1976 River Ox project boat

[Joe Friday]

I just picked up this yesterday, hoping to make it into a useful duck and fishing boat for me and my stepsons. Its a 16 footer. River Ox is a popular brand in Eastern NC. they have a reputation for being stout, heavy boats, some are favored by commercial fishermen.

The Chrysler outboard was recently tuned up and runs well for its age. If I can get 1 or 2 more years out of it, maybe i can replace it with a 4-stroke. there are minor repairs that need to be made, and some cosmetics to be remedied, but the hull is solid.

the little white spots seen on the interior are lichens growing from where the boat sat in the yard so long. I don't think the owner used it more than once or twice a year in the past decade. It mostly sat behind the house.

The radio doesn't work. A depth finder included with the boat does work. There is dry storage space on the sides. One of those compartments can be used as a live well...note a drain plug can be seen over the tire.

that plywood piece forward of the pedestal seat was used to hold the trolling motor battery. I'll take that out and return the area to its original configuration i think.

The trailer is in decent shape: Lights need to be replaced. Bearings appear to have been greased on a regular basis. The tires, axle, and springs seem to be good. the rollers underneath need some repair, though. I think I'd like to replace them with bunks.

I'm looking forward to the project, and I may seek advice here from time-to-time.

thanks for looking. Everyone have a great day.



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[rich young]

hey joe hope it works out for you new boat projects are always fun I would however change the bearings on trailer when they sit for long time grease hardens and than bearings heat up when used it is a cheap fix compared to a fix on the road and maybe new tires have fun

 

[Kris Schaumburg]

we grew up with a skiff that looks like it coulda come outta the same mold. My friend recently bought one for nostalgia purposes. They were molded/sold under the name campagna skiff around here. 4-5 of my friends still have the hulls. that dory type design is very sea worthy.

 

[wis boz]

Joe
Looks like a great project and not too many $$$ to restore.
wis boz

 

[RLLigman]

I am a sucker for a project boat. Good luck!
Do some cold weather start tests with that Chrysler powerhead. The ones I have been around never liked the cold...very bawky about running consistently in cold weather.

 

[KeithH]

Had a buddy back in high school back then that had one. I had an old Crosby Sled. The ox's were built like tanks. There was actually a government program that would provide needy fishermen with one and a 25hp to keep them off of welfare back in the boat's heyday. That's why you see so many of them in the backs of junky yards around the coast. But they are great boats...they were made to take a punishing. Like RL mentioned...the motor is going to be the 'fun' part of the project.