'59 AlumaCraft FDR Updated w/ pics & video 6/9/12

[Bigkat650]

Hello, and welcome to my project!

Boat: 1959 AlumaCraft FDR:

(What she's suppose to look like!)

Ahhh... The Day I brought her home! $225 for hull and trailer with paperwork for both

She's a lot different then she was when she rolled off the showroom floor!

Background
When I bought the boat, I had no idea what I had. All I knew was it was 14ft long, and needed a lot of work! Before long I realized that I had an AlumaCraft, but still confused on the model. For a couple of weeks I thought it was the FD, but there was something fishy about the layout of where the seats where and a couple other signs which made me question the model. After a bit of research, I found that I could find the model number by looking at the transom brace and VOILA! FDR!!

The Plans:

I considered doing a full restoration back to like the day she rolled off the factory floor. Well, I like fishing, and that was the main reason I bought the boat. So, I also considered making it a super-simple fishing boat with a tiller motor. Well that gets me to the fishing ground, but I wanted something a bit more comfortable, (and something I thought the wife may enjoy with me since she's not much of a fisher person... yet) So basically I need a runabout that's easy to fish from. Seems to me, the best way to achieve this is to make a casting deck up front, and keep the rest similar to stock. The boat will have a front and rear fishing seat, and a bench seat to use when motoring around. The image below is close to what the plan is:

This is basically what the plan is. Main difference is the backrest for the bench will be lowered in the center to allow for passing through to be easier.

The Motor: 1958 Johnson SeaHorse 35

Purchased about a month after the hull was purchased, the motor has decent compression with a new impeller and new gear lube. I have not seen it run yet, but I am confident that I'll be able to get her going without much hassle. Just needs to be cleaned up a bit, and she's ready to go! (I need to brace the transom better... just set it on there to take the picture then removed.)

Current Status:

My plans got stuck at step 1... which is to remove the thick paint on the bottom of the boat. I cannot use the stripper in my non-heated garage so I need some warmer weather! However, cabin fever is setting in!! So in order appease my desire to work on this boat, I decided I would make all the framework, and make it removable for now so I can take it out later when I can use the paint stripper. I have the front deck framed out and the seat as well. I am quite satisfied in how its looking so far.

The plywood backrest is just a template for now. The floor will go all the way from the front deck straight on back to the back, and be as low as possible.


Stay tuned folks, more to come!!

 

[fool4fish1226]

Nice =D> I like your plans for the boat, keep up the good work and keep us posted with lots of pics

 

[Bigkat650]

So today I went to Home Depot and Lowes convinced on what I wanted to do. What I had been thinking for the past 2 weeks is to make a backrest similar to the way the boat was when it came from the factory--with a low 'walk through' middle. The more I thought about this, and tried to visualize how it would work--the more unsure I was about it. All of a sudden it hit me, I thought 'rather then making a low step-through section in the middle, what if I made a hinged section?' I figured it would be less of a tripping hazard when walking through, less of a hazard of falling through a gap in the backrest when underway, and more comfortable when underway. It seems to make sense, and well... the more I thought about it, the better it sounded so I thought I would give it a try!!


Here, you see the backrest braces. All 2x4's with heavy duty bolts and screws. Its solid as a rock

In this photo you see the back of the swinging door backrest. It is comprised of heavy duty hinges and 2 sliding locks (Sorry its blurry).

The next couple of photo's show it from the front; swung open; etc.

The door is capable of opening 180 degree's. My idea is to make a simple latch where my hand is to hold it in this spot while fishing for easy movement through the boat.

These last two images give you an idea of what it will look like with the rest of the backrest up. The piece I am holding up is just scrap, the actual pieces are longer, and obviously there would be one on the other side as well.

So that's it for today. I plan on putting a few more hours in tomorrow, at least enough to finish up the backrest.

Thoughts? I think I like it personally.

 

[great white]

Creative...

 

[Bigkat650]

Creative...

You sound hesitant lol... Only issue I could see is if my hardware fails... So I may beef up the locks, as I went with the cheaper medium sized ones. Spending an extra $10 for some stronger ones is probably a better option then wondering if it will fail. But I tend to like overkill in matters such as this. Also, I have to change out the top hinge, as I didn't leave myself enough 2x4 to put a screw in the top hole in the hinge.

ps. there will be additional backrest bracing other then those two 2x4's, that's just what got done today.

 

[atuck593]

Have you thought about possibly using pedestal sytle seats side by side instead of the bench? This way you can use them as your fishing seats on the bow and stern casting decks? They make seats that lock in place while you are driving and then swivel for fishing. Not sure what your budget is, but it looks like you plan on adding seats on the bow and stern to fish from anyway so why not just use them to drive and cruise around in too.

 

[Bigkat650]

Have you thought about possibly using pedestal sytle seats side by side instead of the bench? This way you can use them as your fishing seats on the bow and stern casting decks? They make seats that lock in place while you are driving and then swivel for fishing. Not sure what your budget is, but it looks like you plan on adding seats on the bow and stern to fish from anyway so why not just use them to drive and cruise around in too.

I did consider that exact set-up. There are two reasons why I opted for the bench seat instead. The first is if I ever wanted more then 1 other person on the boat, I wouldn't have a functional seat for them--with the bench, I can sit 3 across on it if need be. Secondly, I'm trying to make this boat as desirable to my wife as possible, so she will want to use it (she's never been on a boat). With the bench seat, its easier for 2 to lounge together, I can throw my arm around her, etc... I'm as much building this for me as I am building it for her.

With that being said, I do think the dual removable seats is a more practical option if I was building it just for me... however I have opted for the bench seating in this case. Great idea though and thanks for the input!

 

[great white]

Creative...

You sound hesitant lol... .

Not at all.

I think it's creative as opposed to "creative".....

8)

 

[dieselfixer]

What part of upstate NY are you from? I am about 1/2 way between NF and Roch. on Lake Ontario. Your mod is looking good.

 

[Brine]

Neat rig, and I hope that motor works for you. I like the looks of those older motors. Is there evidence of having the bow cover installed as pictured? The more I see these runabout type boats, the more I like them. If I lived on Golden Pond, I'd have one to simply go for joy rides in.

I wonder if you haven't tried thinking through making the back rest removable instead of hinged. Something that you could slide in from the top maybe. This would eliminate the concerns with hardware, and you would just have to consider a home to store it when it's not being a back rest. Not saying that idea would be better, just curious if you considered it.

Good luck on the rest of your build.

 

[Bigkat650]

What part of upstate NY are you from? I am about 1/2 way between NF and Roch. on Lake Ontario. Your mod is looking good.

I'm in Ithaca (southern end of Cayuga Lake)... Plan on boating in Cayuga, Seneca, Waneta and Cayuta lakes mostly... Seneca and Cayuga only on the calmer days

Neat rig, and I hope that motor works for you. I like the looks of those older motors. Is there evidence of having the bow cover installed as pictured? The more I see these runabout type boats, the more I like them. If I lived on Golden Pond, I'd have one to simply go for joy rides in.

I wonder if you haven't tried thinking through making the back rest removable instead of hinged. Something that you could slide in from the top maybe. This would eliminate the concerns with hardware, and you would just have to consider a home to store it when it's not being a back rest. Not saying that idea would be better, just curious if you considered it.

Good luck on the rest of your build.

Thanks, I hope the motor works out too--both financially as well as aesthetically... That '58 with the reverse color scheme is a sexy motor! As far as making a 'removable backrest', I had not thought of that! I had thought of making the entire backrest swing back, but it would have hit my proposed fishing seat back there, so that idea was discarded. I think the only problem with making it removable is lack of storage on the small boat. I don't know where I would put it while at rest other then sliding it in along the side in the back. I suppose it would work. Good thought! If I run into a problem with my current set-up that seems to be a great option.

 

[Bigkat650]

Finished the framework for the bench seat today. I still have to do the finishing work (sanding; sealing; painting; etc.) but I like how its working out so far.

Next part of the project: The Console... stay tuned! 8)

 

[Bigkat650]

So the next step was the work on the steering console. I did some work last week, but ended up rethinking/reworking once I got into the boat and actually sat down at the console and noticed it was waaaay too low. That's when I realized that having the steering wheel sit vertically was impractical. Needless to say I reworked it and am very happy with the results. The steering wheel is positioned to work well regardless of whether your 5ft tall or over 6ft tall; whether your 100lbs or 300lbs. It's built solid (from 2x2's and 2x3's) and will only become more solid when I add the 3/8" ply on it and attach the front leg brace to the future floor.

The cracks in the steering wheel are purely cosmetic from the plastic drying and shrinking over the past several decades causing surface cracks--but the core is metal, and solid as ever.

The next step is to add the steering cables--but I can't do that until the motor is mounted--but I can't to that until the Transom is rebuilt... Still have to add the flooring and paint the hull... Still have dozens of hours to go, but im still making progress.

78 more days to get it done by memorial day! (although with the MILD winter i've had, maybe I should shoot for May 8th--my birthday!)

 

[Brine]

Looking good Bk

 

[Bigkat650]

It's been a while since I've updated this post, and I've been very busy!

First and foremost, I have a new power-plant. Long story short, I saw a Craigslist ad for a 1957 Evinrude 35hp for $75. I figured I would pick it up as a parts motor for my 1958 Johnson Big Twin. I emailed him right away and was the first to reply to the ad (I saw it and replied about 10 minutes after it was first posted). I checked it out, and was impressed... very impressed! After chatting for a while with the guy, I decided to pick it up. The guy offered me all the wires and the battery that came with it. In addition, he said 'basically anything but the trolling motor is free to take.' as he was parting it out just to get rid of it. I ended up getting a nice pressurized gas tank, throttle control box & cables, and a free teleflex steering system! I thought this was just steller, and the motor seemed in great condition--I ended up giving him $100 instead of the $75 that he was asking for--needless to say, we we're both very happy with the transaction.

I got it home, and upon a little further investigation, it turns out that not only did this motor have an electric start, it turns out its an Evinrude Lark--which was the optional model with all the bells and whistles. (Granted mine doesn't look any different then the big twin). So I dug into the motor, figuring I would have to clean out the carb and replace the seals, and replace the impeller, replace the coils, check the gear lube... all that fun stuff. Not only did the motor look in great shape (inside), it also was recently services--and all these things were in great shape! I replaced the impeller and carb seals just out of principle, but they all certainly looked serviceable. A truely great score.

My new 1957 Evinrude Lark

Under the hood

From the Front... obviously needs a new paint job

I found a nice little resource online that had a cut-away view of the 1956 Lark. Its not exactly the same motor, but very close--so I made a poster! (If anyone is interested in the link, i'll post it)

Next, I've been working on the bracing for the deck, as well as the ply-wood cut outs. I currently am carpeting the plywood deck this weekend, but here you can see the bracing and flotation (Its about 5.5 cubic feet of closed cell foam I scored for free from work!)

Since I now have the teleflex steering system, I had to remake the console and make it about 6 inches wider. I also decided to change the angle of the steering wheel from 45 to 55 degrees. This makes it much more comfortable for the driver.

Here you see the Lark hooked up to the teleflex system, the bilge pump, and the foam flotation.

Here you see the flotation continue throughout the middle of the deck into the front, the bracing for the floors as well as the walls since the runabout windshield was removed.

Finally, I installed the deck without the carpet and had it basically roughed out, just to get a feel for the boat. I also ran the motor a little. Below is the video of the Lark running--sorry about the finger, and ignore the can of starter fluid :LOL2:

[youtube]HFvkQFMgZ8E[/youtube]

This weekend I am carpeting the deck. Next week I will be installing the deck, the bench seats, and the front and back fishing seets after I do some minor painting on the hull and a bit on the motor--then i'll be done for the summer. I will probably pick it up after the boating season is over and really make it shine by next season.

 

[Bigkat650]

Put about 9 hours in this weekend sealing some wood installing the carpeting. Still have the casting deck in the front as well as fishing seat up front and one in the back, and a small amount of the deck to go in the very back. Should be buttoned up (minus a new paint job) in time to go out with my dad next weekend for fathers day

Not much of a story today, just kinda tired--so i'll get the pics up, but that's about it.

 

[Kismet]

That is so sweet.

Nicely done. =D>

Hurry up.

 

[Bigkat650]

Thank You Kismet! Its been a long drawn out project, and working 50 hours a week on the job makes it tough to get much done on it. I wanted to keep it simple, there really is no storage currently. I have to get it out on the water and see what-if any-improvements I need to make. I just kept the deck as low to the hull as possible, and stuffed in as much closed cell foam as possible. I ended up getting over 6 cubic feet of foam in under the deck, so thats one less thing to have to worry about.

The console has a 12v connector; audio input (amp is under the console--designed to connect directly to an MP3 player); and switches for the amp; the bilge pump; the headlights; and the night time running lights. Also has a push button horn and a key that acts as the ignition and the choke.

For the short term, I will probably use a big plastic tool box for all my boat sundry items such as extra ropes, tools, flairs, first aid kit, sun screen, etc.

I'm excited to get it on the lake!!

 

[catsmith]

I'll tell you what, that is looking great. I like the low decks and the seat is really sharp. Well done.

 

[Kismet]

Thank You Kismet! Its been a long drawn out project, and working 50 hours a week on the job makes it tough to get much done on it. I wanted to keep it simple, there really is no storage currently. I have to get it out on the water and see what-if any-improvements I need to make. I just kept the deck as low to the hull as possible, and stuffed in as much closed cell foam as possible. I ended up getting over 6 cubic feet of foam in under the deck, so thats one less thing to have to worry about.

The console has a 12v connector; audio input (amp is under the console--designed to connect directly to an MP3 player); and switches for the amp; the bilge pump; the headlights; and the night time running lights. Also has a push button horn and a key that acts as the ignition and the choke.

For the short term, I will probably use a big plastic tool box for all my boat sundry items such as extra ropes, tools, flairs, first aid kit, sun screen, etc.

I'm excited to get it on the lake!!

No thanks necessary. It makes me happy just to see the work you've done. A contemporary classic.