Score!!!!

It's not a trawler, but my dad and I scored this little get up today. Not sure of the year, but its a Feathercraft Vagabond, original Teenee trailer, and what we think is a 1954 Mercury Mark 55 40hp outboard. Got the whole package for $1750. Restoration to start later this month. We're going to restore it and use it for a run around/afternoon cruiser.

I'm probably older than that boat but not by much. I'm guessing it's probably an early 50's vintage. I like the body style with the wrap around stern.

That’s gonna buff out real nice! Keep us updated on your new project!

40HP Mark55.....brings back great memories. I helped my Dad rebuild one in the early 70's that powered an old StarCraft boat for several years.
Looks like a great restoration project, enjoy!

Looks like a fun project. Looking forward to progress pictures.

Had a number of Feathers , they have a website to help with parts and decals.

I would clean the hull but not remove the stock coating , or you will be buffing after every rain and use.

Holy Tumblehome Batman!

Looks like it’s a 1953 Vagabond, with a 1954 Mercury Mark 55E.

Now the fun behinds!

Nice boat and a good project.

ben2go said:

Nice boat and a good project.

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Yup! We found the HIN on it. It was made in August 1953, and it was the 123 boat off the line that year.

There's still a discrepancy on whether the motor is a 1954 or 1955, but either way its a Mark 55E. We're looking for a place to restore it professionally right now before we tear into it.

toocoys said:

Yup! We found the HIN on it. It was made in August 1953, and it was the 123 boat off the line that year.

There's still a discrepancy on whether the motor is a 1954 or 1955, but either way its a Mark 55E. We're looking for a place to restore it professionally right now before we tear into it.

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Awesome! I used to be a tin boat guy. I was actually an admin over on the tin boat forum for a while. I still have Pond Scum a 10 foot J-boat. I like the older ones the best. A lot of neat stuff can be done to the open boat style tinnies for fishing and working.

ben2go said:

Awesome! I used to be a tin boat guy. I was actually an admin over on the tin boat forum for a while. I still have Pond Scum a 10 foot J-boat. I like the older ones the best. A lot of neat stuff can be done to the open boat style tinnies for fishing and working.

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This will be my second tin can. The first is a 50's Lone Star 12' Sportster which has yet to be redone. I use it as a dinghy now.

Dad started test polishing today. Shines up nicely for 66 year old aluminum.

Dad needs a lawn chair, cold beer and maybe even a cigar. Make her purty!

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/polishers.php


Might as well start with the best.

FF said:

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/polishers.php


Might as well start with the best.

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The Northern Tool special will do just fine. LOL

I once buffed out an entire DC-3. Burned out 3 buffers and used I can't remember how many cans of FLITZ. After a month in the Florida sun, we had a gorgeous airplane and I had a helluva tan!

This was back in the late 1960s. I was in college and got paid! A new concept!

When I was a kid in late 70's, I found a Mark 55 in a swamp behind a marina. They gave it to me for free. I tore that thing down and brought it back to life. Turns out is very similar to the later four cyl merc 50, but bore size is like 1/8" smaller.

It was one of the nicest running two strokes I ever had. Super smooth and plenty zippy.

Note the drive shaft is not stainless, so it will not like sea water. Remember the water pump was a PITA to service.

I ran it with a pipe hose clamped to the side rails and a motorcycle twist grip throttle.

The Merc shop where I got parts was so impressed that it ran. As soon as I was legal, they hired me as a mechanic!!

Also, there were lots of cool things made out of aluminum in that era: Boats, canoes, Airstream trailers, etc. After the war ended, many people with super skill in Al fabrication were out of work when the bomber factories slowed production. They got together and said "well, what else can we build?". There you have an example.

Look at the details on that skiff. Bet it is Aero quality!

toocoys said:

Yup! We found the HIN on it. It was made in August 1953, and it was the 123 boat off the line that year.

There's still a discrepancy on whether the motor is a 1954 or 1955, but either way its a Mark 55E. We're looking for a place to restore it professionally right now before we tear into it.

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Where are you located? A friend of mine's dad restores old race boats, and almost all of them have Mercs. (He does the motors, too.) He's in Melbourne, FL. Would you like me to give you his contact info?

BrianSmith said:

Where are you located? A friend of mine's dad restores old race boats, and almost all of them have Mercs. (He does the motors, too.) He's in Melbourne, FL. Would you like me to give you his contact info?

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I'm in the Houston/Galveston area, but the boat is in Lafayette LA. Melbourne FL wouldn't be a bad drive if he was willing to restore it for us.

Aim marine, Carp Ontario Canada has done some nice old Merc restoration work. Ask for Dave

toocoys said:

I'm in the Houston/Galveston area, but the boat is in Lafayette LA. Melbourne FL wouldn't be a bad drive if he was willing to restore it for us.

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I sent you a private message with info about contacting my friend. Good luck!