1960 Tomahawk 17' Boat Restoration

[jddurst22]

My Grandfather recently gifted me his old boat that has sat in his driveway under a tree for my entire life (30 years). I'm starting the process of restoring the boat and the outboard motor (1959 Evinrude Starflite 50 hp). This is my first boat, first project, first time with fiberglass, etc. I've perused the forums for some tips and tutorials, and can't thank you guys enough already, but wanted to show you what I got, what I'm doing, and get any other tips you may have. Thanks
Jon

 

[Scott Danforth]

read the forum stickies and take a look at other restorations.

was the boat covered its entire 57 years? or did it sit uncovered under the tree

the worst thing for a boat is to sit uncovered under a tree

 

[jddurst22]

No Title

It had a cover and presumably a tarp for a while, but those degraded. Had about 3 inches of compost in the passenger area.

 

[jddurst22]

No Title

I got all the debris shoveled out. The plywood under the fiberglass deck was completely gone, but the stringers felt solid, and responded well to a thunk test. I know it's a lot of work, but I'm gonna replace the deck and the stringers if I need to.

 

[sphelps]

Nice old runabout ! Thanks for saving another one from the scrapyard ! Tagging along let us know how we can help !

 

[JPalm79]

That is nearly the same story for me and my new boat... 20 years uncovered under a tree and it was some nice fertile soil going on inside. I don't have the fiberglass moulded seats like yours.