1957 – 15′ Aristocraft “Avalon” Runabout
VESSEL: 1957 – 15′ Aristocraft “Avalon” Runabout
OWNER: Wayne Robinson, Ontario, Canada
PROJECT: Complete restoration. Remove and replace entire hull topsides, chines, bilge stringers, outer keel, decks, deck beams, both “fins”, seats, floorboards, windshield and upholstery. Repair bottom, transom and dash, then completely refinish vessel inside and out. Rebuild and install the 75 H.P. Mercury MK 75 outboard motor.
She is shown here on display at the Clayton Antique and Classic Boat Show several years ago, but prior to this there was a lot of work required. The hull sides were delaminating and the plywood decks had been sanded through the top veneer from someone’s previous attempt at refinishing. The windshield was broken, there was missing hardware, and all the aluminum trim was bent and twisted, and required replacement.
Stan has removed the old fiberglass from the bottom and begins easily pulling the first 2 layers of veneer from the delaminating plywood hull topsides.
The outer keel is removed and two long 2 x 8’s are temporarily secured to the bottom to straighten the hull during the required repairs.
When the hull topsides are carefully removed, she looks very scary! The stem, transom and a few temporary upright supports are all that holds the vessel together at this stage.
The new hull topsides are built and installed, and the interior is completely refinished.
Epoxy and cloth is then applied to the vessel’s original bottom – to the waterline. The new hull topsides are covered for protection.
The transom is repaired, then overlaid with a thin layer of ribbon-stripe Bruynzeel mahogany plywood to match the new hull topsides.
Both “fins” are removed and are used for patterns for the new ones. The hull exterior has received its first 4 coats of varnish for protection.
The new “fins” have been installed and varnished. The new aft decks have just been laminated and installed over the curved framework.
The forward decks and upper deck framework are shown here being installed.
The new forward decks are having the undersides varnished prior to final installation.
The forward upper decks are bent and laminated in position.
The vessel is turned upside down for the last time as the bottom is sanded, primed and painted burgundy to match one of the two-toned upholstery colours.
All the fastener holes are plugged, the mess is cleaned up and the decks begin to receive their varnish.
With 8 coats of varnish and the hardware all polished and installed, she really comes to life !
A new aluminum plate is made to straddle the transom and help support the heavy engine.
She was displayed this past summer at 3 major wooden boat shows. Here she is on display at the Clayton Antique Boat Show, where she was awarded “Best Outboard Boat and Motor” of the show !!