Diaries | Details
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Updated:
6/1/2020 (4 years ago)
Originally Posted: 9/15/2009
Total Views: 2,036
Owner: Daren Lukes
Location: Kaukauna, WI
Phone: (920) 277-1436
Model: 1970 Barracuda
Length: 17
Engine: Chrysler 318
HP: 235
Hours: 930
Modify this Diaries Listing
Location: Kaukauna, WI
Phone: (920) 277-1436
Model: 1970 Barracuda
Length: 17
Engine: Chrysler 318
HP: 235
Hours: 930
Modify this Diaries Listing
This boat was purchased in 1973 by my uncle from Bills Riverside Marina in Wisconsin Rapids. The original sale price of the boat was $3800.00. I learned to ski behind this boat when I was 7 years old (54 as of the last update). The boat was used by the Wisconsin Rapids Aqua Skiers Water Ski Club from 1973 through the early 1990's as a 2nd and 3rd tow boat. My uncles offer was, "you pay for the gas and you can use the boat". Since it was a private boat, it allowed younger kids to learn to ski without having to join the club. Minimum age for joining back in the day was 10.
My uncle passed the boat along to my family in the early 2000's. He was single and did not use the boat. It served us well for a number of years then hit a rock in the summer of 2007. When attempting to repair the damage, the mechanic was unable to complete the alignment of the shaft because the engine would not maintain potion. The stringers in the boat had failed and were in need of replacement.
The damage and failed stringers forced the beginning of the restoration. The boat has had all of the stringers replaced. The top and hull have been completely stripped of a cheap paint job and re-gelcoated. The engine was low time because of a failure and continues to run strong. The engine has been re-painted along with starter, alternator, water pump and carburetor all rebuilt. All of the chrome pieces have been stripped and re-chromed. Seats, sides and engine cover will be re-upholstered. I expect to be completed yet this spring (2020) and hope to have it in the water early June.
My uncle passed the boat along to my family in the early 2000's. He was single and did not use the boat. It served us well for a number of years then hit a rock in the summer of 2007. When attempting to repair the damage, the mechanic was unable to complete the alignment of the shaft because the engine would not maintain potion. The stringers in the boat had failed and were in need of replacement.
The damage and failed stringers forced the beginning of the restoration. The boat has had all of the stringers replaced. The top and hull have been completely stripped of a cheap paint job and re-gelcoated. The engine was low time because of a failure and continues to run strong. The engine has been re-painted along with starter, alternator, water pump and carburetor all rebuilt. All of the chrome pieces have been stripped and re-chromed. Seats, sides and engine cover will be re-upholstered. I expect to be completed yet this spring (2020) and hope to have it in the water early June.
