Let me start by saying that I am already 10 months into this project, so it is going to take several posts to get you all caught up to where I am today, so bear with me.
The backstory:
A friend of mine was going through a divorce and had an old boat to get rid of. When his ex-wife heard that I was looking for a small trailer, she said I could have his if I took the junk boat that was on it. Turns out he was cool with that. I went to get it and "small" being relative, I accepted the junk anyway just to help out. I figured I could make use of it or sell it at some point. So I towed it home.
It was already apart to repair the rotten floor, but had been sitting outside uncapped for 5 years. The engine was in the garage along with the windows, rails, and interior parts. But, having no real interest, I had my son help me flip the cap and load it in the hull. That's what we hauled to my place.
That was 11 years ago. I returned a year later to retrieve the engine, windshields, rub rail, bow rails, and a few odds and ends. Not knowing what I was looking at, I left the entire interior at that garage like a dope.
iBoats.com voted on the Splash of the Year for 2021 and guess who was chosen?!!!
I am blown away that a national forum of that caliber would recognize my efforts. It was not an easy win, as it had to go to a tie-breaker. There were several other worthy restorations that splashed in 2021 and they were all VERY well done.
They award a "Traveling plaque" of all the winners so far, and a personal plaque for me to keep and to cherish.
What a nice way to cap off such a crazy project. I had some doubters, but they were far outnumbers by those who supported and encouraged me. Many thanks to all of you.