shizzy77
Well-known member
Hi folks, I just stumbled upon this GREAT forum and figured I share a few picks of my love.
After a few years of fishing out of friends boats I decided it was time for me to get my own. as much as I would have liked a big fancy Bass boat, My wallet and tow vehicle said no. I had been working some major overtime so I had a few Bucks stashed and had been casually keeping my eyes peeled for something for the right size and price. One of my good friends called me and told me his next door neighbor had just rolled a boat outside and put a for sale sign on it and I NEEDED to come over right now and take a look.
It was a simple aluminum Job with no motor. looked to be in great shape and struck up a conversation with the owner once he walked outside. Its a 68 Alumacraft, not a dent or scratch on it. He told me it doesnt leak a drop and he has a 6HP Johnson he can drop in a barrel and fire up for me. Boat with original oars, titled trailer and Motor for $750 8) Needless to say I forgot to call the Misses and tell her I was buying a boat until I already had the boat hooked to my truck.
the first thing I noticed was the plate on the transom stating "max horsepower 40HP" :shock:
So I did a little research. Its an Alumacraft FD. Apparently its a very well put together boat, which explains its ability to handle 40HP.
first thing I did was put new wheel bearings on the trailer, repainted and put new lights and wiring on it. I took the boat out a few times, but wasnt real happy with how it was set up. no place to store things and hot bare aluminum seats.
here are a few pics of it the day I bought it.
how many 44 year old boats look this good?
I decided I wanted to remove the Bow cover and install a casting deck and maybe sme added storage.
I swiped some leftover plywood from work, used a couple of 4 x 8 I/O rugs that were on sale for cheap at menards and got to work. Its not the greatest and will probably be removed and replaced this season, but it workd wonderfuly. I only had about $40 in to the whole works including hinges, hasps, padlocks and carpet.
I also covered the rear two seats with carpet. Im not real happy with my one piece hinged casting deck, but it works for now.
I am happy as a clam with my "Sea Monkey" and had it out 3-5 times a week all last summer and caught plenty of fish. I gave the Old Johnson (its a 1965) a once over and it now starts with 1-2 pulls and idles down like a new motor. I found a 40LB Minnkota trolling motor so Im all set. I have friends with much newer, bigger and faster boats, but they all tell me they wish they had mine.
all said and done, im still under $1000 and having a blast. Did I mention I love my boat?
After a few years of fishing out of friends boats I decided it was time for me to get my own. as much as I would have liked a big fancy Bass boat, My wallet and tow vehicle said no. I had been working some major overtime so I had a few Bucks stashed and had been casually keeping my eyes peeled for something for the right size and price. One of my good friends called me and told me his next door neighbor had just rolled a boat outside and put a for sale sign on it and I NEEDED to come over right now and take a look.
It was a simple aluminum Job with no motor. looked to be in great shape and struck up a conversation with the owner once he walked outside. Its a 68 Alumacraft, not a dent or scratch on it. He told me it doesnt leak a drop and he has a 6HP Johnson he can drop in a barrel and fire up for me. Boat with original oars, titled trailer and Motor for $750 8) Needless to say I forgot to call the Misses and tell her I was buying a boat until I already had the boat hooked to my truck.
the first thing I noticed was the plate on the transom stating "max horsepower 40HP" :shock:
So I did a little research. Its an Alumacraft FD. Apparently its a very well put together boat, which explains its ability to handle 40HP.
first thing I did was put new wheel bearings on the trailer, repainted and put new lights and wiring on it. I took the boat out a few times, but wasnt real happy with how it was set up. no place to store things and hot bare aluminum seats.
here are a few pics of it the day I bought it.
how many 44 year old boats look this good?
I decided I wanted to remove the Bow cover and install a casting deck and maybe sme added storage.
I swiped some leftover plywood from work, used a couple of 4 x 8 I/O rugs that were on sale for cheap at menards and got to work. Its not the greatest and will probably be removed and replaced this season, but it workd wonderfuly. I only had about $40 in to the whole works including hinges, hasps, padlocks and carpet.
I also covered the rear two seats with carpet. Im not real happy with my one piece hinged casting deck, but it works for now.
I am happy as a clam with my "Sea Monkey" and had it out 3-5 times a week all last summer and caught plenty of fish. I gave the Old Johnson (its a 1965) a once over and it now starts with 1-2 pulls and idles down like a new motor. I found a 40LB Minnkota trolling motor so Im all set. I have friends with much newer, bigger and faster boats, but they all tell me they wish they had mine.
all said and done, im still under $1000 and having a blast. Did I mention I love my boat?
