Looking for info on old (1970) Tidecraft Stick Steers from Minden

**Don French** · 07-23-2014, 05:04 AM

Hello Louisiana!

I acquired a 1970 Tidecraft, Minden LA tri hull stick boat last year as a project. Restoration is well underway.

The mulch is being removed from the transom in preparation for pouring composite, stringers and floor are next.

The transom plate it nearly unreadable and I'm wondering if someone can tell me the horsepower rating for this old gem. It came with a solid 1978 35hp Evinrude, But it looks like it might be a 50hp boat. It has a 40hp EZE Steer system in it. I would think that it originally had a rope and pulley system. I would upgrade the EZE Steer to 60 hp if I knew for sure that it was 50hp rated. Also, does anyone know if they had a model name for these boats?

Any other information about these boats that could be supplied would be greatly appreciated. This is my second project of this type. I completed a 1973 Ouachita 14 foot "Convincer" 3 years ago which is my current crappie boat.

Thanks to any folks that can educate me a bit.

**Charliee** · 07-23-2014, 07:39 AM

You might try calling Smith Marine in Minden LA. They are the successor company to tide craft and owned by some of the same people. I bet someone there could help you.

**docwaldo** · 07-23-2014, 09:43 AM

smith marine's #

318-377-5703

doc

**Cray** · 07-23-2014, 04:42 PM

I can't confirm this but believe back then and even into more modern days all boats with stick steer we're rated at 40 hp. It's only been in the last few years that they came out with steering rated up to 60 hp for stick steers. If you build that transom like it sounds you are I would not hesitate to up grade steering and run a 50.

**bflowers** · 07-23-2014, 08:10 PM

I had a 1970 Tidecraft with cable stick steer that I bought new, it was rated 40 HP.
They call it a Bayou boat.

**prefers shiners** · 07-23-2014, 09:22 PM

I think I am right about this.....but.....if you go higher HP than what the boat manufacturer recommends, the insurance company will not cover/insure you.......this is especially important for liability claims.....

**Don French** · 07-26-2014, 07:17 AM

Thanks to all who replied. Prefers Shiners is correct about insurance, this is why I am trying to confirm the hp rating.
Really nice of the Louisiana sacalait fishermen to help out a Virgina crappie angler! bflowers- great help really appreciate the info.
Any pictures of your old boat available? They would be helpful in the restoration.
What a great website...

**bistineaudon** · 07-26-2014, 09:47 PM

i live on bistineau and have had several of these ole boats over the years,iam sure the max is 40 hp call reeves and he can tell you all about it..iam there weekly i`ll see if he has any of the literature stored away for this boat...knowing him...he just might

**bistineaudon** · 07-28-2014, 02:29 PM

i said reeves...i have no idea why i said that...i meant hershell

**Don French** · 08-04-2014, 03:56 PM

Thanks again to all. With your help I was able to contact Mr. Melvin Smith at what was once Smith's Marine, but is apparently now called Webster Boat Sales.
Mr. Smith was extremely helpful. bflowers was correct, the boat is called a "Bayou Boat" and is 40hp rated. I hope to have her back to "like new condition" in another year or so. Best Wishes to the Louisiana crappie community.

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