Alumacraft Year and Specifications

[Yardwork]

I just picked up a 13' 9-3/8" Alumacraft. The transom brace is stamped with FD-xxxx I have written Alumacraft for information on this boat. The boat is in pretty good condition. I want to replace the transom wood and fill in all the holes drilled by previous owners. Not sure how to get the transom board installed without drilling out some of the rivets, any suggestions? In filling in the drilled holes along the gunwale and on the seats, is the metal to thin to get a professional aluminum weld repair or should I try an epoxy fill?

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Alumacraft will tell you the year of your boat, I would try e-mailing them. Looking at your back handles I would say the model you have is from the late 50's. You can have the holes filled by a welder not a problem. As far as replacing the ransom wood you will have to pull the rivets that hold the handles. The outer wood is 3/8" marine grade the inner wood is 13/16" white oak.

 

[Yardwork]

Alumacraft will tell you the year of your boat, I would try e-mailing them. Looking at your back handles I would say the model you have is from the late 50's. You can have the holes filled by a welder not a problem. As far as replacing the ransom wood you will have to pull the rivets that hold the handles. The outer wood is 3/8" marine grade the inner wood is 13/16" white oak.

That is excellent information, thank you.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Save the wood to trace around the replacement wood. Solid boat you have there rated for a 35hp. I searched 3 states for 6 months for the same boat, I only wanted the 2 back handles and the bow eye. I know that back handle size was only made for 3 years on the boat you have and the flying D.

 

[Yardwork]

Being the ever OCD oriented retiree, I'm going to need to find some details on the transom. This boat transom was buba repaired at some point and I will want to take it back to the original design specifications. Is there documentation available for the Aluminum top piece that is missing? The outside marine grade plywood size is also in question. I have seen some pictures with this board drilled for the drain holes and others were the board is narrow enough so the drain holes are below. I have seen a metal plate over the inside for the motor camp to anchor into. Are these boards glued to the aluminum or only screwed and what is the screw pattern? These details have avoided my research.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Being the ever OCD oriented retiree, I'm going to need to find some details on the transom. This boat transom was buba repaired at some point and I will want to take it back to the original design specifications. Is there documentation available for the Aluminum top piece that is missing? The outside marine grade plywood size is also in question. I have seen some pictures with this board drilled for the drain holes and others were the board is narrow enough so the drain holes are below. I have seen a metal plate over the inside for the motor camp to anchor into. Are these boards glued to the aluminum or only screwed and what is the screw pattern? These details have avoided my research.

Be patient with me I will get over to the daughters farm to take pictures of the transom of the flying D that I replaced the wood on.

 

[Yardwork]

That would be great, thank you.

 

[Yardwork]

Alumacraft has not responded to my email request for information on the serial number, it has been over a week? However, I have surmised based on serial numbers posted on this forum my boat was built in 1959. The design of the transom and the faded logo confirm this error but the serial number is the clincher.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Alumacraft has not responded to my email request for information on the serial number, it has been over a week? However, I have surmised based on serial numbers posted on this forum my boat was built in 1959. The design of the transom and the faded logo confirm this error but the serial number is the clincher.

Yeah during covid there will be a delay. I will get you transoms pics this weekend.

 

[cc67]

That " Aqua Tray" make transom replacement a PITA. But it can be done.

 

[Yardwork]

Should I put a foot support under the motor boot to the trailer to help protect it when trailering? It is a Nissan 25hp weighing around 100+ pounds. What is the bet practice?

 

[Yardwork]

The transom appears to be caped with an aluminum channel according to several pictures I have seen on line, mine does not have this piece. Can someone tell me the thickness of this channel piece?
The inside board I was told was white oak and according to my measurements is 1-1/8" thick. The outside piece is 3/8" marine plywood. I can easily make out the outline dimensions of both pieces of wood by the oxidization marks on the aluminum. Can the wood thickness specification be confirmed as well?

 

[Yardwork]

I have researched the 3/8" marine grade plywood that I was told Alumacraft used on this boat originally. This does not appear to be available or a good material for this application. I think I'm going to use pressure treated plywood in the 1/2" and seal it really good. Still researching my options.

 

[Yardwork]

That " Aqua Tray" make transom replacement a PITA. But it can be done.

What wood did you use and how did you seal it?

 

[cc67]

What wood did you use and how did you seal it?

"I think I'm going to use pressure treated plywood in the 1/2" and seal it really good. Still researching my options."
That's basically what I did. I used some stain/varnish I had laying around. Seems to be holding up really well.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

"I think I'm going to use pressure treated plywood in the 1/2" and seal it really good. Still researching my options."
That's basically what I did. I used some stain/varnish I had laying around. Seems to be holding up really well.

Do not use pressure treated plywood it will corrode the aluminum.

 

[Yardwork]

Do not use pressure treated plywood it will corrode the aluminum.

I was looking into using non "acetoxy"marine rated silicone between the wood and aluminum. You said you used marine grade plywood, despite not being readily available everything I have read says that it is not a good product due to the quality of materials and it is hard to work with...splinters easily. Where did you find yours and wha twas your experience?

 

[JimS123]

Do not use pressure treated plywood it will corrode the aluminum.

The last tinny that I replaced the transom on was done with 1/2" marine plywood in multiple layers. It was sealed with epoxy. As an alternate, exterior grade solid core plywood can be used.

The boat in question was taken out of service after about 5 years, and then turned over outside in the elements. The transom lasted about 9 years. With reasonable care it should last many more than that.

 

[JimS123]

I was looking into using non "acetoxy"marine rated silicone between the wood and aluminum. You said you used marine grade plywood, despite not being readily available everything I have read says that it is not a good product due to the quality of materials and it is hard to work with...splinters easily. Where did you find yours and wha twas your experience?

We were typing at the same time.

Forget what you read.....silly people say silly things.

Marine grade is the best. As i said, exterior grade is second best. What you need is waterproof glue, and sheathing grade won't cut it. Hard to work with......LOL. Use a Sabre saw with a fine tooth plywood blade. Then some sandpaper. Easy peasy.

I built my first plywood boat in 1968, and it still floats, so I guess my experience is limited.....LOL.

 

[Yardwork]

White Oak transom is replaced, she is almost ready for launch! The adhesive recommended is 3m 5200 silicone.