Dory Progress - stem, transom and rails

Time to get going on fitting out the hull. 

Mahogany will do nicely, durable and straight grained for the most part, and easy to work

 1.5" board for transom, stem and other trim

 To be laminated for the necessary stem width

 Transom fitted and epoxied into place

 Stem in place

 Rails dry fitted

 Helper as outfeed table (and infeed immediately preceeding)

 Railstock ripped, to be dimensioned

 Finishing rails

 Rails just 1" short!

 Rail extensions spliced on

 Lots of wax paper during clamp up to keep squeeze out from gluing parts together

 Rails fitted, to be beveled

Ends cut and beveled

 Rails ready to fit, after epoxy sealing backsides and lower edge

Next up is inner rails, seats and centerboard trunk trim

Grand Laker nearly done

Getting close to the water, we'll beat spring and be waiting. Almost done and ready

Grinding away loose fibreglass for patch with epoxy and glass , the last bit of damage done when the

Starting the sanding for new paint

Patch over both sides of stem

Half way there

 

Feathering in with fairing compound

Taped off for paint

Ready for Grand Lake Green

First coat done

Second coat of new varnish inside

Seat and spray rails left to do

6hp for looks

Will be replaced with a 9.8

Rails in place for fitting

Ash rails epoxy sealed and varnished

Evinrude 9.8 in place on transom on a Laker

Unit on trailer ready for water - next is the trailer rebuild

1950s Princecraft aluminum boat project

New boat! As usual needs some work but its vintage all the way. 16' rated for a 40hp, the perfect fishing machine for Georgian Bay and any smaller lake or river. We knew right away this was a keeper, and the research began. Tag on it said 'Aluminum Boats and Canoes', strange name - never heard of it. Quick internet search revealed it is from the earliest days of production from the forerunner of Princecraft boats, from Princeville Quebec. 

First production facility

Early photo from company archives

Todays fishing products

Fishing, fish/ski boats and pontoon boats along with canoes have all been a part of their line up

Narrow entry 

Built around 1957

Lines reminiscent of a wood runabout

Nice tumblehomed stern and deep sides

Just retrieved

Closed deck model

An example of what can be done with a buffing wheel, polishing compounds and may, many hours of work

With available wooden boats becoming more scarce, restorations of more contemporary craft are becoming more common. Moreover, classic 'glass and aluminum boats are more accessible, withstand harder use and are more familiar to most people these days than boats from the early part of the last century, and are much more affordable.

Nicely restored with a matching period outboard

Another classic aluminum with some serious style 

Polished and painted

Currently looking for modern power. A period correct engine, though kool looking would not provide the reliablilty or economy needed, and put too much gas and oil back in the water.

More to come, need to test for leaks and re-rivet as necessary, replace transom wood, change steering, find a windshield and rebuild seats.