'54 Feathercraft Favorite

[catsmith]

Let the fun begin.

I bought a 1954 Feathercraft Favorite Model to fix up and use. I stressed over whether to go back original or make it more comfortable. After talks with my fishing partners, (my Bride and my Father), comfort rules.

It is a 15' hull rated at 15hp. We don't see hulls like this in Louisiana. Flatbottom rules here.

It came with a 15hp from the early 70s (?)..... have not tried it yet.

The plans are to replace all the wood, add some creature comforts, maybe paint it bright green (grandsons favorite color), fix up the trailer and fish as much as possible.

I like working with wood so maybe the creative juices will flow.

I will post updates as I go.

 

[catsmith]

Yeah I know, I'm not getting the pics in any kind of order. I'll get the hang of it. Lol

 

[catsmith]

Merry Christmas everyone. Had a couple minutes this morning. Got the rough cut done on the new transom. Still have to do final shaping and plane it to the correct thickness. Hope to get some work done this weekend.

 

[catsmith]

Got some work done this weekend. The boat is clean. The transom and the "outside transom i don't know that to call it" are ready to install. I did a test run on a bench seat. I think I will make a copy of the bow mounted anchor pulley thingies. That one lasted a long time. Added a tounge jack. Need to add two foot of tongue.

 

[Kismet]

Going to be pretty with that wood.

Happy New Year!

 

[catsmith]

The motor......

1976 Evinrude 15hp. It did not want to even try to start with fresh tank, gas, hose and bulb. So..... not being one to do things half way,......

I ordered a carb kit, fuel pump, impeller kit with housing and spark plugs. Should be in tomorrow.

 

[k13west]

Looking great so far! Thanks for keeping us updated.

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

 

[catsmith]

Some work has been done.

Seats are just dry fit. Still have work to do under them. The rear seat is a maybe. Not sure if the tiller handle is going to hit the seat. That is tabled till I can get the transom on again. The transom is tabled till I get the tounge of the trailer extended and the bunks replaced and the trailer painted.

The bow anchor thing is a maybe on the new one I made. Not sure I like it as is. The oak I used is from a broken kitchen table I found in a barn.

 

[catsmith]

Started on the trailer. Won't be anything crazy. Extend the tongue, scrub it down, paint, new bunks. May add two more bunks????

Started on one of the paddles that came with the boat.

 

[catsmith]

In Louisiana, this is considered a blizzard. I had plans to work sun and mon on the boat. Too dang cold....

 

[catsmith]

Finally got the trailer back together. Then the transom and the motor plate. Have to pick up more hardware but it will hold the motor for now. Will probably put some polished aluminum plates on the areas the motor hits. Hate to mess up that pretty wood.

 

[catsmith]

Finally got time to try out that idea for the floor. I probably have about 12 hours in these two panels so far. Being snowed in gives plenty of time to play.

Started out with rough cut planks, and realized when I took these pictures....... I made something that looks like pallets.

 

[akboats]

I like that floor looks clean and different. Can't wait to see what else you do.

 

[catsmith]

So I stimulated the economy.....

2020 15hp elec start.

 

[Kismet]

Looking very nice. What happened with the '70s 15hp Evinrude? When last we heard from our hero, it was awaiting tune-up and impeller parts.



Be safe.

 

[catsmith]

Our hero is still going to tune her up and will be on the lookout for a motorless hull to fix up. For the go anywhere night/day fishing rig I took the opportunity to have piece of mind. Also facing retirement, now is the time to spend the money. Fixed incomes are not good for large purchases.

 

[catsmith]

First trip out was a success. The 15hp on that boat is a little wild at full speed. You drift more than turn. Lol. But that thing planes out flat as a board.

 

[catsmith]

Second trip.... no real leaks. Just spray from transducer i think.

Adjusted the trim and raised the motor and it runs better. 3/4 throttle is right at 21mph. Full only get up to 23.

I have ran over 4 hours on less than 2 gallons. Have done alot of stuff this week. Will update when I can get good pics.

 

[catsmith]

Yesterday was light day. Post mounted trailer lights and bow navigation lights.

 

[catsmith]

Tupperware and blue lights.