1965 Owens , It will float Again

by steve lawrason
(ElmGrove LOUISIANA)

I will be re-building this boat for the next 2 to 5 years.

I can only work on it every other 2 weeks , so 14 and 14 will be my working time.

Any advice will be welcome,

I need to know if the board that joins the bottom and sides can be scarfed together or does it need to be 1 solid piece ?

can anyone send me pic's of that board or tell me how? it is made ?

Comments for 1965 Owens , It will float Again

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 11, 2015
 '65 Owens
by: Dave S

One more comment;
The photos shown appear as an Owens "Tahitian" which was ~36'. Tahitian was the model name.

Also, I have done one of these projects. If you need guidance, I will gladly walk you through it. From the photos, you are facing a 3-4yr project.

The sides and bottom have to go. There are no cutting of corners. Both sides and bottom are double plank construction.

Dave S
Aug 04, 2015
 IT'S GOT TO GO
by: Anonymous

I will take $2000 and you haul it off ,
Nov 19, 2014
 out of time !!!!!!!!!!!1
by: steve lawrason

OUT OF TIME......IT'S GOT TO GO .....

My 1965 Owens Tahitian have to go ........

First one with $2500 gets the boat and trailer and I have someone that will haul it any where in the US

CALL ONLY WAITING 3 WEEKS THEN maybe a little more ( FIRE )
318-540-8701 ( NIGHTS ONLY PLEASE )
please someone buy this boat and rebuild it PLEASE !
Jun 16, 2014
 You go Boy
by: riding4cp

I am also restoring a 65 Owens but mine is plywood and maybe in a little better shape.

You probably have Chrysler or a small block Chevy engine in her?
Jun 15, 2014
 boat
by: fstevens1964@gmail.com

Angle planking one at 45 one flat front to back.
Jun 05, 2014
 scarfing together
by: paul

I own a 1967 Trojan with one rib reinforced together at the chine.

Solid and complete ribs are desirable but my boat with one repaired rib is holding up just fine.

Look for Kokomo on this site if interested.

The Owens needs a lot of hull boards. You are fearless taking that on.

Good on you.

Paul
Jun 05, 2014
 14 on
by: Anonymous

You work int the oilfield? Sounds like my old schedule.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Your Wooden Boat Projects...

1965 Owens , It will float Again

by steve lawrason
(Elm Grove Louisiana)

Looking for the original generator for this boat.

And the name of the boat on the back is Tahitian.

I don't think that is the name as she is called on the sea.

Can that be her name or make ?????

Comments for 1965 Owens , It will float Again

Click here to add your own comments

Jul 26, 2016
 GONE
by: Anonymous

THE BOAT IS GONE , WE HAD A FIRE AND IT BURNED TO THE GROUND , NOTHING LEFT ?
Oct 15, 2015
 Owens Tahitian
by: Dave S

Steve,
I haven't heard from you in awhile.

I am wondering how your project is coming along?

Have you stripped it down?
Aug 11, 2015
 Your '65 Owens
by: Dave S

The piece of wood that joins the bottom with the sides is a "Chine".

This can't be purchased.

It must be made from multiple epoxied stringers of mahogany.

Then, plane it to the dead-rise and angle of the sides.

This is a major frame piece and should not be compromised by using inferior woods.

I read your article.

I have done this and know it is a 3 yr job.

I wrote an article here a year ago. Though the title was for an Owens, Trojan appeared on the title.

Dave S
Jun 05, 2014
 tahitian
by: paul


Model name I believe.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Your Wooden Boat Projects...

1965 Owens , It will float Again

by steve lawrason
(Elm Grove Louisiana)

Any one know what type of material is or was used between the 2 layers of planking on this 1965 40 ft Owens?

Comments for 1965 Owens , It will float Again

Click here to add your own comments

Sep 24, 2015
 Tahitian Generator
by: Dave S

Steve,
I have responded to your Tahitian scrips several times. But, I forgot to give advice on the gen-set.

The original installed generator weighed about 900lbs and it was 4.3KW. It ran at 3600RPM. If you know anything about generators that is very loud. 40-50 years ago that didn't matter much to the boater.

Now, noise and weight are big issues. So, why would you even consider dragging around ~600+ extra lbs.?
Most of them were melted down for newer machinery.

Good luck on finding one!

As an example; I bought a 3KW Westerbeke generator 10 yrs ago. It runs at 1200RPM, weighs 200lbs. and is whisper quiet.

A good new generator is worth its weight in gold.

7So, look for a newer design.

Dave S
Aug 25, 2015
 Tahitian Restoration
by: Dave S

Steve,
The quickest way to remove the planks;
Set your radial power saw to 1" depth and cut away. 1" will not damage the framing.

Since the original screws were bronze the saw will cut through without damage.

Cut the planking and used a 2lb sledge/crowbar to remove the rubble.

Dave S
Aug 13, 2015
 Thanks Dave
by: Steve

OK , Dave first things first!

How do I strip the boards to get to the fasteners or do I just tear all them out, and well there is so much to learn and don't forget money is tight right now, but still I want to float this Beautiful boat !
Aug 11, 2015
 '65 Owens Tahitian
by: Dave S

Your Owens is a double plank hull.

The inside is 3/8" mahogany plywood cut into planks.

The outer is 1/2" mahogany planks.

Owens built these boats with canvas and "bedding" compound compressed between the inner and outer planks.

They all rotted from the canvas outward because the moisture was trapped there.

I did and will recommend instead to flood coat the inner planks with epoxy, and use it between the layers to the outer.

And cover the outer with epoxy glass.

This will never need swelling and will out last you.

Dave S

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Your Wooden Boat Projects...

Want to add more photos?

Photo Uploader

If you are having problems uploading Photos or would like to add more click on this link for the Upload Form.

Show / Hide