A new bracket paired with modern day outboards ensured peak performance.
July 30, 2018
By Florida Sportsman Editor
Five years ago, Tim Mckernan, of Miami, began the hunt for his dreamboat. Looking for a project that he could handle, with main intentions of taking his wife and daughter out to the local reefs and wrecks to snorkel and spearfish, a boat in the 20-foot range sounded about right… at first. “As time went on, I started to get bigger and bigger with the boats,” said Mckernan.
Coming across a 1969 Cary Sportsman, he recalled his father always talking about how nice the ride and quality was of a Cary that his friend owned. Tim decided that it was the project for him. Scoring the hull for $2,500, it was obvious that the boat was screaming for help. “It needed a lot of work, but that's what I was looking for.”
With twin outboards in mind, the floor was removed, along with the old inboard motors, fuel tanks and guts of the boat, leaving a hull and stringers; a fresh start. Compensating for the weight of the motors that would now be aft, Tim brought the new fuel tanks forward, wanting to keep the integrity of the ride that Cary was known for. This had opened up a ton of room in the cockpit, so molded fish boxes, storage and easy bilge access were added.
Scanning Craigslist, piece by piece Tim was able to find the console, T-top and leaning post; they all fit perfectly. Cutting out the livewell from the rear of the leaning post, this not only made a perfect spot to recess a cooler in the cockpit, but Tim was also able to repurpose the livewell. Splitting it down the middle, and with a little manipulating, both were glassed up front, making two seats/coolers for extra seating and ice boxes, if needed.
It took a little longer than expected, but the Mckernan family ended up with the perfect boat to fit their on the water lifestyle.
When Tim picked up the Cary, it was quite obvious it needed a complete overhaul.
With a bracket and outboards in mind, the twin inboards, rigging and foam needed to be removed.
A third-party console and T-top find from Craigslist worked out perfectly for this restoration.
Taking advantage of the open space left from the inboards, Tim opted for molded fish boxes and storage in the cockpit.
A transom-mounted livewell was added, making bait access easy.
Bolsters were added, as well as forward seating.
Repurposing what most would have thrown out, Tim was able to not only make forward seating from scraps, but insulate them for cooler use, as well.
The cabin wasn't left out on this restoration, outfitted with matching paint and cushions inside.
A sleek dash layout with modern electronics really brought this boat up to date.
With a little bit of refinement, Tim turned the back of the leaning post into a tackle station, cooler, and mezzanine when trolling.
A new bracket paired with modern day outboards ensured peak performance.
A new bracket paired with modern day outboards ensured peak performance.
Coming from the boat racing era, with sharp entry and sleek lines, the Cary's ride was just as good as the day it hit the water.
