Though I'm only about 1/3 done with my current project, the NEXT boat is already sitting in the basement waiting it's turn- a 1961 Custom Craft Tiger Ray.
It was one of those things I couldn't pass up. Someone hears you are working on an old boat, and comes to check it out. They mention that they've got a project boat that they've been meaning to start, but never got to. Then, I found out that it's a pretty rare find.
It's got EVERYTHING that a '60's boat should have- Fins, Fake Taillights, and 'side scoops'.
Check out the transom-
Those 'tail lights' and fins don't serve any purpose other than to look cool...
The prior owner had started the restoration by cutting the trasom cap and motorwell off, to avoid separating the hull and deck. Hopefully I'll be able to do the rest of the work without removing the deck- It's stapled to the hull- and would be a LOT of work to get apart!
And, Check it out from the bow-
I think it's got some pretty cool lines.
Here is the 1961 brochure, showing how it looked in it's glory days-
The plan is to restore it to original condition, just like the Glasspar... Yes, it does need a LOT of work- But that's 1/2 the fun.
There will probably be a few modifications done- First, The transom is set up for a 15" shaft motor, and I'll probably be raising it to accommodate a modern, Long shaft motor. This will give me FAR more power options.
Also, the bottom of the boat never had stringers- It was stiffened with plywood panels glassed in place. These are, of course, rotten. They will be replaced, but probably either with balsa or foam rather than ply. Any thoughts on this??
-Andrew
It was one of those things I couldn't pass up. Someone hears you are working on an old boat, and comes to check it out. They mention that they've got a project boat that they've been meaning to start, but never got to. Then, I found out that it's a pretty rare find.
It's got EVERYTHING that a '60's boat should have- Fins, Fake Taillights, and 'side scoops'.
Check out the transom-
Those 'tail lights' and fins don't serve any purpose other than to look cool...
The prior owner had started the restoration by cutting the trasom cap and motorwell off, to avoid separating the hull and deck. Hopefully I'll be able to do the rest of the work without removing the deck- It's stapled to the hull- and would be a LOT of work to get apart!
And, Check it out from the bow-
I think it's got some pretty cool lines.
Here is the 1961 brochure, showing how it looked in it's glory days-
The plan is to restore it to original condition, just like the Glasspar... Yes, it does need a LOT of work- But that's 1/2 the fun.
There will probably be a few modifications done- First, The transom is set up for a 15" shaft motor, and I'll probably be raising it to accommodate a modern, Long shaft motor. This will give me FAR more power options.
Also, the bottom of the boat never had stringers- It was stiffened with plywood panels glassed in place. These are, of course, rotten. They will be replaced, but probably either with balsa or foam rather than ply. Any thoughts on this??
-Andrew
