1970's Aluminum Mckenzie Cherokee Runabout Rebuild

[jigngrub]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Vinyl looks great J!!!

You're going to love that stuff, I spent the day cleaning dried fish blood and slime off of mine today from the slaughter on the water this past weekend. A little soap and water and the 2 1/2 yr. old vinyl still looks brand new without any stains.

I'd forgotten a little about how nice the vinyl is until I looked at the carpet in my buddy's boat this weekend, he bought the boat brand new 3 yrs. ago and the fish blood stains on the front deck look like someone butchered a hog up there. then there's the red clay mud, coffee, and soda stains throughout that make the nice new boat look like refried rat vomit.

When the temps start dropping again, crack open a stubby and throw some back bacon on the Coleman while you eat a nice big bowl of Kraft dinner.

 

[jhendery]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Thanks for the comments Jig and KFA.

There's no reason to wait for temps to drop that already happened. :facepalm:

And I think the only stubbies around here would be red stripe. But I much prefer Moosehead.

Haven't tried KD and bacon although that sounds like a good plan for this springs fishing trip. Now if I could only find a suitable boat. :facepalm:

 

[jhendery]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Temporarily installed the deck in LA boat. The fit is rather snug with vinyl but I think it's going to be good. Will need to mark the ribs so I know where to drill rivet holes. Will wait for warmer temps for this work.

In the meantime I mocked up a piece of Styrofoam for a dash template and mounted the piece to see how it would fit.



The dash template has a straight top but I think I need to curve the template to follow the contour of the bow. So in the center of the dash maybe raise the top 3/4" and curve the dash to follow the contour of the bow. Make sense?

I am going to use the original brackets used to install the dash. Problem is the brackets mount flush with the inside rub rail and I won't be able to use the rivet tool in the confined space.

Perhaps I need to use stainless steel hardware from the inside to the outside rub rail to install the brackets?

The original bracket was installed horizontally on the inside rub rail with rivets. A better picture can be viewed below.



As always suggestions welcome.

Have a good one and stay warm!

 

[jhendery]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

I am going to mount the brackets in the same position as original. Unfortunately I can't get the rivet tool in the confined space.

Is my best bet to use SS hardware through the rub rail?

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Which rivets are you having trouble getting to in this pix:

 

[jhendery]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Hey JB. Nice to see you drop by.

I marked the positions where the rivets would install the brackets. The brackets had a small weld holding them in place. I broke the weld when removing the brackets.

The brackets mount flush with the rub rail. I think I need to go SS hardware? Maybe start at the outside and go inside through the rub rail. Does that sound right?



Also got the Styrofoam dash cut and curved to shape. Need to get the dash into place for fitting.



Got the bow deck pieces epoxied to finish first coat. Will do a second coat before vinyl.

Warmer temps on the way!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

The bracket held on by the rivets you marked is currently NOT installed, you mentioned cracking a weld when you removed them, correct?

So you have an assembly that is still together? The bracket you marked:

AND the angle piece attached to it, correct? They are still connected to each other?

If they are still connected, seperate them. Then you might be able to get the rivet tool into the channel created by the angle bracket in question & the bow cover. I'm pretty sure my swivel head & non-swivel head hand riveter could get in to that space & drive a rivet. Might be easier w/ an extra set of hands to hold the bracket while you stab & set the rivets......

Then reinstall the dash panel, set the long angle brace back in place & rivet it to gunwale bracket and the back of the dash.

 

[jhendery]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

The bracket held on by the rivets you marked is currently NOT installed, you mentioned cracking a weld when you removed them, correct?

Correct

So you have an assembly that is still together? The bracket you marked:
AND the angle piece attached to it, correct? They are still connected to each other?.

Correct

If they are still connected, seperate them. Then you might be able to get the rivet tool into the channel created by the angle bracket in question & the bow cover. I'm pretty sure my swivel head & non-swivel head hand riveter could get in to that space & drive a rivet. Might be easier w/ an extra set of hands to hold the bracket while you stab & set the rivets......

Then reinstall the dash panel, set the long angle brace back in place & rivet it to gunwale bracket and the back of the dash.

Ok. That makes sense. I will separate the brackets pieces and install them separately.

Thanks JB. Your suggestion will definitely make the job easier and proper.

 

[jhendery]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Separated the brackets and angle stock. Will need to do minor repair work to the brackets using JB weld. Sand them up and they should be ready to install. Hopefully I will have enough room to use the rivet tool.



When I have the brackets installed I should be ready to test fit the Styrofoam template dash.

In the meantime I am working on epoxy of the bow pieces. Will need to have another go at the vinyl to finish these pieces off.

Snowing again today after above 0 temperatures the last couple of days. Apparently a nasty storm will reak havoc today.

 

[ssdale]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild


Hello and just saw your pm. Quickly ran through your posts and apologize if I say something that was covered. Attached a few pics of what mine looked like at your stage of the game

My boat is definitely a 1965 and yours is definitely newer than the 1967 brochure I have. They made them deeper in later years, like yours. I may have missed it, but what were the original colors of the boat?

The original transom starting from the rear was 3/4 marine plywood, aluminum hull, another 3/4 marine plywood, then a treated 2x4 on edge bolted all the way through under the splash well. It was a chore to get it all fitted back together as built.

I was lucky concerning the dash that the original vinyl covering protected it enough to simply "skin with a piece of wood grained aluminum siding. Pretty low tech but everyone compliments the clean appearance.

Let me know if you need any other details and I will try to help identify the exact year of your boat. Great to see someone else working on one of these well built boats. Great job!

 

[jhendery]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Thanks SS.

Not really sure about original colours although when I took ownership LA boat was white hull with navy blue topside.

Unlike yours LA boat will not be original. Just hope the design changes will work out ok.

 

[ssdale]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Finally took the time to read your whole thread. Nice work on that transom and especially removing all of the FG from the hull- not too many would have had the patience to get to where you are now!

From the dimensions you gave on a couple of posts, I believe your Cherokee Model is the 1967, 1500 Bolero Retail Price for two seater: $805, Side curtains option: $38. I am trying to show in this post. The info is a photo I took of a brochure that I saw and like a dolt, let someone else buy it at a swap meet before I got back to it:facepalm:!

That's why I asked you about the color. The only blue they had was the Caribbean blue pictured. I noticed a hint of this light blue in one of your photos of the splash well being prepped. Same transom, same double steering cable holes?. "Equipped with two front seats only"

La Boat also sports the original Nautalloy Aquabird bow light and cleats. I think your steering wheel is also original. These were designed by an immigrant named Tom Faul. Google the above names and you will see a nice brochure of his designs and a short biography. you see the lights once in a while on e-bay, but hardly ever the cleats. IMHO they are worth saving.

DO you have the windshield? Thought you might like to see what La Boat looked like 50 years ago. Along to see you splash!

 

[jhendery]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Finally took the time to read your whole thread. Nice work on that transom and especially removing all of the FG from the hull- not too many would have had the patience to get to where you are now!

From the dimensions you gave on a couple of posts, I believe your Cherokee Model is the 1967, 1500 Bolero Retail Price for two seater: $805, Side curtains option: $38.

Thanks again SS. The Bolero Cherokee certainly looks like LA boat. I will do more investigation but I think you nailed it!

Perhaps I should change the name for LA boat to "nouveau Bolero" Has a nice ring don't you think? lol

btw - I replaced the original windshield with a shield from an old glasser. I think it looks great.

 

[jhendery]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Got a second coat of epoxy on the bow deck pieces. They're going to need a quick sanding to smooth. Will get the vinyl cut for those pieces this week and maybe get the vinyl installed.

Need to mark the ribs to know where to drill 3/16" rivet holes. Then drill the holes 6" or 8" apart. Should I use 5200 when I rivet the deck into place?

Will need to mix another batch of JB weld for the dash brackets. Re-drill holes and install brackets and attach angle pieces. Then I should be able to test fit dash in place.

Have a good one eh!

 

[jhendery]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Got bow pieces sanded and vinyl cut.

Mixed a small batch of JB weld and applied to dash brackets. Need to sand smooth then should be ready for install.

Have a good one eh!

 

[jhendery]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Riveted the dash brackets into the rub rail yesterday. Brackets feel real strong.

Then realized there's not enough room to fit the rivet tool in the confined space to connect bracket and angle pieces.

Instead I will use stainless steel hardware to connect bracket and angle piece.

Have a good one folks!

Stay warm getting cold again.

 

[jhendery]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Fussed around with the brackets some more. Should be able to get them in place for another test-fit and drill mounting holes this week.

Got La Boat moved into the driveway from storage this weekend.

And cleared out the garage to make room for another vehicle.



Going to try out the new bunks - unload and load La boat onto the trailer next weekend.

And check La boat for leaks. Fingers crossed.

 

[jhendery]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Looking for advice how to mount the dash where the dash top meets the aluminum bow top.

There is a gap between the wood bow strap and dash rub rail. I think the dash top would rest below the aluminum bow top.



The dash template resting in place.

 

[jhendery]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Got the brackets positioned in place, rivet holes drilled and ready to rivet.

Picked up 1/4" ss hardware to mount angle pieces to brackets. And have the 1/4" holes drilled and ready to go.

I have another bracket that needs work otherwise I am getting close to having everything ready.

One more test fit with the dash template and I will begin work on oak dash ...

La boat has the original planks that support the bow aluminum. They're actually not doing a great deal of supporting. I added shims to raise so the planks make contact with the aluminum bow.



shims



And now the bow is raised in the center closely matching 'before' rebuild height.



Raised bow with dash template



Feel free to chime in ... Should the bow planks be replaced considering there will be no significant load on the bow?

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

Re: 1970's 16 ft Aluminum Mackenzie Runabout Rebuild

I'd replace them, it'll never be easier then it is now. Although you don't intend to stand on the bow cover, it may happen, and you'll want it well supported when it does.