Alumacraft Flying D project!!

[LucasalumacraftFD]

Hi Everyone,
Wanted to share my new "toy" with everyone. It's a model Flying D and it has a Johnson FDE-12 Seahorse 18 on the back. It's 14 ft long. It's really a neat boat. It needs to be painted and seats need to be done over but its a good solid boat. The only thing that I see so far that is missing is the windshield so if anyone has one or knows anyone who sells them let me know. I also would love to know what year it is... ANyone have any ideas? I know the motor is a 1958 but not sure about the boat. Any info on these boats would be really helpfull!!! Thanks everyone and great site!!!!

 

[jriegle04]

Re: Alumacraft Flying D project!!

that looks like a great boat. have fun

 

[River - Runner]

Re: Alumacraft Flying D project!!

Congratulations on getting that boat!

Here's some pictures of a Flying D as original.

By contacting Alumacraft with the stamped ID# on the top of the center transom brace you can get info on your boat.

 

[Vintage Aluminum]

Re: Alumacraft Flying D project!!

'58 or '59 for sure--not sure about 1960, not in the 1957 catalog.

Your boat is exactly what was pictured in the catalogs for those years...same colors, anyway. Certified for 35 hp...from experience my FDR handles up to that pretty well. 18 hp would be fine, 30 hp is plenty....I have run an FD with a 40 hp motor and it was a little overkill, but not a real problem. These boats handle the weight of a bigger motor ok, but they are pretty light so more weight can affect the balance somewhat. Different props, as we know, change the dynamic substantially and can get one into more trouble with more speed. Nice boat, but best on quieter lakes.

Windshields are tough. They are rarely in good condition when you find them, or on a boat that one buys. That's the problem...one has to buy another boat to get the windshield! I haven't gone down the road of having Taylor make one or have the plastic screen replaced, but it can be done for a price. Likely cost more than some of my boats!

Get this one out on the water...whatever shape you get her in. Good find. Keep us posted.

VA

 

[fb-brec]

Re: Alumacraft Flying D project!!

Hi Everyone,
Wanted to share my new "toy" with everyone. It's a model Flying D and it has a Johnson FDE-12 Seahorse 18 on the back. It's 14 ft long. It's really a neat boat. It needs to be painted and seats need to be done over but its a good solid boat. The only thing that I see so far that is missing is the windshield so if anyone has one or knows anyone who sells them let me know. I also would love to know what year it is... ANyone have any ideas? I know the motor is a 1958 but not sure about the boat. Any info on these boats would be really helpfull!!! Thanks everyone and great site!!!!

Hi, I have just joined this sight and read your post. I have a 1957 flying D that I purchased from the original owner and restored in 2002. The seller had all of the original paper work including the invoice. The boat was purchased in 1957 for 475.30 plus 181.07 in options, one of the options being a windshield for 20.65 The total bill on the invoice was 656.37. We live on a small lake outside of Kansas City which has a 9.9hp restriction. We love this boat and even with a 9.9hp on a good day it will run 21 mph according to the GPS. I also have a 1957 Rich line Speedster 12' runabout with a Wizard Powermatic 12 on it. It too is a fun boat. How is your project coming along?

 

[LucasalumacraftFD]

Re: Alumacraft Flying D project!!

Hi, Thanks for the reply. I'm almost done. Just need to put stickers on it. I will post some pics in the next few days. I'm really excited to get it out on the lake. I think it will be fun... Take care.

 

[LucasalumacraftFD]

Re: Alumacraft Flying D project!!

Here are some pics of the boat all done up minus the motor. It's not perfect put came out pretty good. I'm planing on having the motor on it this week and trying it out this weekend. It was a fun project. Heave fun everyone

 

[Vintage Aluminum]

Re: Alumacraft Flying D project!!

That's fine work...you can be proud of your workmanship and the 1950's craftsmanship that went into your boat. Well done. Enjoy.

VA

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Alumacraft Flying D project!!

looks great!

 

[mwanderson]

Re: Alumacraft Flying D project!!

Just joined the forum to advertise my Flying D for sale. Saw your request for information on a windshield. I found one that works perfectly and is very similar to the original from Taylor Made Systems in New York. The model is a 15" Sporstshield 54-57". Eight years ago it cost $261.00 with only $20.00 shipping from New York to Idaho.