$2900

This 13-foot electric boat, from Glen Witt's Ampeater design, was professionally built in the designer's own prototype shop. It is the first example of this popular design ever built.

It runs for hours on four 6-volt golf cart batteries (not included) at the very civilized speed of five miles per hour. It seats four adults in facing seats with a large cockpit area in the middle perfect for a picnic.

A custom made bimini makes for a relaxing day on the lake, but the boat is just as at home in salt water.

Because all controls are between the two rear seats, it's a perfect boat for small children or grandchildren. They can steer and control speed with an adult's hand right there if needed.

The boat needs TLC

The grandkids are grown, so Fiddle has fallen into disuse, and she needs paint, varnish, and new batteries. There is minor mouse damage to the bimini top, but the hull is sound, she doesn't leak, and the upholstery is in excellent shape.

She's an inboard with a stainless shaft and bronze prop and rudder, and she's powered by a one-horse DC instrument motor. Last time I had her out, everything worked fine, but the batteries died from age and, I confess, neglect.

The packing gland has a grease fitting.

The black things are motor relays. I don't exactly know how they work, but forward and reverse use a simple toggle switch.

One-horse motor, belt drive

Built of fiberglass over marine ply, she's technically a wooden boat, but although the paint is flaking in the bilge, there's no de-lamination, and the hull is protected inside and out by 'glass.

Paint is bad; fiberglass is good.

Here are a bunch of photos, taken today, that show the condition she's in. The trailer needs tires and has some rust, so I'm not sure I'd trust it for a long road trip. Probably best to bring a flatbed.