Way to go JP. Now you've got me searching CraigsList for a FeatherCraft and wouldn't you know it, there's one listed. Guess I'll have to give him a call.
Was FeatherCraft national in distribution or regional? We have some very nice old Larson fibergalss boats up here in Minnesota...built in Little Falls, Minnesota.
The aluminum wouold likely be "easier" to deal with than the fiberglass in a restoration???
Would be fun to have a smaller, quick "old" boat on our small lake...with a moderate horsepower maybe vintage motor...instead of the current monster engines!
Tom R
P.S. Currently have a 1961 15' Starcraft aluminum (heavy) with a 40HP Evinrude...bought it for $600 in early seventies and used for all activities with our three kids...now they are nearly 40 with 7 grandkids...and still using the Starcraft a bit...but it is quite heavy and it too is in need of some "restoration"...TMR
First off, I've got the cowl ready to paint on my '57 Johnson Javelin. I've removed LOADS of emblems, plates and goodies... all of which will need to be rechromed, of course... actually, 6 of the emblems will be Gold plated, as per original. Here's a pic of the lonely unfired motor in the corner of the basement... I got this beauty on eBay a year ago, and i swear it's hardly been run, if at all! I haven't had a chance to start it yet. I think I should put oil in the cylinders and rotate it a bit before trying something crazy like that! Plus, if I remember correctly, this one has a pressure fuel system, and I'll be converting it to a fuel pump (so you only need one line running to the fuel tanks).
Now, if you want to DROOL, check out this site. I found it about a year ago... the guy's passion is the 1957 Johnson Javelin... I swear, whatever you're into... there's someone into it MORE... and he's got a web site! ha! you just have to Google it!
This morning, I built a dolly for the hull so I could take it off the trailer. Plus, it's a LOT easier to move around the shop now! The dolly is only 24" tall, with 2 2X4 runners to support the boat. The hull is then suspended by 2 tie-downs tensioned enough to just keep the boat from resting too heavily on the wood. I'm probably being overly cautious here, but I definitely don't want any MORE damage done to this thing!
While it's I can take it outside for the dirty polishing of the front deck. After the top's pretty much rough cut, I'll enlist some buddies with beer and pizza to flip it over on the dolly so I can get to the bottom belt line. By the time that's done, I should have the trailer ready to put the boat back on, and I can start really working the polish to the state I want it at.
Now on to the trailer. I spent the afternoon breaking all the rusty bolts off the thing, and getting everything unbolted that wasn't structurally important. The next step is getting David to weld on some extensions so I can mount the new fenders I got on eBay, as well as welding the winch stand to the frame. I don't want any bolts up there at all, if I can help it.
After all the welding is done, it's off to get blasted, epoxy primed, and painted creme (to match the Johnson motor). I've got a pile of brackets for them to paint while they're at it. Looks like it's time to hit eBay again... looking for rollers, bushings and a winch!
For the tail lights, I'm thinking about using stainless repros of the old Model A lights (that say "STOP" in them)... it's going to be unique that's for sure!
Dang...
Your making great progress!
Amazing what you have done to the anoidizing area.
After looking at that link to restored
OB...
I'm not so sure I have a 1959.
Does not really mater, as the look is what I was going for, and the 59's look squared off and too modern.
__________________ Your opinion is valued, please not your opinion of someones else's opinion.
I double checked everything on mine last night. My Johnson is a 1957, and my Vagabond is a 1958. Did you decode your serial number on the FeatherCraft.net site? Pretty cool!
Got the steering wheel in from eBay last night! Looks REALLY cool. I've already disassembled it to start on the wheel restoration. It's funny how many little projects are in restoring anything... airstreams, boats, etc... I'll post photos of the wheel later. I've never seen one like it. It's got a REALLY cool aluminum center cap.
I also contacted the guy who's going to be blasting and painting the trailer. I hope to get a time back from him soon on when he can get to it. Also, placing my order for the new rollers this morning! Lots going on!
os. I'm 99% certain we're not going to be able to make the Can Opener this year... the reality of the new baby is starting to sink in!
Also, I see that your boat originally had the wooden seats. I like that! I wish mine did. The wooden planks are a nice touch, plus, when you redo it, you can make the rear one hinged to provide a little compartment for storage in there.
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