A 1950's 18-Foot Simmons

Being restored by Alex Slaunwhite

Before

This boat is in pretty bad condition.  At least 70% of the boat will be replaced, including

all plywood, transom and well, bench seats, steering arm, splashboard and worm shoe.

Preparation

I've removed the floorboards, seats, and other stuff.  Since I plan to work on it upside down

first, I screwed 1x6's to the floor frames and 1x4's across each pair of vertical frames.  This,

plus leaving the center floorboard and deck beams in place gives it structural stability during

the rollover, and after the transom and well are removed.  While it's upside down, I'll replace

the transom and well, then the garboards, then the bottom and worm shoe.  After that, I'll turn

it right side up, and replace the rest of the planking and rub rails, then start on the interior.

New steering arm, rough cut and assembled.  It's

not really bigger than the old one, even though the

photo makes it look that way.