14' Double Ender

This summer I purchased a 14' Double Ender. The boat is in okay shape considering its age. The story is that it was used on the Blackfoot river in Montana in the 40's and early 50's. It has been tucked away under some Pine trees since. I started cleaning it up and found a "Built by Woody Hindman" name plate (not "Built by Woody Hindman Boats"). Did some research and learned plenty about him and his boats. I guess I am wondering how unique is this boat. Not that it will change any of my plans to get her back on the water, just wondering if anyone has any ideas about it.

Also, I was originally considering fiberglassing the hull. Now reconsidering for tradition's sake. Any thoughts?

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Permalink Reply by Cody Harris on September 29, 2009 at 9:59pm
Just got done with the nightly sanding of the boat. She is coming along. I really appreciate all the input here. I don't think I have a choice but to refinish her in period. As far as her use on the water, I don't plan on taking her out on any kind of whitewater. I live on the Bitterroot river, and that will be just fine. I have kayaks and rafts for the whitewater.

What I know of the boats history is that it was used by a guest ranch in Potomac, Montana. The 88 y.o. gentleman who sold me the boat told me that he remembers hauling the boat out of the Blackfoot River for his father and guests when he was in his twenties. His father had intentions of creating a fishing guide service on the Blackfoot, but never got around to it. The boat was used periodically for about 10-15 years. When his father died, sometime in the early sixties, the boat was put away and forgotten about. I only happened upon it while hunting. It was buried beneath quite a few pine bows. Fortunately, it had been stored upside down. Underneath the boat were all the original floor pieces, guest seat, back rest, and a wooden tackle box. The tires on the trailer were still in good shape (after 40 years!!), and I was able to simply hook up to it, and drive home!

I suspect I will need plenty of advice on how to go about this project, and I am pretty excited about it. I am not sure what to do about the floor or hull. That took the brunt force of the weathering and and parts are very rotten. I was planning on replacing it. Any suggestions?
Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on September 30, 2009 at 5:51am
Take a look at Wil Bake recent repair to his boat. While the bottom was as rotten as you suggest yours' is he had to take it apart and replace some frames and then reinstall it. Wil almost has his boat completed and you can see the pics on his page.

Rick Newman
Permalink Reply by AJ DeRosa on September 30, 2009 at 6:10am
Hi Cody,

I have been following this thread with great interest. You have a real piece of history there. As Roger mentioned we have done several restorations of older boats and I am anxious to get a close look at yours. I will be in your area in late October and would like to stop by for a visit. Also would be happy to chat with you by phone if I could be of help. All my contact info is on my website www.woodboattours.com .
Permalink Reply by Cody Harris on September 30, 2009 at 7:36am
Thanks AJ-

I appreciate it. I will more than likely be around in October and would love some advice. My contact info is on www.whitewaterrescue.com. Thanks.
Permalink Reply by Dave Z on October 8, 2009 at 10:02am
Cody,

Any more action on this? I am patiently awaiting to see what you've done with it.

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