It's Alive!

[liquid]

So I've been talking about this for a bit (year or two now) about how I love to fish but won't fish on the Cobalt. So how do teach my little guys how to fish all the cool spots I grew up fishing. Answer: The old Whaler that's been sitting behind the garage untouched for the last 15 years. Time to Frankenstein. I think it's a '62. They say their unsinkable, well we sure as sh@t tried. She was in bad shape. Before I post pics, this thing was left for dead. I'm not trying to make it brand new, yet. I needed to get her up, running and seaworthy. I'm still working but I proved to MANY people that the juice is worth the squeeze. Here goes.

[liquid]

Here she is:

Some major shark bites that need attention. Worked on the engine. Don't ask how many winters it sat out there. Old battery out. New battery to see if I can get it to crank. It cranked. It started. I couldn't believe it.

[liquid]

Filled the holes with stuff. Lots of stuff. All different kinds. Then I sanded the stuff.

[liquid]

Brother in law is not a believer... but he sees my passion and has no choice. Grudgingly joins in to flex seal the sanded stuff.

[liquid]

Tape off the logos (and the BASS sticker my cousin insisted was important) and the numbers. I'll fine tune later. Had to see if she would actually run and float. Paint. High gloss white marine paint.

[liquid]

Middle pic above is her all gussied up. Bring her down to drop her in the water and the neighbor is backing her brand new Chris Craft into the water... Show off.

[liquid]

I got a bunch more but the update so far is... she floats. and runs. and the kids think it's awesome. and so do I. Finally got my fishing boat back. Took it on an inlet run. Got a new fuel line. Going to order Boston Whaler decals and numbers. It's got wood throughout. Want to get that looking good again... not sure with what. Suggestions? Anyway here's the boys and my niece and Mrs. Liquid (who loves it too).
I honestly can't believe it's as good as it is. This thing was such a huge part of my childhood it's insane that I'm driving my kids around in it.

[Tuscany]

That is so COOL.
After the first couple of pics, I may have suggested a box of Ohio Blue tips. Man, you did one hell of a job so far. Your kids are simply adorable..you and your wife should be very proud.

[liquid]

That is so COOL.
After the first couple of pics, I may have suggested a box of Ohio Blue tips. Man, you did one hell of a job so far. Your kids are simply adorable..you and your wife should be very proud.

Thanks man! Many people agreed with you about the blue tips!

[AsLan7]

Liquid, what a great way to fish!!!! Such memories you made---and now making more mem's with your beautiful family! Very blessed my friend.

My brother and I had the same experience growing up with my grandfather's John Dory and an even smaller "dinghy" with a 9.9 that we both named the "Crustacean". What memories!

Thanks for sharing those!


Btw, beautiful Chris Craft... but they are just so impractical for what we do on the water!

[Big Block Power]

That's awesome. Fires right up.lol
I would paint it white with a blue boot stripe. Lol great family. it's nice seeing them that small but sure glad mine are getting older.lol

[Ytmsn]

Freaking Awesome!

[Southernboatman]

That is just great Liquid! We had a 14' whaler and I wish I still had it. Can see Ms. Liquid does approve so you're in the clear! Your kids are going to love this. "Stuff", sealer from the tele, BASS sticker...Ha! What a restorer you are! And for gods sake save the old registration stickers! Funny!! Great pics!

[Driller]

I use a high grade marine varnish on my ice cream makers. I think the difference between the marine grade and regular varnish is that the mv stays flexable. I coated my white mountain wooden one 7 yrs ago, and it still looks brand new. Might consider on your wood.

[liquid]

That is just great Liquid! We had a 14' whaler and I wish I still had it. Can see Ms. Liquid does approve so you're in the clear! Your kids are going to love this. "Stuff", sealer from the tele, BASS sticker...Ha! What a restorer you are! And for gods sake save the old registration stickers! Funny!! Great pics!

Very, very professional restoration.

Really had to get it in the water to prove to everyone I wasn't insane... jury's still out.