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Finally splashed the Menemsha!
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ContinuousWave Whaler Moderated Discussion Areas
ContinuousWave: The Whaler GAM or General Area
Finally splashed the Menemsha!
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| Author | Topic: Finally splashed the Menemsha! |
| Menemsha69 |
posted 08-04-2008 06:27 PM ET (US)  
I met my boat mechanic/Menemsha restorer at Van Pugh Park on Lake Lanier Georgia today for a first sea-trial of my not so recently acquired 1969 Menemsha. As many of you know, in late February of this year, I was lucky enough to find a 1969 Menemsha in very good overall condition. It was one of those classic "barn-finds" that every Whaler owner dreams of! The previous owner had inherited this boat from his father who bought it new in Panama City, Florida, in 1969. The Menemsha was completely intact, with all original parts and wood, plus a few little extras such as the original Red Ritchie compass, Mills canvas invoice, aluminum "ear muffs", and the original 1969 catalog: I photographed each piece and section of the boat, to make re-assembly easier later. http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/ktswhaler15/1969%20Menemsha/ ?albumview=slideshow My original plan was to restore it myself, and use my 1985 15 foot center console to fish while I slowly restored the Menemsha. After sanding several coats of bottom paint from the stern and sides, I realized it was time for "plan B". Sell the "Minitauk" (my former screen name Minitauk85) and put that money into the restoration. I was able to sell the Minitauk in less than two weeks, and I delivered the Menemsha to R & M Marine for it's restoration. I met up with CW member Matt Geiger at the ramp, and, after 4 long, agonizing months, the Menemsha finally floated off her trailer today! http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/ktswhaler15/ Menemsha%20first%20splash/?albumview=slideshow I am guessing that she hasn't been floated in well over 10 years, and she took to it like a "duck to water"! In fact she kind of looks like a duck! Now she's back to the shop for some trailer adjustments, a carb adjustment, and some final detailing. Hopefully I'll be able to post some more complete detailed shots of her tomorrow.-k |
| Menemsha69 |
posted 08-04-2008 09:09 PM ET (US)
Here is a link to Matt's photos taken today: http://picasaweb.google.com/mgeiger72/KevinsMenemsha -k |
| dscew |
posted 08-04-2008 09:18 PM ET (US)
WOW! |
| WT |
posted 08-04-2008 09:19 PM ET (US)
Very nice! Warren |
| jeffs22outrage |
posted 08-04-2008 09:48 PM ET (US)
Kevin, Very nice work. The boat looks amazing and you should be proud. There is nothing more satisfying than the maiden voyage of a finished project. Have to say glad you got rid of the bottom paint. |
| elaelap |
posted 08-04-2008 10:52 PM ET (US)
Much as I love them, until now I never thought I'd use the word "beautiful" to describe one of those goofy, wonderful boats. Great job, and well worth waiting for. What ever happened to the head, anyway? Tony Hey, and I like your new name, Kevin. Maybe I'll start calling myself Minitauk87 now that you're Menemsha and I've got a 15. |
| flippa |
posted 08-04-2008 11:33 PM ET (US)
Nice boat! |
| erik selis |
posted 08-05-2008 01:44 AM ET (US)
Oh Yeah! She looks great Kevin. Amazing how they were able to fit so much stuff into a small boat like the Menemsha. I didn't even know there was a toilet in the cabin until I saw your pictures. Good luck and safe sailing. Erik |
| RocketMan |
posted 08-05-2008 05:31 AM ET (US)
That sure is a lot of boat shoe-horned into such a small volume. It has kind of a clip art cartoon-whale look about it. I'm curious how she rolls in moderate seas with a crew aboard. The pre-restoration photos did a great job of depicting the overall layout. I own a '68 Sakonnet and was able to 'feel' my way around the cabin and try her on for size. I couldn't tell for sure if that head was plumbed overboard or has a small holding tank. But she's inspiring. I'd be sorely tempted to take a summer off. You know, write a book and putt her up the intracoastal all the way from the Keys to Maine. Just need a burner to make coffee in the morning. You could spend most nights on her with the occasional Saturday night in a marina. With her shallow draft and size you could really get to see some out of the way places most boats can't get to. Using Google maps you could plan out the world's greatest inshore fishing trip. The only problem I see is that you're going to draw a crowd wherever you go, but hey, that'll be fun most of the time. Well done and good luck with her. |
| Dan |
posted 08-05-2008 11:11 AM ET (US)
Looks great! |
| Menemsha69 |
posted 08-05-2008 04:53 PM ET (US)
Some more pics from today: http://picasaweb.google.com/Menemsha69/MenemshaOnFirstSoloRun/ photo#s5231126237456207346 I forgot to thank two folks that were instrumental in making the Menemsha project work! First, thanks to CW member Jerry O'Brien (Nautitauk) who single handedly supported my fishing addiction, by taking me fishing in his boat for months on end! My wife thanks him too, otherwise I might have been even less tolerable than I already am! And secondly Joe Morgan (jmorgan40) who supplied some integral components to the Menemsha, both of these guys offered some great guidance and moral support! Thanks guys!-k |
| 1980Montauk |
posted 08-05-2008 09:25 PM ET (US)
The ~1969 Menemsha~ looks great! What a true classic. So when's the next Lanier Rendezvous? I've still never seen one of these in person. Garey |
| Menemsha69 |
posted 08-06-2008 05:49 AM ET (US)
Garey- I plan on fishing early Friday morning, call me on my cell if you want to ride later that morning.-k |
| Nauti Tauk |
posted 08-06-2008 05:54 PM ET (US)
Kev, It's a joy to fish with you. Glad I was up there to keep you in top fishing shape till the little gal was ready. The wait was worth it. All your friends have enjoyed watching the restoral and what a conversation piece you have now. Guys,I've seen the boat in person and pics don't do it justice, it came out very nice, Kevin really did well. Fish hard, be safe, and enjoy that new boat my friend. See ya in a couple of months. |
| sternorama |
posted 08-06-2008 06:08 PM ET (US)
Thanks for posting, that made my afternoon! Nifty little duck, for sure! |
| gcarlil |
posted 08-06-2008 07:38 PM ET (US)
Way cool, what motor what speed? I like the she sits in the water. You and Robert have done a great job. Hope to see you on the lake soon. George |
| gcarlil |
posted 08-06-2008 07:40 PM ET (US)
I like the way she sits in the water. |
| Menemsha69 |
posted 08-07-2008 05:06 AM ET (US)
Tony- I still have the head in tact, although I don't think it works, haven't tested it. I'm probably going to pull it out to make room for a deep cell battery for trolling. George- We missed you at the Rendevous buddy! As for speed, she's not real fast, I could only get 33 mph out of her, but I am still getting used to her, may have to experiment with a different prop. She cruises nicely around 23 mph, and she sucks gas big time at any higher speeds. I may have to repower, way on down the road. Robert did some neat modifications, of which I'll post some pics this weekend.-k |
| floridaskater |
posted 08-07-2008 08:33 AM ET (US)
Excellent! What a great restoration job! Love it. |
| Sal A |
posted 08-07-2008 08:43 AM ET (US)
Real nice. An heirloom indeed. Thanks for sharing this. |
| Sheila |
posted 08-07-2008 08:50 AM ET (US)
Kevin, As you can imagine, I've been watching with great interest. Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. |
| superdave_gv |
posted 08-07-2008 08:29 PM ET (US)
I got a sneak peek while scheduling a drop off at the mechanic the other day. It took a while to but, man, that boat was worth the wait. It's in such good shape. Things you can't see from the pictures yet is that blue interior shows very little age (if any!) and all the wood is in great shape. He has it rigged in such a way that it's an up to date fishing machine but keeps its heritage practically original. A real showboat as I'm sure you will see when Kevin adds more pics. Way to go, Kevin, that is a restoration to be admired! |
| jmorgan40 |
posted 08-08-2008 09:13 AM ET (US)
Kevin, I am glad you finally got it splashed. It looks great and I am looking forward to a ride. |
| 1980Montauk |
posted 08-08-2008 09:20 AM ET (US)
Kevin - How about some pictures with some Stripers? |
| Murphy |
posted 08-08-2008 10:48 PM ET (US)
Kevin, I passed you on L'ville Suwanee Thursday evening... with your boat in tow. I figured you were coming from the lake, it looked very nice behind your SUV. Enjoy! I look forward to seeing you out on the lake in it. RM |
| jmorgan40 |
posted 08-09-2008 02:28 PM ET (US)
I was honored to get a ride in the Menemsha today. My Lowrance sonar went on the fritz and the Support folks at Lowrance (As always they are more than helpful) suggested I take it out on someone else's boat with a Lowrance and test it on that transducer. If it worked then you know it's the tranducer and not the unit. Kevin being a good friend offered to meet me in the morning at East Bank ramp. After his romantic early morning cruise with his lovely wife Beth, they picked me up. After a short run in Shoal Creek we tested the sonar and it worked fine hooked to Kevin's unit. I am not exactly sure what goes bad in a transducer but I have heard of them quiting. Well, back to the Menemsha. What a ride. I have to say Kevin did a great job getting her back in shape. As a previous Montauk owner, I must say the added weight of the cabin makes the Menemsha ride much smoother than the Montauk. The added weight also slows it down in comparison but a very nice ride all the same. The height of the cabin and the windshield also does a great job of blocking any hint of wind. I am honored to be one of the first of many to get a ride in this classic. I am sure Kevin will have many onlookers asking what is this rare classic since I believe it is the only one on the lake. Now if I can convince him to bring it to the Homossassa outing this winter it would be a head-turner. |
| Menemsha69 |
posted 08-10-2008 08:50 AM ET (US)
Joe-had a great time yesterday, and although the lake was a little sloppy, it was nice to see the Menemsha handle it well! I'm glad the 'ducer was the problem, and not the box! A couple of pics: http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/ktswhaler15/ menemsha%20miscellaneous/IMG_9849.jpg http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/ktswhaler15/ menemsha%20miscellaneous/IMG_9856.jpg http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/ktswhaler15/ menemsha%20miscellaneous/IMG_9861.jpg -k |
| Menemsha69 |
posted 08-10-2008 08:54 AM ET (US)
Sorry! Way too big on the pics! Try this: http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b268/ktswhaler15/ menemsha%20miscellaneous/?albumview=slideshow -k |
| mudmanh41 |
posted 08-18-2008 10:38 PM ET (US)
Kevin, Hit the pond today about 4pm. Had to put in at Tidwell.Little Hall,Old Federal,and Van Pugh along with East Bank behind the damn store are all closed. Caught two nice Stipers.One about 6lbs. the other went about 12.Made the clicker drag on my Millionare scream.You got to love it.Caught them around the mouth of six mile at the river channel. I know you are in Ca. right now.Anyone want to go tommorow I will be at Tidwell about 6:30 Tue. morning Pat |
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