Older Boats

[Scott Danforth]

old aluminum boats can be restored easily with new transom wood, a new deck, and foam. then any motor work needed. This can usually be done in a few weekends

if you are considering an old fiberglass boat. Read links 14, 15, 18, 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 6 and 19 in that order and in their entirety. https://forums.iboats.com/threads/how-tos-and-other-great-information.283508/

It usually takes a minimum of 6 months (most restorations go by years), and many many many hours

fiberglass hull restoration isnt for most people. remember, consider any fiberglass boat older than 15 years old a project until proven not to be a project.

 

[briangcc]

Not sure where you are located but boats from the 60's in my neck of the woods require just as much work as the ones from the 90's. They're a step away from the dump....unless its someone's pet project that they just had to restore. They all have some sort of tree/brush/shrub/mold/etc growing on the floors which tells me its a total gut job.

I've been halfheartedly looking for a 18' fishing boat for my kids as they're getting to the point where they could operate one on their own after they pass the boater test. And I've narrowed it down to something from Starcraft/Sylvan/BlueFin/Smokercraft/Crestliner as they're all aluminum and I could knock something like that out in a few weekends. Probably have all the tools I need in my basement and wouldn't need to worry about PPE & being itchy for days/weeks. This is probably something that would fit the bill for you as well.

Something to consider when looking at projects.

 

[motley crew]

i just bought a 1956owens 22foot flagship maghony plywood been in belfast harbor maine its whole life factory set up for an out board every boat is differant you hvae to look over very carefully espescialy with wood or really fiberglass or tin if you dont have the knowledge get a pro it will save you a lot of headachs i am 62 been a boater since i was 20 learned a lot the hard way if i dont know i askand reaseaech

 

[Dahlia45]

I've found a couple wooden boats. They really do interest me. Its what I prefer actually. I'm familiar with wood. My tiny travel trailer is made out of wood. Easy to work on. It is homemade. I didnt build it. I bought it for $500 and fixed it up. We took it all along the Gulf coast.
One boat was a kit, the other was manufactured. the kit doesn't have a v hull (?). I believe that's what I need for hugging the coastline. I've thought about modifying a boat to my needs?? I dunno. When I find a boat ill know if its the one.

 

[Scott Danforth]

The only issue with wooden boats, is they require a ton of maintenance. And depending on the construction, some must stay in the water to keep the planking sealed , others must have the bottom paint maintained yearly

 

[airshot]

Nothing more beautiful than a quality built wood boat ! Owned a few Layman's back in the 60-70's, can't beat that mahogany look. They take constant watching to stay ahead of problems, but often have a better ride. Would much rather maintain a wood boat than rebuild a fiberglass boat !

 

[JimS123]

Would much rather maintain a wood boat than rebuild a fiberglass boat !

Now that's an understatement.

 

[Dahlia45]

Now that we are on the subject of wooden boats. What should I look for? I might go look at one next weekend if its still available. Its 12 ft long. Its a kit that was put together. A reminder, I will be hugging the gulf coast.

 

[tphoyt]

Being in the gulf in a 12’ boat can get hairy real fast. Been there done that. Keep in mind in most places you will also need to get through a pass, inlet or harbor jetty to get in the gulf and all can get pretty wild especially during a tide change. A 12 footer stands little chance against swells which is likely what you will be up against more often than not while hugging the coast.
Something to consider.

 

[briangcc]

You are much braver than I going out in a 12' boat in the ocean.

I've been in a 14' boat in 6" chop....and got completely soaked. It wasn't any fun and got me to purchase my very first new boat in my signature...18' Bayliner.

I'd keep looking if going out in the ocean on anything but a dead calm day...which I can't imagine there's many days like that.

 

[JimS123]

I've been a boater for 70 years. I would not even consider a 12 footer for open lakes or rivers, much less salt water.

You need to take a boater's safety course before you go any further.

 

[Dahlia45]

I will be taking a boating course. There's a lot I don't know. And the size of the boat is iffy. 12 ft can easily be flipped. Which is why I ask questions and research. I saw a video of someone in a dinghy. That looked a bit scary. And as much as I would love a 14 ft boat, I think I'm going to have to go longer.

 

[briangcc]

Umm....a lot longer...with a self draining deck...and a dramatically increased budget...

Have you watched any of the Haulover Inlet videos on YouTube? It may change your perspective on what you're asking a boat to do...

 

[Scott Danforth]

I have a 14' I use on rivers and small lakes. would never take it out in the ICW or the gulf of mexico. My 19' was about right for a boat for the ICW, however too small in the gulf when there was more than a light chop. My current boat arsenal is the 26 foot for the river, ICW, and the gulf of mexico. the 14' that I am tinkering with for fishing the river close to home and the small lakes near me. then there are the Kayak and Canoe for when we go camping and can tool around the mangroves and sheltered inlets in the ICW

 

[matt167]

A 15’ whaler will go through an inlet with an experienced captain. Wouldn’t do it myself