Challenge #1 - How to Move the Boat

When Steven saw the trailer, he knew that we could not even move the boat ten feet on it.  We discussed several options - move it on a flatbed, get a hydraulic lift truck to move the boat to another trailer, and try to move it ourselves to another trailer.  Since the boat only weighs about 450 pounds, Steven felt he and our son-in-law Jim could hoist it and out it on another trailer.
First task was finding a suitable trailer.  We were able to find a homemade bunk type trailer nearby and for a reasonable price.  Steven, Jim and I set out on a Saturday morning with several 2 x 6s, two hydraulic jacks, four jack stands, some old rugs, and lots of doubt.

We arrived safely and the first task was to remove the outboard motor in order to have the boat as light as possible.   Steven is disconnecting the cables, etc. in order to remove the motor.

The motor on its way to the truck.

The boat on a 2x6 and jack stands.

Using hydraulic jacks to lift the boat a little more so we can get the trailer out.

Almost high enough!

Getting ready to move the trailer.

Jim steadying the boat while I get ready to pull the trailer out.

Front half of the old trailer is out and the boat is sitting on a 2x6.

 Side view of the boat without the trailer.

Back of the boat is resting on a hydraulic jack.

The new trailer

Jim and Steven getting it into position.

Inching the trailer under the boat.  The next step was to winch the trailer under the boat and finally the boat on to the trailer,  These pictures show the process.

Hooked up and ready to go!  We removed the hardtop for highway travel.

Checking for any problems at a rest area on the Mass Pike,

We made it home safely and are now ready to start the restoration of our 1961 Glastron.  First project is removing the floor and stringers and replacing them with new wood.

Published by Janette - All work done by Steven and Jim.

How It All Began...

We recently got our 1989 Glastron back in the water after it spent several years in storage.  Once we were back out on Lake Winnisquam in New Hampshire, I started feeling nostalgic for the 1959 Glastron runabout that my family owned for over 30 years.  So, I began searching for a vintage Glastron to restore.  My goal was to find a red and white 1959, but when I spotted a red and white with the hinged hardtop I became obsessed with this boat.  The boat was for sale in southern New Hampshire - between our home in CT and our summer place on Lake Winnisquam.  The boat had been for sale for several weeks when I finally got around to contacting the owner.  It was still for sale, so my daughter and I took a ride up to see it.  It was love at first sight.  The classic lines and the unique hinged hardtop were just what I was looking for.  Here are pictures that we took the first day.  Remember, this is a restoration project boat!

Our 1961 Glastron had been sitting in this yard for almost 20 years!

Another view of this classic boat.  The hardtop is hinged at the back to allow easy access to the front seats.

The original Evinrude Big Twin 40 hp still appears to turn over!

The spartan interior will be replaced after we replace the floorboards and stringers.

 As you can see, the trailer is held together by an old fence post and is certainly not roadworthy.  This created our first challenge - how to get the boat on to another trailer and home to CT.

Published by Janette.