The Arkansas Traveler Aluminum Boat

Since the weather is frigid outside and I don't have an enclosed area where I can work on the boat in any sort of comfort and the boat currently looks like this:

I thought I would jot down some more about this particular boat and what I know about it so far. This boat was manufactured under the name Arkansas Traveler. According to this article on Wikipedia article Arkansas Traveler aluminum boats and fiberglass boats were manufactured from 1959 to 1967. I haven't been able to find a date stamp on the boat yet, but I figure this was built during the early part of that time period since the oldest visible registration sticker is from 1962.

I have looked at a few Arkansas Traveler sales brochures from that time but haven't been able to pinpoint exactly which one that is.

The Outboard Engine
The outboard engine is a Johnson 35 HP motor. Haven't taken the time to find out a year on it, but it is a classic, that is for sure. I have my doubts about whether this is the original motor for the boat since the colors don't really match, unless you are going for a Christmas theme, with a red and white motor and a two-tone green boat. In addition, the capacity card on the aluminum boat's transom shows a rating for a 30 HP motor instead of the 35 HP. 

Next up I believe I will start itemizing the projects that need to be done to get this beautiful aluminum boat ready for the water come summer time. For now I leave you with a photo of the outboard motor. You may also notice the gas trolling motor that came with the boat sitting next to it.