1960's Aerocraft Z-12 *Bought New Boat*

Hi. First Post but I have read some many posts on here, its mind numbing. I have a 12' 60's Aerocraft that was handed down to me as a kid about 20 years ago. I spent many summers watching fireworks and fishing from this boat. I had a late 50's-early 60's 7.5hp Elgin that I had for the boat but my dad had given it to a friend to fix up a few years back. That thing was a nightmare anyways lol. We took it out on Lake Garret in Mountain Park, Ga and we had a blast.
(Sorry about Pics. Only 2mb Max so I'll get them up as soon as possible.
Specs- 52'' at widest 42'' at transom floor. Boat weighs about 87lbs. Rated for 7.5hp and 562lbs fully loaded.

I went and got this boat because now I have two small kids (5 & 7) and want to be able to run them around and just want to do some simple work to it. Any input I could get would be wonderful.

1. There is a small leak in the bow. I will include a pic. It's a very slow leak (after 6 hours on the lake, we had about 3inches puddled in the back right corner at the transom). I was wondering if I could just fill this crack with some of the 3m 5200? It seems like there was something like that or maybe some foam but its just worn out over the years. The boat leaks nowhere else.

2. I had to pull the old transom off (Fire ants were unhappy about that) and got the old rivets out. I plan on using SS hardware and not PT-wood. I'm wanting to use some oak and stain it dark red. Keeping the boat its aluminum color so I thought it'd look nice.

3. My children are tiny. 100lbs combined soaking wet. I was wanting to see if anyone has seen/made a custom dual-seat (almost cigar/speed boat-style) that keeps them in place at speed? Not a must but just curious.

I'm going to be looking for a trailer & outboard through out this winter. It still has the non-slip blue floor in great shape on the floor.

I'll post more pics as they come! Thank you for your input!

Alright. Some pics.

Hi ,
You got a nice boat there with a lot of potential .I'm not an expert but i would fill that gash with some foam or something then i would seal/caulk with marine grade and rivet a new piece of marine grade aluminum.Give it a nice paint,benches,maybe a bimini,etc and the Fam will have a blast for years to come...try to go as light as you can in choice of materials and stuff.And since you got little ones install suficient grab handles for safety.
Enjoy =D> .
Dan =D>

Ah! So THAT's what front bench was supposed to look like!

My Aerocraft's a bit older, but looks similar to yours but with more support on the transom and a different waistline.

Looking at the pictures, the gap you're seeing is also in mine, it's on the front as the bottom tapers into the keel. I've had no leaks at all on mine (and it's in rough shape on the outside). I'd go the 3M/5200 route, and then maybe put some Gluvit or roll on bed liner for traction/sealing over the top of it for good measure.

C

Well, I came across a deal I could not refuse. It is much more practical with two kids, too! lol

1978 Starcraft SS 160 w/ 1995 Evinrude 48SPL
17gal Fuel Cell

I'll get more pics up soon!

Nice upgrade.

Now were talkin, Hope you got big plans for your new find and yes it should be much more family friendly

Very nice.....Now start a new build thread so I can constantly hound you to update it.......To keep you working on it. :LOL2:

tfm said:

Well, I came across a deal I could not refuse. It is much more practical with two kids, too! lol

1978 Starcraft SS 160 w/ 1995 Evinrude 48SPL
17gal Fuel Cell

I'll get more pics up soon!

Click to expand...

I have 12' and it gets a little cozy, if not dangerous when fishing, with my kids (6 and 8). It is wonder I haven't been hooked! I still love my little boat when it is just me, but you are right you will be much happier with the bigger boat when taking out the family.