Alumacraft Model R-6: depth, vintage, function

[alumanaut]

Question 1: Did Alumacraft ever make a deep-hulled 12-footer? I am looking at an Alumacraft Model R-6 that appears to be such a boat. It is a classic rounded transom model that looks exactly like a Model FD at the transom, in terms of the way the transom grab handles slope sharply down to the top of the transom. The photos also suggest an amount of distance between the bench seat tops and the tops of the sides of the hull comparable to pictures of 14' Model FDs.

An Alumacraft plaque screwed into the wood on the transom indicates a Model R-6, but nothing else.

Screwed int the wood immediately below the Alumacraft plaque, is an Outboard Boating Club of America plaque indicating a 16 hp maximum rating and 649 pound load capacity.

Question 2: During what period of time was the Model R-6 built? The owner thinks the boat is a 1984 and the benches suggest a later vintage, but it looks more like '60s/70s vintage to me. I have not yet had a chance to see the boat in person and check the HIN for the last two digits.

Question 3: Would this R-6 provide similar function, handling and durability to a Model FD 14, albeit with less length and seating, or were the hulls significantly different. They look like the spitting image of each other but for the shorter length.

Some pics are attached. Thanks in advance.

 

[raab@wi.rr.com]

Re: Alumacraft Model R-6: depth, vintage, function

I happen to have a 1963 AlumaCraft catalog that has some specs for the R-6. This is the successor, I guess, of the Model R which seemed to be a 12 foot Model F in terms of width/beam. The overall length was 12'. The Model R's were 11'7". 55" width (same as the F-7) of the same year. 26" depth. The basic 12' Model E was 49" wide and had a depth of 24". The R-6 weighed 148 lbs...up a bit from the 130# or so for the Model R. Load capacity of 646 vs. 557 for the Model E. HP rating of 18 hp...same as the Model R's of earlier vintage and 6 more than the Model E. They could be ordered with a forward deck, walk-through rear decks, windshield, steering, etc. just like the Model R's of earlier vintage.

I am not sure when the R-6 was introduced. It is definitely early 60's vintage in terms of launch. I have an R-7 from the 1970's and it is a pretty stout boat....the original R/RB/RBL's are pretty tough but the R-7 is even heavier. They do look a lot like the 1960 and beyond FD in terms of bow lines and spray rail placement.

Good luck...they are not very common in my experience.