Blacsdad
Member
I have recently acquired a 1950s 1433 "Buddy Boat" from my father that once belonged to my grandfather. To power it he gave me his 1970 Merc 110 (9.8hp ). I also have the option of trying out a 1950s 3.5hp Sea-Horse that is in the family as well. To get all of this around I purchased a small, used boat trailer from one of my scouting friends for next to nothing.
I first started work on the trailer. It did not come with any bunks, tow chains, a winch post, or lights, and it is missing one of its fenders. After looking at several trailers as examples, I decided to put 4 bunks on it directly underneath the boat, in between the bottom ridges that run the length of the boat. The hardware store where I bought the lumber and bolts gave me the carpet for free. My father in law gave me a light kit when he heard I was fixin up a fishing rig (hint hint). It went on easily. A friend had just gotten a new trailer and was parting his out and offered his winch post for free. It bolted right on along with the new winch I bought at Walmart for $25. Lastly I got a pack of four winch straps to strap the boat down. In the future I'm going to 1. replace both the tires; 2. install a trailer stand; 3. spray bomb the whole thing with black rustoleum; and 4. buy two new fenders for it.
So far the only thing I've done to the boat is attached a small chain from the plug to one of the transom support mounts. If I lose that plug I am up the creek. It's a screw in!
My other plans for the boat include:
1. It needs to have all of the paint on the outside removed (looks like it was brushed on) and repainted. I'll repaint it with Rustoleum etching primer from Home Depot and possibly olive drab tractor paint with hardener added from a local store.
2. Wire it up for nav lights, front headlights (I have talked to the local fish and wildlife guys and they gave me their blessing, so save your speech about how they are illegal), Homemade cooler livewell, interior lighting (led rope), and a bow mount trolling motor (I will spend more money here than probably anything else).
3. Install a floor on the ribs- no decks because its too narrow. I'm thinking about using sheet aluminum from a local dealer, if they can offer me a good deal. If I do
use aluminum floors, I'm going to paint the interior with a tan or olive drab truck bed liner.
4. Install some kind of seating.
5. Rod holders.
As far as the motor goes, it needs some work. I went and got it this weekend and on the way home purchased a new fuel line, connectors, and a 6 gal tank. At home I mounted it on the boat and took the cover off and was immediately disheartened. All of the wiring, except for the plug wires, were ruined. The plastic insulation has dry rotted off and the wires that are exposed have oxidized beyond use. On a good note, under the cowl, except for the wires, everything else is surprisingly shiny and clean. I have addressed this in the motors section of Tinboats.net and crazymanme2 said that the wires could be easily replaced. He would also drain and refill the lower unit, and put a small amount of oil in the cylinders. That will have to wait for a couple of weeks. I can always stick to ponds with a small stern mount trolling motor my buddy will let me borrow.
This same guy, who is my only fishing partner, is buying a new Tracker Pro 165 tomorrow. Is my project in vain?
Hey guys, send me some ideas about what I should do to this boat and especially the wiring on the motor...more to come. Especially pics when I can figure it out.
I first started work on the trailer. It did not come with any bunks, tow chains, a winch post, or lights, and it is missing one of its fenders. After looking at several trailers as examples, I decided to put 4 bunks on it directly underneath the boat, in between the bottom ridges that run the length of the boat. The hardware store where I bought the lumber and bolts gave me the carpet for free. My father in law gave me a light kit when he heard I was fixin up a fishing rig (hint hint). It went on easily. A friend had just gotten a new trailer and was parting his out and offered his winch post for free. It bolted right on along with the new winch I bought at Walmart for $25. Lastly I got a pack of four winch straps to strap the boat down. In the future I'm going to 1. replace both the tires; 2. install a trailer stand; 3. spray bomb the whole thing with black rustoleum; and 4. buy two new fenders for it.
So far the only thing I've done to the boat is attached a small chain from the plug to one of the transom support mounts. If I lose that plug I am up the creek. It's a screw in!
My other plans for the boat include:
1. It needs to have all of the paint on the outside removed (looks like it was brushed on) and repainted. I'll repaint it with Rustoleum etching primer from Home Depot and possibly olive drab tractor paint with hardener added from a local store.
2. Wire it up for nav lights, front headlights (I have talked to the local fish and wildlife guys and they gave me their blessing, so save your speech about how they are illegal), Homemade cooler livewell, interior lighting (led rope), and a bow mount trolling motor (I will spend more money here than probably anything else).
3. Install a floor on the ribs- no decks because its too narrow. I'm thinking about using sheet aluminum from a local dealer, if they can offer me a good deal. If I do
use aluminum floors, I'm going to paint the interior with a tan or olive drab truck bed liner.
4. Install some kind of seating.
5. Rod holders.
As far as the motor goes, it needs some work. I went and got it this weekend and on the way home purchased a new fuel line, connectors, and a 6 gal tank. At home I mounted it on the boat and took the cover off and was immediately disheartened. All of the wiring, except for the plug wires, were ruined. The plastic insulation has dry rotted off and the wires that are exposed have oxidized beyond use. On a good note, under the cowl, except for the wires, everything else is surprisingly shiny and clean. I have addressed this in the motors section of Tinboats.net and crazymanme2 said that the wires could be easily replaced. He would also drain and refill the lower unit, and put a small amount of oil in the cylinders. That will have to wait for a couple of weeks. I can always stick to ponds with a small stern mount trolling motor my buddy will let me borrow.
This same guy, who is my only fishing partner, is buying a new Tracker Pro 165 tomorrow. Is my project in vain?
Hey guys, send me some ideas about what I should do to this boat and especially the wiring on the motor...more to come. Especially pics when I can figure it out.
