Mr. E Boat

  Having to redo what was already done. Dalton is striping the delaminated fiberglass from the roof and bow. This time it will be done correctly. We met Luka, Dalton's husky when we were there last weekend. Beautiful dog, very well trained and did response to "down boy".  

  Found some antique life vests that fit the bill. Designed the boat name plate and signature throwable devices. Even Mr. E has to have his bling.  

  Now that the boat has been moved. Things are actually taking shape. Lots to do. But at least there is progress now. Lots of filling, sanding, priming, etc. Getting it ready for paint. 

  Lot of updates: Sad news is Jim will not be able to be the first to drive Mr.E. We got the call a few days ago he passed away. We were REALLY hoping to get it done before this happened. When we learned of his changing situation we started to kick it in high gear. Mr. E had been sitting too long at the boat place with nothing getting done so we made arrangements to move it to another boat guy. The good news is the new boat place - Blue Water Restoration in Middlesex, VA (804-393-1337) is getting things actually done and done right. Dalton Howard is now living and breathing Mr. E. every day. He has been great to work with - a true hands on guy that has a "get r dun" way of doing things. Beth has been a real trooper through all of this too - really helping out getting things done as well. She even helped me move this heavy motor out of the truck and properly on the stand. I am now working a bit on the motor restoration as the days are getting longer and 12hr work days allow me...

Progress has been really slow where it has been.  Planning on speeding things up as I hear Jim is having a hard time. 

This is a collection of over a years search for vintage fixtures. They have all been cleaned and prepped for install. My favorite is the 1957 Lonestar rocket cleats that took forever to find. 

Finally found the motor while on vacation in Kentucky. It was on Facebook & a very nice fellow took us on a boat ride for over an hour to test the motor out. It is a 1985 Johnson 185 prop rated HP 20 inch shaft low compression engine. The motor was cosmetically challenged but was fresh water use only and had been rebuilt completely. Every electronic part was replaced. Came complete with controls and prop. The cosmetic deficiencies are not of great concern as the plan it to make it look like 1958. Bought 2 more motor covers from the late 50's and 60's to strip for parts. Reconditioning each emblem to adorn the big cover. Reworking the big cover with extra air vents, 1953 Chevy hood ornament, custom made moldings, and aluminum antique numbers since there was never 185 HP back in the day. Got new seals and proper Johnson color paint to complete the job.