'71 Alumacraft (Possible Project)

[Pinkyman]

So over the weekend i picked up a boat from my wifes aunt. It is a 1971 Alumacraft 16' with a 1971(?) Johnson 9.5 horse. My wifes grandparents bought the boat, motor and trailer new in 1971. Its been sitting for almost 16 years, although her aunt got stickers for it and had the boat tuned up a few years ago, but never put it in the water. She is moving and just wanted it gone, so my wife and i decided to take it since none of the other kids wanted it. It also came with a Minnkota 765 MX trolling motor with foot control (needs a prop), and i got a humminbird 196ci for free from one of my coworkers when he upgraded.

I went out to the farm and picked it up on Saturday. I immediately noticed the leaves and junk piled in it, and the moss growing on the seats, the tires were rotted, and the trailer lights were all cracked except 1 brake light. It was also missing half of the bow roller, and when i went to tighten up the winch line, the rope immediately snapped, so i had to ratchet strap it down for the short ride home.

So we aired up the tires and towed it the 16 miles home, then i brought it in the garage and started cleaning. I vacuumed all the leaves out, took off the anchors and ropes, and started with some Staybright. Then i replaced the front winch and rope, and picked up a new anchor rope, plug, fuel line, and a cover with center pole.

Here she is right when i got it home:

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_131243_zpspoglj9es.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_131243_zpspoglj9es.jpg.html)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_131718_zpszlkdpbbi.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_131718_zpszlkdpbbi.jpg.html)

---------------------------

And some before and after as i was cleaning it up:

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_170606_zpsvj6dxlar.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_170606_zpsvj6dxlar.jpg.html)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_171048_zpsfhfvrfdw.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_171048_zpsfhfvrfdw.jpg.html)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_194711_zpsqmskiv6i.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_194711_zpsqmskiv6i.jpg.html)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_194847_zpsst4fewvu.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_194847_zpsst4fewvu.jpg.html)

-------------------------------

And the engine and trolling motor:

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_200111_zpsv2dygbm1.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_200111_zpsv2dygbm1.jpg.html)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_185900_zpsittkl3fz.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_185900_zpsittkl3fz.jpg.html)

[Pinkyman]

My next order of business will be replacing the transom, and getting the motor running. I would also like to get some 3/4" marine plywood and make a casting deck on the front. Nothing fancy, i was basically going to cut out a section to fit over the 2 furthest forward seats, and then build a box for the trolling motor to mount to, and fasten it all to the existing seats somehow.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_203648_zpsgzg5iu2l.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_203648_zpsgzg5iu2l.jpg.html)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_203655_zps5pnn9fi3.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170311_203655_zps5pnn9fi3.jpg.html)


Also on the list of things that will need attention in the upcoming weeks:
New trailer lights (already purchased)
New trailer tires
New boat LED lights
Build a mount for the depth finder and switches for interior lights of some sort
New seats that dont have moss growing on them

I was also toying with the idea of blasting the trailer, and painting it black. But for now im going to work on whats needed to get it in the water.

---------------------------------------------

This is kind of what im shooting for with the front deck, only with a spot for the trolling motor.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/00Z0Z_dRzqUYLOxCC_1200x900_zpsv3fiw5nk.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/00Z0Z_dRzqUYLOxCC_1200x900_zpsv3fiw5nk.jpg.html)

[denverd1]

gonna fish by yourself? it may not like having your weight that far forward. although the pic above doesn't look like it would off balance. might make keeping it dry a challenge, especially if you got rollers coming in. try it out before you start building the platform. if you have 2 in the boat, no worries.

helluva deal! makes me cringe when i see a boat that's got grass growing in it. nice job bringing her back. gonna be a good summer!

[bluedragon436]

Looks good... Nothing wrong with the pricing that is for sure...

[Pinkyman]

I think i decided that im just going to cover the seats in carpet for this year, maybe build a mount for my depth finder and fuel tank, and a mount for the trolling motor. That will be cheap and effective, and it will get me on the water to see how this thing handles.

I got all new trailer lights and wires and installed those yesterday, im going to hook it up to the truck tonight and make sure they work, but they look alot nicer already.

I also got started on replacing the transom, what a chore that was! Its almost complete now, hopefully that will be wrapped up this weekend. I opted for pressure treated wood instead of marine mostly because of cost. This project fell into my lap and i wasnt prepared to drop $100s of dollars on wood for it. I may re-do the whole this this winter, new paint and all.

Next up will be trying to get the motor running, and maybe some new tires, and some misc things like LED lights and rod holders and stuff like that.

I cant believe that the original transom lasted like 46 years! The wood was beautiful where it wasnt exposed to the elements. Kind of a bummer that the original plate rotted off.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/Mobile%20Uploads/20170315_203037_zpsnjuscpvg.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170315_203037_zpsnjuscpvg.jpg.html)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/Mobile%20Uploads/20170315_213618_zpsgzvv3vr9.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170315_213618_zpsgzvv3vr9.jpg.html)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/Mobile%20Uploads/20170315_213637_zpsgznwro57.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170315_213637_zpsgznwro57.jpg.html)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/Mobile%20Uploads/20170316_112624_zpsnkn23gec.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170316_112624_zpsnkn23gec.jpg.html)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/Mobile%20Uploads/20170316_112648_zpsgyrm5mwy.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170316_112648_zpsgyrm5mwy.jpg.html)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/Mobile%20Uploads/20170316_204245_zpsmdwdxz6i.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20170316_204245_zpsmdwdxz6i.jpg.html)

[abebehrmann]

Dang, I running/driving XJ for $200 AND a free boat?! I need to find me some of these deals!

[bluedragon436]

Dang, I running/driving XJ for $200 AND a free boat?! I need to find me some of these deals!

You and me both!! Transom and lights look good... I love when folks sell car trailers and such for cheap (well not cheap up here, because no one sells nothing cheap up here), because they need new lights... When you can buy everything needed and give a bit of time to the job, and complete the replacement/upgrade fairly easily..

[Pinkyman]

Well the transom is done, the motor is on, and I got the carpet in. That's a good start I'd say lol

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/20170317_222821_zpsbysrwvx5.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/20170317_222821_zpsbysrwvx5.jpg.html)

[Pinkyman]

I got ambitious last night and build a box/stand for my depth finder, cup holders, switch panel etc.... It looks decent for just throwing it together quick.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/20170317_233444_zpsrhafes0r.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/20170317_233444_zpsrhafes0r.jpg.html)

[jonb8]

I miss fishing, Great job on the boat..

[Pinkyman]

Thanks guys!

I just scored a piece of aluminum and a piece of delran from work. Im going to epoxy one of them to the rear of the boat, and use that to screw my transducer to for my depth finder. Now i need to make this thing run and get it in the water!

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/20170320_110250_zpsblo5d3cu.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/20170320_110250_zpsblo5d3cu.jpg.html)

[Pinkyman]

I picked up some new seats and mounts the other day, and got those put in on Saturday. I also got the ol Johnson 9.5 fired up after sitting for like 4 years. 4 pulls! I was pretty amazed!

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/Rocketryan1/20170408_154208_zpshdqnwco2.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rocketryan1/media/20170408_154208_zpshdqnwco2.jpg.html)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V_h-2k0MVY

[bluedragon436]

She's looking real good.. and that engine sounds like it is running pretty well, especially for sitting for 4 years...