Calhoun Reelfoot Lake Boat - 18’

You are viewing a very nice Calhoun Reelfoot Lake Boat that is 18’ long (titled as 17’ for some reason). This classic boat was designed, built and sold at Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee by a local boat building family. They were purpose built for that lake and other similar lakes with flooded impoundments that still had standing timber and stumps. They were built with a steel plate propeller protector to ride over logs, brush and shallow spots. The patented oar system allowed for forward motion even when you pulled back normally.

This gave the operator great forward vision to dodge trees and debris in the water and to see where you are going when fishing. This 1977 boat somehow made it to Ohio and was purchased by a neighbor in 1978 who used it little over the years while storing it indoors. It is in excellent shape and ready to go. Details: Measures 18’ long and is extra wide with teak flooring inserts. The boat is made of wood with an exterior fiberglass coating making it completely sealed and waterproof.

Direct shaft drive power via a Kohler 8HP Magnum engine with electric start running a brass propeller. (No starter battery included) The throttle and steering controls are conveniently mounted for the operator by the builder. Also powered by a pair of oars using patented “row forward” system, so you see where you are going. Additionally powered via trolling motor, which is included and wired to where the starter battery would be. This is a vintage Gamefisher (Sears) trolling motor that works and is in good shape.

(No battery included) Included with the motorized boat is a life ring, anchor with rope, battery box, trolling motor, rod holders, fire extinguisher, horn, one person seat and a nice trailer. Everything works.... The trailer has been repainted and all lights are working as well as being equipped with good tires. The trailer is rated for 1200# and requires a 1-7/8” ball. It also features a folding tongue for storage (when boat is not on it). This is an unusual feature... Cover guides are included so that when the boat is tarped the water won’t pool up.

These are shown on and off in the pictures. No tools are required to take them on and off. Unfortunately the only thing missing is the original wood seats that were separated from the boat through a mix up. The originals were wood and painted green. They were pretty low like a beach chair.

Many other boat seats or even lawn chairs can be used though. These boats are getting rare and have not been produced in many years. They were once used as rentals at Reelfoot Lake and many people fished and explored out of them. You won’t find many in this condition and certainly not in the Ohio area. I am 15 miles west of Dayton, Ohio for picking it up.

This is a 6-1/2 hour drive from the Reelfoot Lake area. Previously registered and titled in Ohio. The boat has a Hull Identification Number data tag. I have the original title for the 1977 boat issued in Ohio in early 1978. Many more pictures are available if you message me an email.

Ask questions as needed and I’ll respond quickly. I think it is TIME for you to go fishing!