Building a Classic Mahogany Runabout Boat

Building a Classic Mahogany Runabout Boat

Construction of "The Frank J." began March of 2008 and continues to this day. The story is as follows:

"R-Dad's Boat" was a 1953 Chetek Fiesta 15' classic mahogany double-cockpit outboard runabout. This article is about making a replica of that boat.

This is the boat:

1953 Chetek Fiesta 15'

It was made in Chetek, WI and sold thru Montgomery Wards as a "SeaKing" Brand.

Back then, it was common practice to use the measurement of the gunnel as the length of the boat, rather than a straight centerline measurement from bow to stern. The gunnel actually measured 15 feet exactly but the centerline was only about 14'4". I guess if you included the overhang of the motor it was really a 15 footer.

This original boat is still in great condition, but it is being professionally overhauled and reconditioned before being transported back to Chetek for display in the town museum.

Meanwhile, I am creating a new version, not an exact copy, but the same style, without the benefit of any plans or drawings, only pictures and some measurements. The new boat will be a bit wider, a bit taller, and about 16 feet long.

March, 2008 - the beginning layout

The inside bowstem and transom setup

Beginning the bending forms - May 2008

Shaping up the forms - June 2008

Bending the Ribs - July 2008

Forms and Ribs complete with Stringers - Aug. 2008

Bending Forms removed - Sept. 2008

Floorboards in place - Oct. 2008

First Plank on - Oct. 2008

Planking - Oct. 2008

Planking - Oct . 2008

Bottom on - Nov. 2008

Epoxy 1st coat - Nov. 2008

Sanding and Fairing - Keel on - Dec. 2008

Sanding and Fairing with Splashrails on - Jan. 2009

2 Fiberglass & 3 Primer coats - Jan. 2009

Sand, sand & 3 coats of paint - Feb.2009

Bottom done! March - 2009

Hung up, Sanding, Chipping glue squeeze-out & Epoxy inside - March - 2009

1st Epoxy coat inside complete- March 2009

You have to be crazy to build a boat, especially without plans!

It has been a year of my free times and Sunday mornings and I'm maybe half-way done. The hardest part is over - getting the shape of the hull worked out, but to come there is side planking, decks and seats, upholstery, windshield and hardware, dashboard guages and wiring, steering and control cables, the motor installation, and the trailer, and the finishing coats and details on everything!

What keeps me going is knowing how much fun it will be when this thing splashes in the water. The first voyage, the champaigne, the waterskiing, the cruising the rivers and the chains of lakes, the boat shows, and all that pride of the accomplishment when it is done!

Stay tuned for updates.....

May '09 - Planking the sides. Each week the mahogany wood changes color.