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Hi You might consider installing rivets in those extra holes. They’re watertight when done correctly and they’ll look like they belong if there’s a pattern to the layout. Just drill right through the new transom and go ahead. I bought a quantity of rivets at the longest length I’d be needing and...

Hi, I replaced the transom plywood in my Arkansas traveler CS-14. The shape of the hull prevents doing it in one piece. The old one came out in crumbs, so that wasn't a problem. I used cardboard to make a template, and figured out pretty quick that I'd have to take some things apart in order...

Beautiful job. Great colors.

Hi, Looked at my original post and feel bad about coming off so preachy. I had just completed a few edits/additions to the list I use and the subject was on my mind when I sat down to the computer. I take the boat from where I store it to the house on the afternoon before we go out, and I...

I've had one or two negative boating experiences over the years, and the common denominator seems to be lack of foresight or neglected precautions. I was sorting through and updating the tool kit that I carry in the boat, and I added a few items to the checklist I keep in there. It started as...

That is very cool! Add my vote for more photos please. Looks like you’ll have to sit in that cabin to cruise around. Cozy on a poor weather day, but on a nice day you’ll be in a sedan while everyone else is in a convertible. The model information has “18” in it. If the boat is eighteen feet...

Hi, Ditto on the main jet. I'd take the whole carb to someone that could put it through a session in an ultrasonic cleaner. Also ditto on the water pump! Not sure about your motor, but I'd definitely replace the shift rod seal, possibly the prop shaft seal(s), refill the lower case, pressure...

Hi, You're correct. The first is more in keeping with the vintage of the boat. The second is a better match for the motor. Both will work with the motor, and they do use the same terminal ends on the cables. Be sure to look up the method for "kinking" the end of the cables when you stab them...

Hi The Arkansas Traveler I’ve restored definitely had sprung rivets due to ice damage. The “ribs” actually looked swollen from the expansion pressure, and many rivets in those areas required replacement or rebucking. I’m pretty careful about letting any water be present when it could freeze.

Hi I do use a pleated wheel and clay bars. The grinder has a variable speed trigger which improves the process. I go over the whole surface in the spring, and maintain during the season with turtle wax spray-on wipe-off stuff every once in a while. I’ve got the boat buttoned up and stored now...

That is a real looker! Shiny aluminum really turns heads. The Fiberglassics website mentioned above sometimes references advertising materials for the different boats. Hope you find materials to enjoy. I made some "duckboards" out of salvaged teak slats for my boat. They weigh nothing, and...

Hi Pretty sure that'll work. The oblong notches could be ground a bit to adjust the fit if you don't remove too much material. Make sure the tiller rope (plastic coated wire cable) you use is good quality and heavy enough so it can't slip off of the pulley and jam. Good luck.

Some of those products don't cost a heck of a lot less than the cover you're describing. There's a spray that the camping stores sell for tents. Don't know whether its petroleum based, but I doubt it since its also supposed to be a fire retardant. I'd bet that the silicone wouldn't hurt.

Hi, Using the trailer as a lever is likely the easiest method and requires no tools/equipment. It may also be possible to drive two opposing wedges between the top of the transom and the underside of the bracket. (If the configuration allows)

So pretty! And built like a little tank! Two transom struts and big cast corner brackets. Love the "wood" deck and curvy windshield.

If you can tuck the wires out of harm's way, and if there's room, you might could use a metal blade in a jig saw. More control I think. Maybe put masking tape on the sole plate so you don't make scratches. The pro guys have these nifty "nibblers" that attach to a power drill. They're pretty...

I moved my battery forward for the same reason. Ran extra heavy gauge wire, and installed a block with + and - posts for the trolling motor I use as a kicker. Its that trolling motor that will heat up wires that are too light for the job. That heat will drain the battery.

Hi again, I thought someone would weigh in by now about how the boat sits on the trailer. The photo doesn't show whether there's room to shift the boat forward to get the transom supported. There's lots of info here about tuning up boat/trailer combos. I'm a big fan of bunks vs. rollers for...

Hi, After polishing, I give a coat of Turtle wax. During the season, I wipe down with a beach towel and use some of that spray-on wipe-off stuff. Also by Turtle wax. Surprisingly, the worst offender for harming the shine is body oils. The "armrest" areas, and places where people may have sat...

Hi Nice that you’re able to see the original paint scheme. I’ve had great luck with plain old rust oleum from the home center. You can’t get custom colors, but maybe that blue is pretty close to their stock blue. I polish the hull with a pleated cloth wheel and a white clay bar. There are more...