(Nearly) finished 14' (DUT-14), all-aluminum Arkansas Traveler conversion

[kfa4303]

Hi all. So here are a few before and after pics of a 60's, 14', all aluminum, v-hull, Arkansas Traveler runabout ski boat conversion into a simple fishing boat. I picked her up a couple weeks ago off of c-list. Boat and trailer with new lights for $325 + 1 tank of gas. This was my first time working on a boat and it shows This little project is no where near as nice as the others here in the forums. Maybe I'll be able to hang with the Starcraft crowd on my next project This was definitely a conversion and NOT a restoration. I just wanted a safe, sturdy little aluminum boat to replace my old 14' f'glass skiff. I basically just replaced the old, rotten benches and transom, then added a casting deck/storage locker in the bow.
I made plenty of mistakes along the way and she's far from a looker, but I think I have something that will float and catch fish for a few years. Best of all I don't think I spent much more than $100 total fixing her up. Now I'm just trying to decide if I should use remote controls for my 60's OMC motor, or just keep it tiller style as I intended. I know the tiller set up will be much simpler, cheaper and easier, but I've never had controls before and she is already set up for steering sooooo Any thoughts? How much do y'all think I could get a control box, cables, steering wheel etc... for? Maybe I can get lucky and scavenge them off another boat or something. Any way here are the pics. Still have some little things to touch up, but the worst is over. Enjoy. Sorry she's not nicer.

Before:







After:

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: (Nearly) finished Ar14 aluminum Arkansas Traveler conversion

Re: (Nearly) finished Ar14 aluminum Arkansas Traveler conversion

Looking great.

Just a comment.......... Have you tried a stability test???? I do not imagine that front deck will be to stable while floating.

I like the steering controls in either position however....... I would leave it as a tiller so it does not occupy anymore of the "fishing area". So as a fishing boat I would stay with a tiller.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: (Nearly) finished Ar14 aluminum Arkansas Traveler conversion

Re: (Nearly) finished Ar14 aluminum Arkansas Traveler conversion

HI Bob_VT. I haven't had it in the water yet. Why do you think the front deck may not be stable? There's probably not quite 1 sheet worth of plywood in the front. So I don't think it would be too heavy (?) The boat originally had a f'glass bow cover with winshield, steering, etc... I figured the new deck would more or less be equivalent in weight to the original set up :/ You can't see it from the photo, but the entire bow under the lower front deck is filled with foam to increase buoyancy. The deck is very strong and easily supports my weight. The boat itself is quite wide with a beam of approx 5', so it seems very stable. I have a smaller, narrower f'glass skiff with a casting deck in the bow and it's quite stable despite a lack of foam beneath it and the overall smaller size of the skiff.
I'll let you know how the "sea trials" go once I get her on the water. Just waiting for a break in the weather. How might I be able to correct any instability, should I find it? Any input is more than welcome. This was my first boat project, so I'm still learning.
I think I'm gonna keep it stick steer for now; cheaper, easier, more space. I can always add controls at a later date if I need to.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: (Nearly) finished Ar14 aluminum Arkansas Traveler conversion

Re: (Nearly) finished Ar14 aluminum Arkansas Traveler conversion

Foam does not increase buoyancy (unless you're swamped). I think your setup looks fine. I'd definitely try the tiller first. Only concern would be it riding too bow high with just you in it (which is my concern with most tiller boats. My dad has a small 14' tinny that I don't like driving by myself even with just a 4HP). If that's the case, then maybe add a steering console more forward.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: (Nearly) finished Ar14 aluminum Arkansas Traveler conversion

Re: (Nearly) finished Ar14 aluminum Arkansas Traveler conversion

yeah that's what I was thinking too ezmobee. I'll see how she runs, then decide if I really need to sit farther forward in a steering position. Hopefully, I can get her on the water and see what's what. Thanks again for all the help and opinions. Keep 'em coming.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: (Nearly) finished Ar14 aluminum Arkansas Traveler conversion

Re: (Nearly) finished Ar14 aluminum Arkansas Traveler conversion

I was looking at the front deck as a casting deck......... based on the shape of the hull you might find standing up there a bit of a challenge and many have done a similar deck but closer to the waterline.....

Yup let us know.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: (Nearly) finished Ar14 aluminum Arkansas Traveler conversion

Re: (Nearly) finished Ar14 aluminum Arkansas Traveler conversion

So I've FINALLY had her out of the water and she works great! Handles well with my little QD-22 10hp. Casting deck works great too. Not unstable at all and just the right height for stepping off the dock into the boat. All in all she works great. Just need a bit more power to get her on plane. I'd like to find a 60-something 18-25hp OMC, but that's another adventure for another day (does the addiction ever let up?). Thanks again for all the help. Now I just gotta find those fish............

 

[Fishadict]

Hello I can tell ya I have the same boat with a 25 HP two stroke Yamaha on it and I put remote steering and controls on it and with my weight 190 lbs in the front when it gets a little ruff it turns into a wet ride I went back to a tiller to stay dry so you decide and mine has the original fglass bow cover and windsheild

 

[jbcurt00]

Hello I can tell ya I have the same boat with a 25 HP two stroke Yamaha on it and I put remote steering and controls on it and with my weight 190 lbs in the front when it gets a little ruff it turns into a wet ride I went back to a tiller to stay dry so you decide and mine has the original fglass bow cover and windsheild

Please don't post to old inactive topics. KFA hasnt neen on iboats for 5yrs, and wont be back, ever, after being banned for disregarding forum protocols and rules.

After 90days w no posts from however started a topic, consider it closed and for research only

This topic is closed