Apr 2

Apr 2 International Fiberglass Eliminator Boat: Vintage Memories

For so many boat restorations, the project is more than the boat itself and is usually a combination of the connection to the boat, the actual work involved and family. Boating of all kinds is synonymous with family, friends and adventure; there is an undeniable ability boats have to bring people together. I think this particular restoration embodies that feeling as much as any I’ve seen and the boat itself is cool as hell.

For Jim Swezey the journey started with his Dad picking up this 1964 International Fiberglass Eliminator. The model is an Eliminator, not related to Eliminator Boats. In fact, this company, International Fiberglass of Venice California made boats on the side and actually was known for making fiberglass sculptures. Their biggest products were gigantic 20 foot high fiberglass mannequins for advertising but they made the Eliminator 14’ boat for several years in the sixties before focusing strictly on giant sculptures. Unfortunately, the market for gigantic mannequins went soft and the company closed in 1974.

Eliminator Mercury bulletin.jpeg — Eliminator

Not related to Eliminator Boats. Here is an original performance bulletin of the 14’ flat bottom boat.

Jim’s Dad bought this boat from a dealer in Pennsylvania just over the West Virginia border and used it or skiing. When Jim was born, the boat was hardly used, so it was stored in the garage where Jim remembers playing in it as a kid. In 1987, once the kids were older, they pulled it out and started to use it again. Jim remembers days on the lake, Loyalhanna Dam, and getting up early when the water was like glass, then parking it during the day until late afternoon when the lake cleared and they would ski until dusk. For Jim, this is the connection to the boat, remembering his Dad and being together on the lake.

The old International Fiberglass hull lasted a long time but it was time for a full restoration.

After some time, the boat was left outside unused where it fell victim to decay. In 2012, Jim decided to restore it. He started the process 6 years ago and put it back together better than new. Jim replaced all the wood structure in the little 14’ foot flat bottom boat. He put in transom support and replaced the original floor, there were no stringers in the boat originally.

New floor and seat boxes, getting ready for the interior. Many old small flat bottoms have no stringers like this one.

Luckily for Jim, he has a relative in the auto paint business, so once it was prepped, the sleek Eliminator was painted white with gold metal flake stripes to match the original color scheme. They used a base clear paint system and the boat looks incredible while looking all original.

Fresh out of paint, the original white with gold metallic stripes looks amazing. A base clear paint finish makes for a super sharp look. Jim added cleats and a nice metal rub rail.

For finishing touches, Jim put it in hidden cleats and he had an upholstery shop do the interior, matching the original back to back seats but they added gold piping for extra detail. The trailer is the original trailer. For power, Jim sourced a 1962 Mercury 1000, to keep it period correct and provide ample power. Not surprisingly, the boat is a hit everywhere Jim takes it, causing crowds at the ramp when he launches it.

With the vintage cool factor on its side, the International Fiberglass Eliminator draws a crowd everywhere.

When it comes to boat restorations there is always a cool factor and this international Fiberglass Eliminator is off the charts in the cool factor. Jim is still dialing in the setup but is seeing speeds of 42 MPH with four passengers, these little flat bottoms are a blast to drive. The original bulletins had these running 42 MPH with 65 HP Mercs and over 50 with the Mercury 1000, so Jim’s is a rocket. I love this build, it’s a good reminder of why we all love boats so much.