Well, I thought I would check in and confess my likely dumb move. I bought the 1954 Marinette that was sitting for sale along side HWY55 west of McMinnville, TN. AND, I bought it even after reading all of the advice on this site to avoid it .

I love the old boat, and I think it suits my needs and personality pretty well. I think it is an important part of Marinette history too. I believe it is the first product offered, and maybe from the first production year.

It needs a lot of work. Almost every part of the boat needs repair. Engine and transmission, hull, aft deck and interior, and even the trailer. Even so, it doesn't seem that daunting. The boat is simply constructed and made from materials I understand.

This is the first boat (bigger than 16ft) that I have owned, but I have spent about 20 years racing sailboats on the Great Lakes. I am a mechanical engineer, and rebuild motorcycles and cars for a hobby. I think I have the skills and resources to do the job.

The first job was to repair the trailer in the field so that I could move the boat. The trailer had 4 totally disintegrated tires, and the trailer was nearly broken in two. We repaired the trailer with a portable welding rig and some reinforcements and moved the boat 30 miles to my jobsite in Tullahoma.

Next project - Remove the engine and trans so I can tear them apart for inspection and hopefully, rebuild.

I have already learned an awful lot from this site. I thank all of you responsible for making this resource possible. I will be referring here often, I'm sure.

Regards,

Darrell Dick
Imlay City, MI and Tullahoma, TN

Welcome to our forum

We look forward to your post on the progress of restoring a great part of Marinette history. I suggest that you get a photo gallery started on http://photobucket.com/ and link us in.

Start a thread on your restore and keep us up to date "Full Restoration 1954 Marinette"

We will cry with you. We will rejoice with you.

Good luck my friend

That's not my first inclination. I would prefer to keep it original to some extents, and I'd like to do this as cheaply as possible! I am a pretty experienced mechanic and engine rebuilder.

I have done some research. The power plant is a Universal Unimite 70 4 cylinder. It looks like a marinized flathead tractor engine, mostly because it is! The engine is based on a Hercules XIB that was used in tractors and military vehicles amongst others. Engine parts seem to be readily available. The engine was also used in some other marine applications such as the Chris Craft Model B and Buchanan amongst others.

That said, it is very possible that the engine may have more damage than I want to repair also. I'm not sure of the condition of the block, crankshaft, and main bearings. There was water in the crankcase, and a couple of freeze plugs have been pushed out. I don't see any obvious cracks, but I am anxious to tear it down.

We'll see what happens from there.

Thanks for the welcome and advice!

DD

Not another mechanical engineer! Welcome.

I am old enough to remember Universals. You can see dozens of them at any antique tractor rally, and those guys have access to parts. I can guarantee three things:

1) It will sound wonderful.

2) It will last longer than anyone reading this will be alive.

3) It will barely move the boat.

Let me know if I can be any help with the wiring, I have a few schematics and stuff.

Engine parts may be available for it, but not MARINE parts such as manifolds and other marine related items. I strongly suggest you research that area before committing. Also, it would be nice if the boat could get out of its own way--agreed?

Jeff

PS: There's a website out there where a guy put an outboard on his older Marinette. Worked great, too.

Wow, Darrell, Great find. I wanted to go take a look at that boat just for interest sake. I live north of Chattanooga. I,m sure you can do it. I will will want to come by and check your progress. Lots of tallent on this fourm to pull from. Fast Jeff will want you to put twin big blocks in it to get it up on plane. Gary Kramer who writes for Heartland Boating Magizene may be intesterded in following your progress. He is a owner also.
Wayne

Hi Sean,

Yes, this is the boat that was "glorified" in the clasiifieds. Yes, I paid considerably less than the asking price. But, likely more than many believe it's worth. Only a little more than the scrap value of 2 tons of aluminum, though!!

I think it is a very unique design, and I believe pretty appropriate for my intentions. While my home is in SE Michigan, I work regularly in Tullahoma, TN - just a few miles from several pretty good sized TVA lakes. When I get her seaworthy, I plan to live aboard at least part time, and do some exploring.

Thanks for the welcome!

Thanks

I hear you Jeff. I haven't committed to anything yet. Well, except that big white boat out in the parking lot

I have found a couple of Chris Craft Model K engines for sale up in Michigan. These are 95hp+ six cylinder Hercs. I'm going to take a look when I go back home. They don't have v drives, and I don't know if they would adapt to the Unimite transmission. It's a thought though.

Yes, I saw the outboard conversion. I have given that some thought too. I wouldn't rule it out. But, I don't think it would be my first choice. It would certainly be a good way to get modern reliable power though.

"The boat doesn't really impress me as much of a high performance craft." For sure! I remember thinking it seemed almost like a houseboat hybrid.. I wonder what the original specs were, or what the marketing target was.. I see someone suggested putting outboards on it.. That would leave a lot to be desired aesthetically, and certainly quash the original vibe that makes it so cool. If you aren't planning on traveling any long distances in a short time, then the original 6 bangers would be fine, or perhaps even a must have. At least something that can be contained where it was originally meant to be.. For whatever my 2c is worth.
Sean

Sean,

The National Marinette Club has a brochure on their website for this boat. It was called a "family cruiser". I kind of see it as a motorhome or trailer for the water. There are pretty complete specs there too. They claim 18mph with the inboard power. Actually, outboards were an option.

I have put a few pictures, as well as the brochure on my photobucket album. http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e224/ddbiker/Marinette/

Thanks,

DD