1955 Alumacraft 14' Model A rescue, of sorts.

[Kismet]

Well, the Model A went down the road. Nice couple bought for their cottage and nieces and nephews. I added a trolling motor for the kids.

Odd though, I could not have had a decent boat for sale at a lower price, even without charging for my labor. The welding and bearings had to be jobbed out, and that just took any profit out of the deal. As it was, put $75 more into it than I asked for it.

You folks who build decks and cabinets must make substantial material investments, plus your expertise.

Looks like if I do any more, it will have be a philanthropic venture, 'cuz I dam-sure aren't going to make any money out of it. :? Also, as the years go by, takes more to get the effort up.

But it was neat bringing that old jewel back to the water.

 

[Dust]

The CL ad listed it as a 12ft Sears w/ trailer.


Well, it is 14' not 12', and No conspicuous maker ID anywhere. Guy thought it was a Sears boat, but he was far from the first owner. I found a stamped "A 9703" on the transom brace. 48" beam, didn't notice narrowing at the stern. Alumacraft? Maybe an even older boat than Eric's great re-build? Dunno. Emailed Alumacraft, but no answer, and seriously doubt they will have the time to help me. There's a ghost image of the Alumacraft decal on the sides near the stern.







Aside from noting the trashed transom, gobs of silicone sealant and home-made drain-hole (apparently made with a beer can opener), I haven't started on it. Working on the trailer now. Owner either never had, or artfully removed (that's sarcasm), the bunks and bunk supports. He kept the boat straight on the trailer with rachet straps, pulling down with equal tension on each side. The boat rode on its keel on the rollers.

I'm not going to try and match the high standards of most (maybe all) others-- I couldn't. My plan was to get a light project boat to mess around with and sell in the spring. First hull work will be to try and scour off the water and crud stains from the years this poor thing was sitting up-right with rains pouring in. ( I mean, how hard is it to turn a boat over? jeez.) I'll probably use some acid wash that farmers use to scour their milk lines in a dairy barn. It cleaned up last year's project boat fairly nicely (see last year's built link at bottom of post.)

Next would be transom, of course; then maybe..I don't know. This has got to a a low investment project. If not a floor, then maybe a walk-way between the seats. I seriously doubt I'll remove any of them. I live and fish alone and don't think about passenger traffic much. I'm fond of some wood storage lockers I've seen and used. Dunno. No hurry.

Alumacraft Customer Service came through in flying colors! Didn't think they'd bother. Nice of them.Here We go... Model "A", manufactured in 1955. Model was made from 1947 through 1983. They even sent a catalog page with specifications.



Wish me luck. Should be fun. :?

I have this same boat any cover Ideas