I'm starting a restoration project on an aluminum boat and would like to hear any input y'all might have on what to do and how to do it.

I've chronicled everything to date, which isn't much, here:

Todd's 1956 Feathercraft Vagabond I.

Neat project. Aluminum boats is actually something boat related I know relatively little about. I've always wondered why the severe tumblehome in the back. was it stylistic, or does it serve a practical purpose? For the keel dent, you can fix that kind of stuff by welding in some rod, and then grinding it to match, but welding aluminum takes practice.

Is the hull anodized?

You may also find you have to drill out and replace some of the rivets if they've losened up over time, but that's pretty easy.

That's awesome Todd, you will be so proud of it when you get done.

Are you going to polish it to a mirror finish? If you do and need help/advice I'll look up the number for a guy in the Metroplex I talked to one time for some advice on polishing stainles/aluminum. I was polishing a truck and he was an industrial polish dealer but was a hell of a nice guy and would be a real resource in your finishing stages.

The hull is not anodized. I plan to polish it to a mirror finish.

I think I wrote it in that piece, but I got the boat from my grandfather. He planned on restoring it and just never did. I thought I would just make a little fishing boat out of it until I got home and googled Feathercraft boats. I found that website and was hooked! There is actually a lot of good information on there from others that have done Feathercraft restorations. It's kind of a popular restoration project it seems.

I figured a bunch of OB Ags would appreciate the project and be able to provide some insight. I don't have much experience with metalworking (my old man is a wood shop teacher) so I'd be interested in any pointers or help any OBers are willing to provide.

Awesome work so far Bonz! I read the other thread, and that is quite an undertaking you have going on!

Nice project! My dad does some sheet metal work. I don't know what his project load looks like, nor do I know what he'd charge, but if you're not afraid to drive all the way up to Flower Mound, he might be able to help you.

I will say this: he is EXTREMELY anal-retentive, and anything he builds is super-strong and with a high attention to detail.

If interested, email me at my username at yahoo.

Nice! Now I want one, that will look good when done.

How do you keep it polished? I would think it would self-anodize again when exposed to any galvanic cell. Just regular buffing?

My understanding is that it's kinda like ol' Bolivar's knife in Lonesome Dove...






Actually, it's about like owning an Airstream camper from what they say on the website.

I would go with a new four stroke outboard of maximum rated horsepower for the hull. If it is rated for 50, get a 50!

Yeah...I wish.

I'm actually going to do a 1950s era outboard if I can find one. There's plenty to be had out there. They're about 20% of the cost of a new outboard.

Unless of course someone's got one they want to donate.

BTW, it's rated at 40hp.

quote:

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I plan to polish it to a mirror finish

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Seal it with some Zoop Seal when your done.

An outboard restoration would be the tough part.

Tell me about it. I've got an old Sea King 12hp that won't start and I'm not at all interested in working on it.

Any good outboard mechanic recommendations in DFW (closer to Mansfield, the better).

Those old engines are a constant PITA. They will leave you stranded... Also, they use a ton of oil and are not OK with today's ethanol blend gasoline.

Todd 02:

D & B Boat Motor Repair
705 Franklin Desoto TX 75115
David Weaver
972-223-2781
972-243-6882

The guy is honest, does good work, and is currently rebuilding my 35 hp outboard for my dinghy. He has a waiting list but this time of year who doesn't.

Well, I can't just drop $5,000 on an outboard.

I can buy a lot of oil and repairs on a $750 outboard for five grand.

He's not gonna try and sell me a toolbox, too, is he, Ben?

First off f--- you...with that aside haha,

Naw toolbox guy was outside of Conroe, I'll never live that down, some things you just shouldn't tell people

What are friends* for?!?!

*While we all may not know each other in person, and may not get along with each other in person if we did know each other, I figure we're all friends. Or at least as my wife to my fellow OBers as..."silly internet friends."

Question - will teh floor be installed directly on top of the ribs, leaving the air gap between the hull and the floor?

I'd think about putting some foam in that air gap. It will dampen the sound considerably while the boat is moving through the water.

Good idea. I'll look into it. The more foam the better. From the factory, this thing had foam under the bow and under each seat. It was advertised in the catalog as being "virtually unsinkable!"

The best polish for aluminum is Semi-Chrome. It can be very expensive if you can't find quart cans instead tubes. I would start with Never Dull for the base polish and mirror polish with Semi-Chrome. I polished aircraft this way in the Air Force and it made them beautiful. Also +1 for Zoop. Just remember the polish you attain before applying Zoop will be the polish that shines through.

Damn Todd02, just by looking at that photo, I can only imagine what a great country this used to be.

IF you like that one, queso, you'll love this one:

Great project!
Keep us posted!

Thanks to your post I am know on the hunt for a Feathercraft boat.

I have been looking at the website that you linked to so much information on them.

Cool boat. What is the best way to polish that type of aluminum ?

And by that type of aluminum I mean boat shaped aluminum.

Fort Worth, I prefer orbital buffers. The best I've found is a Cyclo, double head, orbital buffer but I'm sure any good quality buffer will work