Old highlands sneakbox

Chris Fazio

New member
Hey guys, my buddy gave me an old highlands sneakbox that I am redoing, it sat for 15 years and I am going to bring new life to it. The glass seems fine but I will add a sheet or two for my own piece of mind, I need to replace all the wood on the boat, I was wondering if anyone could put me in contact with the owner of the templates so I can bring this thing back to life! Attached are pictures are what I am getting into. Any helpful tips would be great. Thanks!

Also would anyone know the age? The placard says #9

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Marty Kristiansen. He's building at least one new one currently. Head over to his shop and I'm sure he would be glad to show you how he builds them now.

I had hull #2 and the ribs were mahogany. The new ones have cedar frames.
 
Thanks,

I keep finding more rot, the support towards the bow seems to have significant rot where they cut out for drainage to the stern. my concern now is either do I try to repair myself cut the rot out, or replace the whole support rand glass the crap out of it use cedar, or pvc lumber try to make it cost effective but safe. or do I bite it, take it to Marty and see if he will take on the task.

Craig- thanks for the photos, they are much appreciated!
 
Chris my guess is that the only thing on this boat that maybe salvageable is the glass. Bring it to Marty let him take a look but my guess is that the labor is gonna get you pretty close to buying a whole new boat. Sounds and looks like this one is pretty far gone.
 
Larry,

That's what its beginning to look like, unfortunately a new sneak box or anything in that price range isn't in the budget right now. ill take it to him and see what he says.
 
If the motor board on the boat is original then I don't believe Marty built it. The Kristiansens have a distinct and unique shaped MB that comes to a point at the bottom.
 
If the motor board on the boat is original then I don't believe Marty built it. The Kristiansens have a distinct and unique shaped MB that comes to a point at the bottom.

This boat was built in the 1970s by the the original designer of the mold Ozzie Thomas. Marty only acquired the Highlands Box mold a few short years ago from Ozzie.
 
I had one built by Ozzie,,It was good a decent design , didn't draw hardly any water and had a spoon shape sweet spot in the hull when you ran the motor at a certain rpm that was good for chop. Not a boat for rough weather though like other sneakbox designs.
 
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