Some road trips are about the destination. Others are about the journey. But when you’re driving nearly 1,200 miles one way from Cedar Hill, Tennessee all the way to Colorado Springs, Colorado, it’s about one thing: bringing home the right project boat.
For anyone who loves fixing things up and spending quiet mornings on the water, you know that when the right hull comes along, distance is just a detail.
The Mission: A 1996 Lund Rebel 16′ DLX Adventure Series
The prize waiting in Colorado Springs was a 1996 Lund Rebel 16′ DLX Adventure Series.
If you know aluminum boats, you know why Lunds have such a dedicated following. Known for their solid build, reliable rivets, and incredible versatility, a vintage Lund Rebel is an ideal canvas for a restoration project. At 16 feet, it’s the sweet spot—large enough to feel stable and handle open water, but lightweight and easy enough to tow, launch solo, and maneuver into hidden fishing spots and quiet backwaters.
This particular Adventure Series model has the bones to become a reliable, customized rig for years of hunting, fishing, and weekend cruising. But before any wrenching could happen, I had to get it back to Tennessee.
The Long Haul: Tennessee to Colorado
Trekking across the Heartland isn’t for the faint of heart. Spanning across Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and finally into the shadow of the Rockies, the drive offers plenty of time to contemplate every step of the rebuild process.
Arriving in Colorado Springs, with Pikes Peak towering in the background, was an incredible moment. Seeing the boat in person confirmed what I already hoped: the classic Lund craftsmanship was intact, and while it certainly needs some work, the potential is huge.
After hitching up the trailer, repairing the lights wiring, checking the wheel bearings, putting new wheels and tires on the trailer, and ensuring everything was strapped down tight, it was time to turn right back around for the return journey home.
What’s Next for the Project
Bringing a 1996 boat back to its prime is a marathon, not a sprint. Over the coming weeks and months, this Lund Rebel is going to get a full makeover. Here’s a peek at what’s on the restoration board:
- Hull & Exterior: Thorough power wash, deep cleaning the classic Lund graphics, checking every seam, and prepping the aluminum.
- Decking & Interior Layout: Removing worn carpets, replacing the old rotten floor panels, and planning a functional layout tailored for secluded fishing trips.
- Electrical & Tech: Recabling the wiring harness, installing clean battery setups, modernizing navigation lights, and mounting fish-finding electronics.
- Motor & Mechanicals: Getting the propulsion dialed in so it runs smoothly and reliably the first time it hits the lake.
The Road Ahead
There’s something special about bringing an older boat back to life. You aren’t just buying something off a showroom floor; you’re building something with your own hands, tailored to exactly how you want to use it. Every mile driven to Colorado and back was worth it to get the right foundation.
Stay tuned for updates as the teardown begins and the 1996 Lund Rebel Adventure Series officially takes shape!
EarthOutside 
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