Yesterday I came across a deal I couldn't pass up: a 1954 Johnson Seahorse 5.5 HP outboard in absolutely outstanding condition. For $250, I got the motor and the tank. Looks like it has only a few hours on it and I don't know how long it's been since it was last run. See pictures below.

So now I need a boat to put it on. I built one small boat several years back, but I was quite unskilled at the time and it never made it to the water. I think I'll lean towards a design like the Glen-L 11' Utility. I'm deep in the neanderthal world, with no stationary power tools, so I don't know whether to go the plywood route or traditional planking. I'd like to build something with only hand tools, of which I have a full set.

Several questions and ALL thoughts/comments welcome. In central florida, what's the best lumber for boat building? I've got a local sawyer that can probably get me enough live oak to make what I need if it isn't too heavy. Probably cypress for planking and live oak for frames. Any thoughts on the best boat designs for a motor like this? Fresh water lakes/rivers for general exploratory outings. I'm extremely ignorant when it comes to outboard motors. I'm quite mechanically inclined and all my cars are well maintained, but I have NO clue where to start with this motor. What to do before starting it for the first time, maintenance, etc. Any good reference material on this subject?

IMG_20110731_150917.jpgIMG_20110731_151053.jpgIMG_20110731_150737.jpgIMG_20110731_150758.jpgIMG_20110731_150824.jpgIMG_20110731_150832.jpgIMG_20110731_150849.jpgIMG_20110731_150904.jpg