So time has flown by the last year and I've been slacking on the Squirt project. I always wondered why some builders would take a few years to finish such a small boat, well now I know! Between a new job, new house, new boat project (see below), and busy wedding season it didn't leave me much time. Summers in Michigan go by too fast.
Concerning the Squirt, I've faired the hull smooth and encapsulated it with some coats of epoxy. I'm finally happy with the current status and am official ready for paint! I'm not sure how many times I've said that but I'm feeling pretty confident this time. I also took the Squirt to a boat show this spring in South Haven, along with my Mark 20 and Mark 20H (I also made it to the Spring Lake boat show but was sadly rained out).
As for my other project, I found a 1956 14' Speed Queen for sale on Craigslist for $100 and couldn't pass it up. Maybe it was the caffeine in that mornings coffee, but the duel benches and classic lines screamed potential. The Speed Queen is one of the first fiberglass models to come into production and it's super light (a 15 year old and I were able to carry it around the parking lot) with a fun layout.
When I got it home I power-washed it, removed the cap, cut out the bench supports and transom, and started sanding. Click here to see more pictures on the entire process. My plan was to paint the Squirt and the Speed Queen at the same time but I ran out time.
Unfortunately this will likely be the last update until Spring. I'm currently looking for a heated work space to continue the Squirt over winter, but it's hard to find a space large enough that won't break the bank.
Squirt at the South Haven Boat Show, along with my Mark 20 and Mark 20H
How I found the Speed Queen
Driving her home
After removing the cap, rotten bench supports, rotten transom, rotten stem
Ad from 1956, powered with a Mark 55. I won't be putting a windshield on
