MTFCA Forum

Soooo this project as been going on for many years. So you think finding parts for 1920's cars are hard to find.., try 1920's boat and accessories. Not many left, were not built of quality as boats were throw away and trailers were built on a budget. So making the ultimate Model T towable accessory. A lot of fabrication is an understatement. Enjoy!

Henry, Tell is a bit about the boat and motor. Enquiring minds need to know!

The motor is a 1926 Johnson AB-25, kinda rare as it was made for salt water and was manufactured in South Bend, IN. The factory was only there for 5 1/2 years. The boat is a William Atkinson design from the 1920's and was original 14' but my dear friend Karl Wiernert, Master Boat Builder scaled this to 12' with his added touches. It is constructed from a 200 year old White Cypress log from LA. He delivered it to me in the raw so a lot of brass work, etc. The whole thing weighs about 500 pounds.

Another beautiful piece of craftsmanship !

What a peach!

Thanks for telling us about the boat.
I really like wooden boats. This one is a beauty. My father bought a boat in the middle 20s similar to this one. He used oars until after WWII, when he bought an outboard. Sold it in the 50s to a duck hunter.

Art Mirtes

Hank: Nice setup! What did you use for the trailer axle? Thanks Dan

Dan that is an original drop trailer axle using Model T hubs sold by Sears and Roebuck in the 1920's.

Is that a Zephyr Zodiac in the background next to the Volvo?

Should have figured you would notice the 1960 Zephyr! LOL! 13,000 original miles

Looking at that boat from the perspective of a Model T owner, I would be scared to death of backing my T down a boat ramp. I don't care how good my brakes are, that isn't happening.

Mark Nunn wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 22, 2023 8:12 am

Looking at that boat from the perspective of a Model T owner, I would be scared to death of backing my T down a boat ramp. I don't care how good my brakes are, that isn't happening.

If you had Rockies you'd be okay. I'd do it. Biggest thing is, with small trailers they have a mind of their own and can be super cantankerous backing them down. That sure is a dandy looking boat. Almost too nice to put it in water and get it all spotted up! But, being wood, if the planks are not tightly caulked at their overlap joints she's gonna need to be in water in order to swell the wood enough to keep her from leaking like a sieve. Lyman never caulked there's so dad always "soaked" his for a couple of days prior to launch and it was okay. Boy did it "cry" out those seams the first day! I had a ChrisCraft but her seams were all caulked and even though I did soak her prior to launch, she barely left a drop out of her. Then I had the joy of pumping and drying out her bilge! Joys of boating. Glad I'm done with that. The T's are a lot less trouble frankly.

Mark Nunn wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 22, 2023 8:12 am

Looking at that boat from the perspective of a Model T owner, I would be scared to death of backing my T down a boat ramp. I don't care how good my brakes are, that isn't happening.

Same for me.

What a sweet little boat and trailer, love it !

Quickm007 wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 22, 2023 10:20 am

Splendide Hank ! I love the 2 Volvo cars either... on the back ground

Is that car in the far right background a Volvo? I couldn't make out the brand.

Beautiful work! Incredible. Thank you for sharing your project and tremendous craftsmanship.

Hi John, The yellow is a 1966 Volvo 122s for sure, the green, I'm not Sure

The dark car is a Ford Zephyr - all the way from the UK.

Henry,
Where did you get those fenders?

I use to make them from scratch.., but age and arthritis is taking it toll!

Wish I had a set like those. I'm making a trailer for my T. I have no room for chairs & coolers at car shows in a roadster.

Going to be making a trailer for my T to ride on behind the Buick. Also eventually a trailer for my 1959 powerboat behind the 59 tbird. Looking at yours, very high and relatively short. How close are you going to have to get to the water to launch?

It is no higher than a conventional boat trailer, actually less by an 1 1/2 and the length is perfect! It has a 1920’s accessory trailer 6” drop axle too.

Hank