So, I've posted a couple questions in other areas on this site, but I figured it was time to start documenting my mods / refurb of this little boat. I think this site is a great resource, so I figured I would share what I'm doing in the hopes of some mutual knowledge passing back and forth. Here goes...
The boat is a '72 Alumacraft model F7, 14 ft long. Trailer is an EZ Loader, presumably also from the '70s. Paid $470 for the pair. Here's a pic:
What I've done so far:
-Bought a '95 Mercury 25HP outboard ($1200)
-Removed the rotted transom wood
-Spent many hours just staring at the thing, thinking of what I want to do
-Reminded myself that I need to focus on just the 'need to do' list...
Current issues that I need to correct on the boat:
-Thoroughly clean (probably polish) the hull inside & out
-Cut & seal the Mahogany for the transom, then reinstall (stainless nuts & bolts) ($60)
-Buy or make some oars (90" are the right size for this boat, based on what I've read)
Current issues that I need to correct on the trailer:
-Thoroughly clean & touch up paint (black Rust-o-leum)
-Complete re-wire ($75)
-New wheels & tires ($125)
-Lube the wheel bearings & rollers
-Repair or replace the winch (gears are mashed a bit, rope is possibly garbage)
Now, here's the 'maybe someday' list:
-Paint the hull (I kind of like the red upper on Mr. Fahrenheit's boat)
-Install a deck (maybe remove some or all of the bench-seats)
-Make a duck blind for it.
The boat is a '72 Alumacraft model F7, 14 ft long. Trailer is an EZ Loader, presumably also from the '70s. Paid $470 for the pair. Here's a pic:
What I've done so far:
-Bought a '95 Mercury 25HP outboard ($1200)
-Removed the rotted transom wood
-Spent many hours just staring at the thing, thinking of what I want to do
-Reminded myself that I need to focus on just the 'need to do' list...
Current issues that I need to correct on the boat:
-Thoroughly clean (probably polish) the hull inside & out
-Cut & seal the Mahogany for the transom, then reinstall (stainless nuts & bolts) ($60)
-Buy or make some oars (90" are the right size for this boat, based on what I've read)
Current issues that I need to correct on the trailer:
-Thoroughly clean & touch up paint (black Rust-o-leum)
-Complete re-wire ($75)
-New wheels & tires ($125)
-Lube the wheel bearings & rollers
-Repair or replace the winch (gears are mashed a bit, rope is possibly garbage)
Now, here's the 'maybe someday' list:
-Paint the hull (I kind of like the red upper on Mr. Fahrenheit's boat)
-Install a deck (maybe remove some or all of the bench-seats)
-Make a duck blind for it.
