1958/9 Duratec 13 ft Runabout Aluminum Boat

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

Today my son and I spent the day together... We started off going to pick up a really nice 37 inch sd mower deck complete with mule drive locally (found on CL). After that we stopped by Fireman's house and picked up a few more goodies.... Then we went to breakfast and I got a call from a guy who responded to my email about a 1958 or 59 Duratec aluminum boat he had for sale. It was about 1.5 hours away so I wanted to make sure that we would have an agreed upon deal prior to making the trip. Went home and unloaded the goodies I had in big whitey and hooked up an empty boat trailer and off we went. Here is what we came back with... It sat for about 30 years unused and filled with all sorts of water and other goodies.... 

It is a 1958 or 59 12.5 foot Duratec all aluminum runabout. This boat has NO dents, patches, rub rail rashes etc. I will need to replace most if not all of the wood seats and install some padding and vinyl seats. I have a 1954 10hp Johnson that will push it along fine with 2 people but I will be on the hunt for a 25-40hp vintage outboard so I can bring the kids tubing and maybe learn to waterski in a few years. Here she is after a very quick powerwash...

[SALTYWRIGHT 859]

I HAD TWO OF THESE AT ONE TIME. I RAN 18 H/P ON THEM.   RUSS

[can whlvr 993]

cool find

[AMC RULES 37,127]

Time to fire up that buffer.    

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

No buffer on this one !! I love the look when they are done but WAYYY too much work for sure !! I like the patina look

[fireman 1,021]

I bet Ken will own that within a month or two. I'm just sayin!

[AMC RULES 37,127]

No buffer on this one !! I love the look when they are done but WAYYY too much work for sure !! I like the patina look

Plus...when the light hits it just right...

that salad oil will leave a cool sheen on top of the water.  

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

Mr. (what ever the hell your name is now) lol .... aluminum don't rust so no need for the oil !! 

[AMC RULES 37,127]

Don't get your shorts in a bundle...I'll change it in a minute.     

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,263]

That is a cute little boat.  My first was a 15' Bayliner with a 50HP Force.  The 50 was a little too small to learn to water ski, took way too long and the skiers got tired from the pull.  

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

Come on Karl.... "it is for my kids" hint hint.... at least that is what I told momma -

 

@ Jeff- I will take that bet....

[Martin 2,131]

steve, thats a nice looking boat. i like it just the way it looks now as well..........

 

ive never been into boating, never really had the interest, but i really enjoy seeing the older boats that some of you guys get ahold of. and then you finish them of with some nice looking older power to move them......

just cant beat the style and charisma of old stuff.......

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

I had some help today from Kenb. We pulled the wood off and got it cleaned up a little better. I plan on going to Home Depot tomorrow and getting some pt lumber to build the new seats. Ken made it clear that he has first "dibs" on the boat if I ever decide to sell it... Thanks for your help today Ken !!

[fireman 1,021]

I'm still thinkin Ken will have that in a month or two. As soon as the next Craig's List find is found!

[Ken B 3,164]

I'm still thinkin Ken will have that in a month or two. As soon as the next Craig's List find is found!

Lets hope so Jeff. I think he needs my bigger boat for the extra room. Might be a little tight in his with the two kids, the tube, and a spotter that needs to be over 12. Not too mention the cooler, the gas cans and all the other little trinkets needed for a day out on the water. I'd probably toss an RJ into the deal!

[Wheelhorse84 87]

Nice boat! You want to get rid of that Rj?

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

Well not exactly a craigslist find but a flea market find... 

[Ken B 3,164]

Nice boat! You want to get rid of that Rj?

Yes, no, maybe so. It ain't cheap.

[Wheelhorse84 87]

Sounds like a challenge

[Wheelhorse84 87]

Pm me the not cheap number.

[Ken B 3,164]

It always happens.. The day I don't go to the flea market I miss out! Glad you got it though. You have been on another one of your rolls lately and once you get goin there ain't no stoppin you! I told Jesse I'll need some help gettin my Duratech off the ground today and onto the trailer the Crestliner is currently sittin on. MAYBE then I'll gather up the motivation too finish that boat! Once I get in the groove a weekend should be just about enough time too finish it. Of course that will be 20 hr. days!

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

A little birdy named Ken said that I should find a nice 18hp Johnson for this boat. So....................... here it is !! Same year too !! It is a 1958 18hp. I got it from the second owner who had it for the last 25 years. It was not run in at least 5 years and after looking it over I put fuel to her and she fired. I plan on installing a new water pump and tune up. Seller threw in 4 dual line pressure tanks that are getting harder to find. 

 

As for the first motor in the pictures (1957 Johnson 10hp) I found there was spark to only one plug so I decided to install all new coils, condensors, plugs and water pump. I have owned a few older outboards over the years however NONE ran as smooth as this one. Here are a few pics. 

[fireman 1,021]

That garage is starting to get full again!

[Ken B 3,164]

Steve, is the Evinrude tank on the right in front mine?

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

NOPE lol Get the sander out pal @!!