Re: 1961 MFG Oxford Deluxe - Beginning a New Life
After a summer of use I thought I'd comment on my little MFG.
First ... I'm very satisfied with the boat and the repairs I've made. The paint choices have worked out well and so far seems very durable. I have a little mildew under the cover and it gets on the paint too. So far no staining.
With the transom replacement .. no regrets. It's solid and leak free. Underway the boat is bone dry.
Most of our use is on our local lake and the Oxford is just perfect. Here we are cruising ...
The boat has a good ride and a nice turn of speed for the small engine allowed (20 HP).
Click the photo below to view video of the Honda at 3/4 throttle and 18 MPH.
The Honda 20 is equipped with a 9.25 x 10" prop and seems about right. I don't have a tach so I'm not sure about WOT RPMS. Bottomline is that with about 400 pounds of loading the cruise speed seems to be (Garmin GPS) about 18 - 19 MPH. If I'm in the boat alone the absolute top speed is right at 23 MPH. Respectable of the Honda and plenty fast enough for our lake. Power trim & tilt are well worth the extra cost.
Fuel usage is about 1.3 gallon per hour at cruise /flat water. (Approx 14 MPG)
In hot weather the windshield is not a asset. It makes a hot day hotter. But now as the temperatures have started to go down, like yesterday, we were glad for it. As it becomes cooler and cooler I'm sure it will help extend my boating season in the fall and spring.
As for interior space. . for a 14 1/2 it's great. Coming from our 11' Avon inflatable, it's down right luxurious!. A regular seat and forward facing, wheel steering is much better for my back. My wife likes not getting splashed so much too. Plenty of legroom and cooler space when only two are aboard.
I love the closed bow. It makes the hull rigid and dry.
The boat, on its' old COX trailer tows easily. At the ramp it takes 5 minutes to get ready and about the same on pullout. My GMC Envoy six cylinder pulls it just fine.
We are happy with the boat and look forward to many years of use and enjoyment! Here's my wife driving for the first time. Does she look happy?
In short, if anyone is considering buying and rehabbing an old MFG,
I say go for it! (As long as you have the skills to follow through.)