New to me boat Project

Well I pulled the trigger and bought me a boat project. A 1969 14' Aluminum V-hull boat. Title says a Aluminum Utility boat, which don't help on the make of the boat. Trailer is a 1978 TrailMaster ? Its all abbreviated on title and data plate on trailer is old and faded... It pulled straight getting it home so that was a super plus.
Now the work begins. The person who had it pulled all the wood out, I assumed it was rotted given the age. By that I mean the seats, and the transom. I got enough rivits to replace everyone of them on the boat and some screws, some brass and some stainless. I also received 90% of the needed brackets needed. I still need some sort of handle for the bow. two tie down loops for the back. Also, does anyone have an Idea where to get a screw in type boat plug...Previous owner seems to have lost it when he pulled it to drain water out when I got there to purchase...well that's bout it for now. I will update this as I get work done or have questions on a repair.Attachment 292777

if you have never been to tinboats.com go over there and fart around but give yourself a few days to soak it all in. kinda like this site you can be on here all the time and find something new just about every time you get on. lots of ideas and cheap ways to do things. and just like this site great advise just have to ask. good luck on your project.

Thanks spoofhound' , yea I I joined the Missouri tin boats as well as the tinboat sites so I could soak up as much info as I could. I got a hold of previous owner today and he said come by he had a boat plug for me, it turned out to be a 3/8's inch squared head pipe plug. said that's what was in it when he bought it...All I know is the boat was full of water when I got there and there was not non leaking any where....no drips at all.

My family has an old tin boat belonged to my dad's dad. He had it since probably the forties. When my Grandpa died Dad brought it home and I fished out of that thing with an old 58 model Johnson sea horse. Later an Uncle took it and restored it. Then one of my older brothers got it...still has it.

Who knows...maybe the start of a family heirloom.

Even though its threaded , if I remember right, the right size expanding rubber plug will seal against the threads it does not have to be smooth to work. Just needs to be snug when you push it in before it expands...not too loose.

thank you doggone, I was thinking that, but at the same time about the threads tearing up the rubber on the plug. Maybe over thinking it. Unlike most other boats I have seen, this plug is in the bottom and the water exits through the bottom rub rail, not through the transom. Pretty neat that you all are keeping your Grand dad's boat in the family that way...very cool.

That's a nice looking boat project. The hull looks great and it wouldn't take much to have that trailer looking like a new one. Keep us posted on your progress with some pics. Great excuse to buy some new tools. Good luck and enjoy the adventure!

Great start.
I have several project boats on Tinboats, same screen name, Hanr3.
I'll be following the build.


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Hey Aquadog, You around my old stompin' grounds there. Back in 1992 me and my first ex bought a house up on Capahosic Rd over in Gloucester, VA. Great area, and thank you. yes the hull is in great shape and the trailer isn't bad either. Just some wood for the seats and transom and she's back in the water...Trailer needs some wire wheel work, gonna replace the bunks, more for piece of mind ( carpet on them will be replaced of coarse), as well as lights and wiring, and new paint. weather will have a lot to say about how fast this gets done, as I don't have a garage to work in. My better half says I got too many irons in the fire now, ha ha ha. long term project is a '77 baja bug I'm building for the street, this boat now as well as remodeling the house for her... but like I told her, need some time away from the house and bug sometimes, and that's where the boat and my fishing comes in. Also it supplements the groceries with fish which we both like...I appreciate the kind words on the boat and feel free to make any suggestions you like'
Hanr3, hey man, thanks for the kind words. I think I've read a thread or two of yours as that name is familiar. I will definitely look up your builds as well. this one isn't going to be to fast of a build, as a money crunch is in effect here...but this project is #2 in line, only second to the house...But as money allows I will get it done. thanks for following and suggestions are always welcome.

I would stay with the threaded plug, you can get an extra at any hardware store. It is just a pipe thread plug. I was using my Grandpa's boat prior to the one I bought last year, that boat sat in the timber for 10 years, we dug it out and replaced all the wood. We had a blast with that boat. You will have fun with it once you have it all rigged.

Thank you Potatoe, I sure hope to have a lot of fun with it...I am hoping to have it ready to go out by the middle of next month and will probably start with an electric trolling motor for power till I can get me a small outboard, like a 9.9 or so.