Arkansas Traveler Identification & Restore???

[chetathan]

I have what I believe to be an Arkansas Traveler. Arkansas Traveler was a brand of boat made by the Southwest Manufacturing Co. of Little Rock, Arkansas, from 1959 to about 1967. I cannot seem to figure out the exact model of Arkansas' boat I have. I am hoping someone else can help me out here. This is a little project I have been working on for about half a year now and it is turning out to be a pretty good looking fishing boat. Any ideas, suggestions, or good jobs are accepted. They're may be some cool ideas that I did that you like or maybe you can feed me some better ideas. Thanks for the time out there. And happy fishing

 

[pckeen]

Re: Arkansas Traveler Identification & Restore???

That looks great! I can't id it unfortunately.

I'm working on a similar restoration on a Naden 16' myself. What did you paint it with, and did you paint the inside? If so, what with?

 

[chetathan]

Re: Arkansas Traveler Identification & Restore???

That looks great! I can't id it unfortunately.

I'm working on a similar restoration on a Naden 16' myself. What did you paint it with, and did you paint the inside? If so, what with?

I paint stripped all the ugly brown off and then sanded and wire brushed the whole boat inside and out and hosed it off with a strong spray nozzle and then cleaned the whole boat with a chemical my father had for paint prepping. Then i used about 10 cans of rustolem metal primer then lightly wire brushed all of the primer and then did the outside with more rustolem metal blue paint (about 4 or 5 good coats) then the inside did the same but with gray rustolem metal paint. might i add these were all spray cans. the bottom of the boat has 1/4" plywood covered with some nice indoor outdoor carpet. I found some good cheap seats at a garage sale and off of craiglist. its a lot of work but pays off in the end. hope this helps. id like to see some pictures of your boat if you have some

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Arkansas Traveler Identification & Restore???

HI Chet. Great to have another AT owner in the forums! Here's a link to a bit of info on the boats. I have a '59 DUT-14 (I think). It started life as a skiboat/runabout, but I have since converted here to a tiller skiff. Overall, she's been a great boat. Very well made with no leaks and plenty of room for 2-3 people. I run a '66, 20ho 2-stroke which pushes me along at about 20mph. I think yours might be the 14' "Explorer" model. Keep us posted on the resto.

Arkansas traveler - Classic Boat Library

 

[64osby]

Re: Arkansas Traveler Identification & Restore???

Great job turning that old ugly tinny into a beautiful fishing boat.

 

[Lpenberthy]

I have almost the exact same boat that was my grandfathers and will start the restoration process this week but I'm also in the same boat (haha) with not knowing what year. I can't get the picture downsized to load either but I can email it

 

[Blue Coupe]

I have a 1962 AT DUT 1420 14' fiberglass does anyone know what the DUT stands for ?

 

[GA_Boater]

I have a 1962 AT DUT 1420 14' fiberglass does anyone know what the DUT stands for ?

DUT stands for Don't Unwake Threads. Please look at the rules by clicking on Forum Help in my sig below.