Here's the story of my 'ol boat. It's a 1967 MFG made by Molded Fiber Glass inc. Union City Pa. I first saw this boat in May of 1967. My Grandfather's neighbor -"Uncle Stanley" to me... bought it new. He invited Grandpa and I out for a fishing trip when it was only 2-weeks old. At that time, it was a light tan/brown with a similar interior (as I recall). I don't remember much about it because I was quite young (7). I never got another chance to ride in the boat ......

Sometime around 1985...My grandfather and mom purchased the boat from Stanley. I remember it being in poor running condition... and it was showing it's age. .. I remember it looked awful with the faded brown gelcoat. The windshield was foggy, and had a large crack on one side. The interior was faded and torn. I don't recall them ever getting the boat in the water...

In 1991, after returning from the Gulf...my younger brother painted the top surfaces of the boat a metallic blue. He bought and installed a set of seats and glued down some new grey carpet.  However, the paint  he used (laquer) didn't hold up long... because the boat was stored outside without a cover. I do know they went out on the boat a few times... but believe they had alot of trouble with the outboard. The stupid (but good for me) thing is- They sent the Evinrude to the dealer for repair. He rebuilt/resealed the leg, put on a rebuilt starter, cap, wires, rotor, plugs, fuel pump and rebuilt the carburetor (I have the $1200 bill)... Again, it never saw the water...  It languished for several more years. The only good thing is that this time they parked her in the barn.

When my father retired- he purchased a new boat. This boat was destined for the landfill when he asked if I wanted it.... Of course I said "SURE" (not knowing what I was getting into). Since I now lived 600 miles away... arrangements had to be made to get it to me. My older brother agreed to get the boat to my place the next time he visited. Sometime in 2000... he brought the boat to me. It was in very sad shape. The seats were rotted, the carpet was disintegrating, and I just didn't really have time for such a project. It remained parked (outside) at my shop until July of 2004.

One day... it just hit me. That thought that always crosses your mind when you least expect it. "I think I'm gonna finish the boat"... Finish? That's a laugh! I hadn't even started yet...let alone finish. You see, I work on other-peoples cars all day. I never have the time/energy to work on any of my own stuff... but this was different somehow. I guess I was waxing nostalgic..  and thinking of Grandpa .. I miss the old guy. 

The following is a pictorial History of the rebuild....

Click any of the images below for larger photos and a detailed description