1961 Wards Seaking

[krazebill]

OK Guys, I've purchased a 1961 Wards SeaKing runabout. Knowing full well that Wards had their boats manufactured for them by a number of manufacturers how can I tell who actually did manufacture this boat. It does have the three knee braces in the back-is that pretty much a Starcraft thing or did others also employ the 3 braces. Looks similar to a Crestliner... Don't have any pics yst as I know that owuld help in determining its lineage. Hopefully post some soon.

 

[starcraftkid]

Re: 1961 Wards Seaking

I've got a 1962 Wards Sea King that is no doubt a Starcraft hull, the construction of the stringers, top cap, and even the windshield are identical to a Starcraft.
Mine is fiberglass, no knee braces, it sounds like you have an aluminum hull?

Wards was basically a lowest bidder type company, they had things made by many different manufacturers. I've looked at various other Sea King boats and have seen some which were no doubt Starcraft hulls, and others which I had no clue as to who made them. Keep in mind that Starcraft is a huge company and also made boats for other manufacturers as well.

 

[krazebill]

Re: 1961 Wards Seaking

Yes, mine is an aluminium hull, three knee braces in back, a deck (also aluminium) and should have a windscreen but is missing.
has some nice vintage ornaments ie bow light and cleats etc.

 

[coconutbay]

Re: 1961 Wards Seaking

Hey guys- just got a 1962 Sea King aluminum runabout. I am restoring it (except the 1987 outboard) back to how it looked in a vague brochure I found online. Now I'm priming and painting. Soon it will be time to buy some cleats. Any pics on what kind of cleats were used back in '62?