TOPIC: What did I get myself into?!

Hey y'all from Ohio! My name is Jim and this I'd my first boat! And I paid a whopping free_hundr
Oh, and what is it??!! The evinrude serial said something like a 65'..

Nice boat! It looks like it would not be too tough to restore, if desired.

That's a 1957-1959 MFG Erie. Hard to pin down the exact year as there were few changes in that model over those years, but looking at the windshield trim from the picture, it looks like it's probably a 1958. Attached is a picture of a 1958 Cambridge docked next to my 1966 Niagara at a boat show, with the same windshield. It sure looks like yours. However, the windshield was usually optional and could have been dealer installed, so it's hard to tell for sure, but definitely a 1957, 1958, or 1959.

Since you are in Ohio, you'll need a title. What state did you buy it from? If Ohio, did you get the title to transfer? If you got it from out of state, I can give you tips on how to handle it, having bought boats in recent years from Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York, all without titles, but properly registered in those states before purchase. Got proper Ohio titles for all.

Thanks Dav!
It does have a clean title for Ohio, I have yet to get it because of schedule conflicts. I'm going to scrub the hell out of it and replace the plywood on the bow and stern. Also going to put a bilge pump in the back as it seems to have held water for a period of time near the transom.

Good to hear about the title.

The deck is mahogany plywood, so it's best to replace it with same. Pricey, but the best way to go. Regular plywood has a much different grain.

Good luck and keep us posted. We all love pictures.

I finally got the title for the boat. Its titled as a 1958 runabout. Still trying to get the title for the tee-nee trailer.

Ohio does not require a title for boat trailers under 3000 pounds. Just get it registered (you'll need the weight of the trailer) and you're good to go.

Hmmm, Looks familiar. Here is my 1957 MFG / Erie

I don't see any pictures..

I need help choosing the wood to replace the deck on bow and stern... I have two options 1:Joubert Okume 2:Hydrotex marine grade. Both in mahogany. Also can only get it in 4mm. What is the difference in these two? I Google and both seem the same.