After a minor gauntlet of cleaning, rebuilding, head-scratching and more rebuilding, we finally have a working 1948 Martin motor. The rewind spring could use some works, along with knobs, a paint job, etc. but overall she’s up, running and purring like a kitten (albeit an angry one).

Special thanks to the folks over at the AOMCI who fielded a few novice questions; these folks are just a fountain of knowledge when dealing with old outboards. I don’t know what her top speed is, but she moves ‘high treason’ much faster than I expected.

My son and I couldn’t be happier

The design of the Swifty is quite attractive, and the original craftsmanship quite good. The boat was in need of some “creative” repair, but overall in good shape. I fixed some skuffs, modified the transom, painfully applied several coats of paint / vanish and mounted a bit of chris-craft’esq chrome to help tie her to the dock. More (albiet poor) pictures are available rolled out of the garage for a bit of driveway sailing.

She can easily hold 3 people and only weighs about 250 lbs. I have to admit, I expected the stability from this boat based on the design / plans, but not quite the speed. Overall she’s perfect as single or family day-sailer and / or rower and / or (small) motor-boat. The biggest problem is I can’t seem to get in / out of the water without folks comming up to look at it.

I’ve had a blast both restoring, sailing and rowing this boat with my son. I can’t help but wonder what his take will ultimately be on the subject.