefMKC]

I wanted it to run my old motors on as I restore them. Anything from a 1924 Johnson A-25 to my late 1940’s speeditwin. Or my mint 10 hp Johnson or one of my Evinrude 18’s

 

[ChiefMKC]

The Evinrude is a 29 or 30 14hp Fastwin

 

[jbcurt00]

Consider using ash for the gunwales

 

[ChiefMKC]

I was wondering about that

 

[SHSU]

And I am guessing using two layers of 3/4” ply on the inside and 1/2” on the outside for the transom? Thanks

Transoms are usually done with two layers of 3/4 ply BCX as you mentioned. The 1/2 inch external pieces seems to have been an old attempt at vibration dampener. Most people don't replace them during the rebuilds.

SHSU

 

[ChiefMKC]

Thanks. I always thought the outside piece was to protect the transom and give the ridges inside the clamp assembly a place to sink in and help hold the motor in place

 

[SHSU]

Thanks. I always thought the outside piece was to protect the transom and give the ridges inside the clamp assembly a place to sink in and help hold the motor in place

Possible, I am by no means a historical expert on it.

That being said, I think you would be causing more damage on the internal transom if you tried to bolt it down that hard. The point load from the screws would be pretty extreme.

SHSU

 

[ChiefMKC]

The clamping pressure would be the same I think. Just the vibration from runnng will cause it to settle in.

 

[Scott Danforth]

as mentioned prior. Ash for the gunwales

the clamp plate on the outside is just that, something that the motor clamps into.

my bud's '58 tinny restoration used mahogany for the exterior clamp plate and ash for the transom. bow was done with mahogany strips

 

[DLNorth]

Ash turns black when exposed to water, very quickly. If you use it , be prepared to keep a good coat of varnish on it. A story - (I'm an old canoe guy, wood/canvas) back in the day Chestnut canoes used a lot of ash for rails and trim, the preferred wood is 1) spruce or 2) mahogany. I suspect Chestnut went to ash because spruce became very hard to find and ash is very common. Anyway, with Chestnut using ash, now many think it is a good wood to use on canoes. It's not.

Dan