Arkansas Traveler wood gunall rails repair

[pj100h]

I have just bought an old Arkansas Traveler . Its in great shape , except that the wood gunall rails are rotted. I need some information on what is the best way to replace these.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Arkansas Traveler wood gunall rails repair

Hi pj. Welcome to iboats. Great to have another AT owner here in the forums. Mine was a '59ish aluminum DUT-14 runabout/skiboat that I have converted to an aluminum, tiller drive, flats boat sort of thing. As far as replacing the gunnels, I would start by removing the old ones while keeping them as intact as possible so that you can use them as templates later. You'll then need to find wood to replace them with. There are several options depending on your budget, but oak should be readily available, looks great, has good strength and can be steamed and bent with ease, if need be. We actually have another forum member who just did a similar job. I'll see if I can find the thread. In the meantime check out the link below for a bit more info on your boat. Perhaps it will help you pin down the exact make and model.

Arkansas traveler - Classic Boat Library (aluminum)
Arkansas traveler - Classic Boat Library (fiberglass)

 

[pj100h]

Re: Arkansas Traveler wood gunall rails repair

Hi pj. Welcome to iboats. Great to have another AT owner here in the forums. Mine was a '59ish aluminum DUT-14 runabout/skiboat that I have converted to an aluminum, tiller drive, flats boat sort of thing. As far as replacing the gunnels, I would start by removing the old ones while keeping them as intact as possible so that you can use them as templates later. You'll then need to find wood to replace them with. There are several options depending on your budget, but oak should be readily available, looks great, has good strength and can be steamed and bent with ease, if need be. We actually have another forum member who just did a similar job. I'll see if I can find the thread. In the meantime check out the link below for a bit more info on your boat. Perhaps it will help you pin down the exact make and model.

Arkansas traveler - Classic Boat Library (aluminum)
Arkansas traveler - Classic Boat Library (fiberglass)

Thanks, i know its a 1955 from the registration. I have the wood off. I will try getting the replacement for it.

 

[pj100h]

Re: Arkansas Traveler wood gunall rails repair

Thanks, i know its a 1955 from the registration. I have the wood off. I will try getting the replacement for it.

Next question is about the rivets. Would you have any idea what type of rivots they may be?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Arkansas Traveler wood gunall rails repair

Originally, they were solid rivets that were assembled using a two man team, but most folks replace them with closed end, blind aluminum rivets. You could also use stainless steel or brass hardware.

 

[pj100h]

Re: Arkansas Traveler wood gunall rails repair

well I know its been a while but I have just about completed my project. It looks great. Pics will be on here as soon as I learn how to post them. I still need the plastic decals for the backside but other then that , I think its ready for the water