CLASSIC GLASS EXCITEMENT
31st August 2020
By Tim Du Vernet
Imagine a material that is strong, relatively light for its strength and easily shaped. Fiberglass and similar materials, such as Kevlar and carbon fiber have revolutionized boating and so many other industries as well.
Boating styles have always closely followed the auto industry and the invention of fiberglass made it even easier to keep up with the stylistic trends. Fins of all sizes and shapes, outboard motors grew in power and the planing hull became more advanced. Reds, yellows and all kinds of bright colours turned boating from a conservative choice of wooden stain colours to an intense expression of style.
The Stevenson’s have been passionate about outboards and performance classic glass for decades. Ron Stevenson specializes in the collecting and restoration of vintage and rare outboard motors and fiberglass hulls, especially racy ones with crazy speed.
Jeff Steveson, Ron’s son, is particularly passionate about his recently restored 1979, 17’ 6” King Craft. She is now powered by a Mercruiser stern drive with a GM small block that produces roughly 350hp. Jeff explains that he bought the boat from a very good friend. The boat was originally bright yellow powered by an early Volvo stern drive. Some elements of the restoration had already been started by his friend, but family commitments got in the way the King Craft was sold to Jeff. With the hull gutted and the transom, floor and stringers already replaced, the restoration project was already well underway.
Jeff had set the 2018 ACBS Gravenhurst boat show as his target deadline for completing the restoration. Ron Stevenson had already restored the GM small block, as part of a different project that wasn’t completed. Nevertheless, getting the King Craft ready for the show turned into a night and day challenge. With just days to go, a new house under his belt and working as a marine mechanic, Jeff was able to get her ready on time for the show.
Finished in military gray, the 350 HP makes for an especially responsive boat that is practically dancing on its transom at top speed. She turns on a dime, leaps into action with the slightest throttle and goes like stink. The exhaust roar is very motivating as well. You would never know this hull design is now more than 40 years old. The development of the planing hull is generally credited to John Hacker, nearly 100 years ago.
Jeff notes that The hull is an interesting design and has been a lot of fun to get to learn to drive, especially at higher speeds. It is a very deep "V” hull, but at the centre keel it becomes very rounded. It makes the boat extremely effective in rough chop and big waves, but a bit more of a handful to drive at high speeds as there is no flat “pad” to balance the boat on. The boat starts to chine walk at 60mph, requiring driver input to flatten the boat out and keep it stable to continue to accelerate. The boat performs best with positive trim, which allows me to hang bow high and ride on the rear portion of the hull, reducing drag from the water.
There is no question this is one spirited boat to enjoy. Who knew that 40 year old fiberglass could be so much fun! Jeff enjoys piloting his King Craft with his fiancée Michelle at his side.
Imagine a material that is strong, relatively light for its strength and easily shaped. Fiberglass and similar materials, such as Kevlar and carbon fiber have revolutionized boating and so many other industries as well.
Boating styles have always closely followed the auto industry and the invention of fiberglass made it even easier to keep up with the stylistic trends. Fins of all sizes and shapes, outboard motors grew in power and the planing hull became more advanced. Reds, yellows and all kinds of bright colours turned boating from a conservative choice of wooden stain colours to an intense expression of style.
The Stevenson’s have been passionate about outboards and performance classic glass for decades. Ron Stevenson specializes in the collecting and restoration of vintage and rare outboard motors and fiberglass hulls, especially racy ones with crazy speed.
Jeff Steveson, Ron’s son, is particularly passionate about his recently restored 1979, 17’ 6” King Craft. She is now powered by a Mercruiser stern drive with a GM small block that produces roughly 350hp. Jeff explains that he bought the boat from a very good friend. The boat was originally bright yellow powered by an early Volvo stern drive. Some elements of the restoration had already been started by his friend, but family commitments got in the way the King Craft was sold to Jeff. With the hull gutted and the transom, floor and stringers already replaced, the restoration project was already well underway.
Jeff had set the 2018 ACBS Gravenhurst boat show as his target deadline for completing the restoration. Ron Stevenson had already restored the GM small block, as part of a different project that wasn’t completed. Nevertheless, getting the King Craft ready for the show turned into a night and day challenge. With just days to go, a new house under his belt and working as a marine mechanic, Jeff was able to get her ready on time for the show.
Finished in military gray, the 350 HP makes for an especially responsive boat that is practically dancing on its transom at top speed. She turns on a dime, leaps into action with the slightest throttle and goes like stink. The exhaust roar is very motivating as well. You would never know this hull design is now more than 40 years old. The development of the planing hull is generally credited to John Hacker, nearly 100 years ago.
Jeff notes that The hull is an interesting design and has been a lot of fun to get to learn to drive, especially at higher speeds. It is a very deep "V” hull, but at the centre keel it becomes very rounded. It makes the boat extremely effective in rough chop and big waves, but a bit more of a handful to drive at high speeds as there is no flat “pad” to balance the boat on. The boat starts to chine walk at 60mph, requiring driver input to flatten the boat out and keep it stable to continue to accelerate. The boat performs best with positive trim, which allows me to hang bow high and ride on the rear portion of the hull, reducing drag from the water.
There is no question this is one spirited boat to enjoy. Who knew that 40 year old fiberglass could be so much fun! Jeff enjoys piloting his King Craft with his fiancée Michelle at his side.