# 1959 wood boat restoration **URL:** \ **Category:** Builds\ **Created:** [October 26, 2009, 6:28pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366 "2009-10-26T18:28:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mike93](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike93/32/7325_2.png) [@Mike93](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mike93)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2009, 6:28pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/1 "2009-10-26T18:28:12Z")
\*I realize this site is about cars…but thought some may find some interest in my latest project. Got my hands on a 1959 hand built, 14’ wood boat the other day! It belonged to my boss and had been in barn storage the past few years where a leaky roof filled the boat and caused some damage. Upon seeing the amount of work needed to make it water-worthy…he offered it up to me since he has lost interest. and knew of my love for classic wood boats. He followed along on the '55 Chevy build, so he felt comfortable handing it over to me:) Here’s the last good picture of it in the water from a few years ago… ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/Kurtboat.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/Kurtboat.jpg) The barn where it was stored. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/DSC_0364.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/DSC_0364.jpg) In it’s new winter home. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/1023091710a.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/1023091710a.jpg) The gorgeous Art Deco era inspired 55 HP Mercury outboard. Apparently this boat was capable of about 30mph and could pull skiers quite well. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/DSC_0369.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/DSC_0369.jpg) Interior shot…before cleaning. The seat cushions were destroyed and thrown in the trash before I picked her up. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/DSC_0396.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/DSC_0396.jpg) After a little cleanup, with the front seat bottom removed and the rear seat folded up. It’s pretty cool to see how this was constructed once I start removing bits and pieces, amazing that it was built by hand. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/DSC_0408.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/DSC_0408.jpg) And getting started with scraping the paint away…this was maybe 1.5 hours or so of putzing around. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/jpeg_reencoded2.jpg](http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/jpeg_reencoded2.jpg) Currently, my plans for the project look like this: \*Read up on as much literature as I can and learn, learn, learn about the right way to fix these things up. \*Remove bad paint on hull, prep, repaint in possibly a gloss black or navy blue finish to really set off the woodwork on top. \*Possibly a new wood top (depending on the condition of it once I start cleaning it up). \*Find a nice wood steering wheel. \*Rip out the front wood seat and replace with swiveling captain chairs. \*Upholster a new rear bench seat. \*Possibly chop the windshield down a few inches. \*Stereo \*Remove paint from all stainless trimware and polish that up. End goal is to have a comfy little 4 person cruiser to putt around with on calm days. I’ve never been involved in a project like this, so I have a lot to learn…but I’m excited to revive this beauty and hit the water come spring! ---
**Author:** ![oneslowdsm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8491ac/32.png) [@oneslowdsm](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/oneslowdsm)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2009, 6:47pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/2 "2009-10-26T18:47:09Z")
Looks awesome man. My father has a 1949 fishermans wharf boat built right in North Tonawanda. It has also been sitting for a bunch of years and needs to have a few things done to it, but we just don’t have the time anymore, sure wish we did though because it would look amazing finished ---
**Author:** ![Avatar](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/avatar/32/5076_2.png) [@Avatar](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Avatar)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2009, 6:57pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/3 "2009-10-26T18:57:25Z")
I LOVE this project. subscribed! ---
**Author:** ![airhead](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/airhead/32/7471_2.png) [@airhead](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/airhead)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2009, 6:58pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/4 "2009-10-26T18:58:09Z")
Cool project! I’d love something like that, with a car or truck from the same era to tow it with. ---
**Author:** ![glitch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/0ea827/32.png) [@glitch](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/glitch)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2009, 7:03pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/5 "2009-10-26T19:03:44Z")
That’s awesome, have fun 🙂 Can’t wait for updates. > [@airhead](#): > > Cool project! I’d love something like that, with a car or truck from the same era to tow it with. Or a Jetta with white walls, rusted hood, and retro luggage strapped on top. :picard: ---
**Author:** ![Carbonfiberhooded](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/carbonfiberhooded/32/7608_2.png) [@Carbonfiberhooded](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Carbonfiberhooded)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2009, 7:23pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/6 "2009-10-26T19:23:28Z")
Nice!! My father has a 1954 Swietzer mahogany plank boat that is fully restored. My grandfather ordered it brand new in '54. It was one of only like 2 made that year. Check out this site! > **[Old Boats Buffalo](http://www.oldboatsbuffalo.org/)** > > The Niagara Frontier Antique and Classic Boat Inc. club is a not-for-profit organization focused on the appreciation of and dedication to the restoration of Antique & Classic Boats. That motor if operational, is worth some $$$ EDIT: Who made it??? That would look awesome fully restored being towed by your '55. Talk about a blast from the past!! ---
**Author:** ![Willybeen](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/willybeen/32/7351_2.png) [@Willybeen](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Willybeen)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2009, 7:42pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/7 "2009-10-26T19:42:55Z")
Love it. in for results. (you havent let me down thus far) ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2009, 7:50pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/8 "2009-10-26T19:50:49Z")
> [@Mike93"](#): > > \*I realize this site is about cars… you dont post here much do you? ---
**Author:** ![Onyx\_Z32](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/onyx_z32/32/7581_2.png) [@Onyx\_Z32](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Onyx_Z32)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2009, 8:37pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/9 "2009-10-26T20:37:45Z")
Very cool man :tup: ---
**Author:** ![Mike93](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike93/32/7325_2.png) [@Mike93](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mike93)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2009, 9:33pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/10 "2009-10-26T21:33:26Z")
> [@Carbonfiberhooded](#): > > Nice!! My father has a 1954 Swietzer mahogany plank boat that is fully restored. My grandfather ordered it brand new in '54. It was one of only like 2 made that year. > > Check out this site! > > [http://www.oldboatsbuffalo.org/](http://www.oldboatsbuffalo.org/) > > That motor if operational, is worth some $$$ > > EDIT: Who made it??? > > That would look awesome fully restored being towed by your '55. Talk about a blast from the past!! Thanks for that link, awesome that that’s going on right in our backyard! I’ll definitely join that site:tup: The motor ran as of a few years ago. I haven’t touched it other than opening the cover up for a quick visual, and pulling a plug to make sure it was drained of oil. Apparently oil in there can wreaked havoc on seals during cold weather. I plan to pull the engine off and set it up on a stand and not touch it anytime soon. The boat was hand built by the father of a lady I work with. I don’t know his name, but know that is was based off of drawings from Popular Science Magazine. He used it up until about 25 years ago…then it went into 10 years of storage…then 8 years under the ownership of my boss who had to refinish it, then the past 2 years in the barn. Eventually this boat will end up in northern Minnesota at my parents cabin where it can be reunited with the '55 Chevy:) I’d really like to get a few years out of this and then hand it off to them…and then build another one for myself, something a little larger that could handle rougher water conditions and more people. Got a few hours in tonight…I can’t get over how relaxing this is, and how nice it is to not have grease and grime all over my body, not to mention a sore back. The tools. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/DSC_0009.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/b/2/b28b263fd4a4b76df98ca03965860323f789ce6e.jpeg) Removing the bumper. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/DSC_0008.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/e/b/eb91c60dbd1e0c5acfd06051b65316c563aeab47.jpeg) I’m always amazed at the contours wood makes…so hot. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/DSC_0007.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/1/8/18b6076eb5cfed0ad3f3794329ac9e3a7af7a3d4.jpeg) Shit…we got some rot to deal with:( ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/DSC_0003.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/f/2/f25aae4039c0ce4d1e7e96a09061b04acf59e990.jpeg) Note the form of the trim piece on the ground… ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/DSC_0002.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/b/a/ba118fa246b3b0d9e2c38e09c333b53560cf708b.jpeg) …and done for the night. ![http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k21/deener50/59%20Wood%20boat/DSC_0010.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/1/7/174d0e294c7823d12cdd72bf57c18bebb0051043.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![turbociv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dfb087/32.png) [@turbociv](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/turbociv)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2009, 10:05pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/11 "2009-10-26T22:05:47Z")
ughh, i want a project like this. i love old boats. ![http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/turbociv/IMGP0026.jpg](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/turbociv/IMGP0026.jpg) ![http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/turbociv/IMGP0025.jpg](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/turbociv/IMGP0025.jpg) ![http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/turbociv/IMGP0024.jpg](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/turbociv/IMGP0024.jpg) ![http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/turbociv/IMGP0023.jpg](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/turbociv/IMGP0023.jpg) lake george pics from a vacation i took. ---
**Author:** ![Shockwave179](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/shockwave179/32/7496_2.png) [@Shockwave179](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Shockwave179)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2009, 10:53pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/12 "2009-10-26T22:53:06Z")
Consider me subscribed, I love classic boats. ---
**Author:** ![Willybeen](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/willybeen/32/7351_2.png) [@Willybeen](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Willybeen)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2009, 5:24am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/13 "2009-10-27T05:24:05Z")
impressive progress… you just dove right in… keep it up. ---
**Author:** ![JayS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jays/32/15375_2.png) [@JayS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JayS)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2009, 5:43am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/14 "2009-10-27T05:43:08Z")
Great project. :tup: ---
**Author:** ![Cavi\_Mike](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/cavi_mike/32/5217_2.png) [@Cavi\_Mike](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Cavi_Mike)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2009, 5:49am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/15 "2009-10-27T05:49:13Z")
This thing is going to be so pretty when you’re done with it. Nice find. ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2009, 5:52am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/16 "2009-10-27T05:52:35Z")
this project rocks ---
**Author:** ![Southtowns27](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/southtowns27/32/5002_2.png) [@Southtowns27](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Southtowns27)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2009, 5:53am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/17 "2009-10-27T05:53:28Z")
I really like old wood boats. Too bad there aren’t many around anymore…Most people don’t want to deal with the maintenance. :tup: to a cool project. ---
**Author:** ![TrueBlue](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/trueblue/32/7245_2.png) [@TrueBlue](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TrueBlue)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2009, 5:55am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/18 "2009-10-27T05:55:54Z")
Mike is one of the more hands-on guys on this site. You going to do a render or a sketch that you would build to? ---
**Author:** ![Mike93](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mike93/32/7325_2.png) [@Mike93](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mike93)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2009, 8:24am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/19 "2009-10-27T08:24:43Z")
Turbociv, that boat you posted up is beyond rediculous…got any more pics? Actually, anyone that runs across some unique looking craft please post up, I’m looking for as much reference material as I can! > [@TrueBlue](#): > > Mike is one of the more hands-on guys on this site. > > You going to do a render or a sketch that you would build to? I’ve already gotten sketchy 🙂 …but want to digest this thing a little bit more before I get too committed to an idea. In time my friend:tup: ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2009, 8:25am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366/20 "2009-10-27T08:25:47Z")
> [@Avatar](#): > > I LOVE this project. > > subscribed! +1 [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1959-wood-boat-restoration/75366.md?page=2)