New (to me) Boat

Well I never thought Id be gettin another boat when I thought up the name "Progator 135" But I guess technically now I should be called "Cane Cutter 50" Yep I grabbed up that 77 Cane cutter Crappie boat off craigslist in Longview for $100. My dad had an old trailer sittin there doin nobody any good. Went last week and got it...I was shocked at the condition. It was hangin in a boathouse most of its life so theres hardly any sun damage. floor and transom solid as a rock - The seats and carpet - although a bit ugly are almost like new after a good pressure washin. Got a trolling motor and am actively looking for an 50-60HP motor. I posted on the classifieds but nothin yet. But as for the boat...I love it. I have always liked the old crappie boat design better than a fishing deck style like a bass boat. I have some "before" pics...Ill post "after" pics as they come along. A lot of you may be shakin your head...but those that know me know what I can do with an old boat. Gonna be fun. :fingerdance

Attachment 190337Attachment 190338

I saw that boat on craigslist.......looks like you got a real treasure there.....I have seen several like that one......I like it.....can't wait to see the "after" pics......

Looks like you got a project now, keep us updated

That's a heck of a deal right there. Going to make you a great crappie boat. Congratulations on the find.

Cane Cutters were good boats. Built by Ed Cane in Bastrop, La. I had a bass style myself about 25 years ago; should have kept it. A friend of mine had one like yours with a 70 on it. You'll like this boat.....

Wow....thats a great find

Looks like a nice little project. Whatever makes you happy and gets the job done! Best of luck and can't wait for the after pics!

That is a great find. Keep us posted as it's coming along.

Nice looking Crappie Boat, the fish really dont care what the boat looks like, only what the bait looks like, Enjoy your new boat!!!!!

Congratulations on the boat. Like someone said, keep us posted on the progress. Don't let the "project" keep you off of the lake this spring though; there are some crappie out there with your name on them.

Thanks everybody...I plan on splashin it this Sunday If all goes well.....there will be no grass growin under my feet with this one...SPrayed all the dirt dobber nests and coon poop out last night...kept spraying till after dark so I couldnt really see the end result...took a look this morning before goin to work and WOW...I can not believe the condition of the carpet and seats. Like I said...ugly, but dang near like new. Anyway...1985 Evinrude 50HP with controls in the back of the truck as I speak. Gonna work on the trailer tonight and fit it to the boat with some 2x4 bunks. I have an overhead hoist to lift it off the trailer so that should be easy. Hang the motor tomorrow and pray that it runs as good as the guy said it does. Trip to Wal mart as soon as I get off for batteries, fuel line, gas tank, spray paint.... and milk. :biggrin

Love the layout. Older I get the better I feel setting down in a boat. Interested to see the finished product.

I love it. You would be amazed at what an orbital buffer, rubbing compound, and some good wax will do for it. My console was faded and I buffed it out and it looked brand new minus the scratches.

Great find.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by saute86

I love it. You would be amazed at what an orbital buffer, rubbing compound, and some good wax will do for it. My console was faded and I buffed it out and it looked brand new minus the scratches.

---

I thought about that....but I want to see what the heat factor is going to be on that dark brown when its 100° out. It may very well end up being white by the end of summer.

Edit: Update for tonight - got her swingin in the air, trailer stripped of all old wiring and cleaned and painted with truck bed liner. Looks great. goin in the AM to get some pressure treated 2x4's and will make the bunks and set her back down. Hang the motor, see how that pans out. Need to figure something out for the gas can. Cheapest 6 gallon Wally World had was $52. Aint happenin.

LOL....if you get bored with it in a few years I will take the hull off your hands for $200. Think about it you would double your money.....lol. I would love to turn it into a stick steer. I bet it rides like an old Cadillac.

Almost forgot, dad worked in Ed Canes shop where these were built for a short time just before he went out of business

yeah I thought about making it a stick steer...still may in the future. Only stick steer mechanisms with cables were in the $300 range. I need a rotary setup with cable cause instead of disconnecting it like a normal person the just lopped it off with bolt cutters. getting a used one for $70 in the morning.
As far as that $200 goes, in 2 days time ive thrown $1500 more at it, Motor, Trolling Motor, batteries, Little stuff..fire extinguisher, etc. Didnt take long.....BOAT= Break Out Another Thousand. Its fun though.

Congrats on the "Barn Find" you made a good buy for sure. Sounds like your are on the fast path to getting it on the water.
Good luck on your renovation...

congrats!!! great looking boat!!!!!!

Thats why I said just the hull.

Congratulations on your boat! I have one that looks kinda like that a buddy gave me that is stick steer. It's a light blue color. The motor is that the one a guy had for sale in the classifieds?

Great looking boat!! Would love one like this just for creeks and shallow spots

Perfect for getting in the trees at Bistineau and Caddo! I like it!

Ain't nothin wrong with that at all. I never find deals like that.

When are we going to get some updated photos?

Looking good there backyard neighbor!

Haa whats up there neighbor... quit stalkin me on here and get over here and help me with this boat!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by saute86

When are we going to get some updated photos?

---

Ive shot a couple..Ill get em uploaded from my phne probably tomorrow..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Southern Chuter

Cane Cutters were good boats. Built by Ed Cane in Bastrop, La. I had a bass style myself about 25 years ago; should have kept it. A friend of mine had one like yours with a 70 on it. You'll like this boat.....

---

Ed Cane wound up selling swimming pool supplies in Monroe. Talked to him about boat building a few times. Really nice guy.

Well he'd be proud to see one of his 1977 models in the shape this one is in. Ill get some pics on here tomorrow.

Attachment 190878Attachment 190879Attachment 190880Attachment 190881
Worked on it all weekend...Didnt get any water under it yet. Got the motor running...I bought it knowing it would need a few minor things but Im pretty savvy on the old evinrudes. Got a handful of parts on the way now. But it fires off and runs...the rest is gravy. Trolling motor is a Motorguide 46Lb Freshwater series foot control in excellent shape... Got (stole) it for $150. Havent mounted it yet...havent decided the location yet...gonna have to get up there and sit in the seat and see what gonna work best. Sprayed the seats and livewell cushion with that Armor all Tire foam and wiped with a rag. Really brought the new back out. Like I said The colors aint pretty but Im still in awe of the condition. Still got some work to do on the trailer...need to make 2 more bunks and the side rail bunks.

And Yes thats an umbrella holder on the back of the seat...umbrella and mounting pole setup was laying in the boat too. Umbrella was shot but everything else is intact. Gonna get that fixed up for sure...:kewl

Looks good pg...

You got what we use to call a white perch boat. I bet it can sneak up on them.

I really like the looks of that boat......

The rain this morning added a little shine to it....:biggrin

That cleaned up nicely!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Progator135

The rain this morning added a little shine to it....:biggrin

---

If you compound and wax it, it will hold that shine. I can't get over how good it looks. Looks cleaner than some boats that are only 5 years old.

How do those boat handle ruff water, as in Sardis Grenada?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by saute86

If you compound and wax it, it will hold that shine. I can't get over how good it looks. Looks cleaner than some boats that are only 5 years old.

---

Its not even clean all the way yet....that was just an initial pressure washing (till it ran out of gas) and finished up with a hose till after dark. I still need to get behind the side walls and in the very back and the bilge. As for shining it...Iim going to try something Ive been hearing a lot about and after researching it I think Im goin to go for it..I wont say what product it is - some of you might cringe..Ill just call it " a high solids, metal interlocked, acrylic-copolymer designed for high durability with UV absorbers" Been used in the RV world for years on badly oxidized fiberglass and gelcoat finishes and easily gives it a really durable long lasting shine and saves a lot elbow grease. Seems like a perfect candidate for it.