Any Info we can get - 1963 Elgin boat

[DHag]

My daughter and her hubby buy lots of cars, boat, motorcycles, etc.-- either for themselves or to re-sell. They have come up with a "free boat" that they want to restore, and have asked me, of all people, to help them research it. So of course, my first thought was to turn to the iBoats community.

Apparently it's a 1963 Elgin 16, and it's in amazingly good condition. Mostly appears to need some good cleanup, carpet, and upholstery work. Has the original motor. And that's about all we know, other than it was sold by Sears. I've attached some pics. Can anyone share any more info on this boat?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Any Info we can get - 1963 Elgin boat

Don't want to rain on anyone's parade here. Lone star may have made the boat for Sears, after they got into the fiberglass business (after aluminum) and Scott Atwater made the engine. I had both the Scott engines (2) and a similar boat...Taylor Craft.

Best advice I can give you and your family is:.......................RUN!!!!!!!! Free is a total misconception. Your problems start after the parade is over....the Free part.

BTDT

Mark

 

[DHag]

Re: Any Info we can get - 1963 Elgin boat

Best advice I can give you and your family is:.......................RUN!!!!!!!! Free is a total misconception. Your problems start after the parade is over....the Free part.

Thanks for the info. And I'm not worried about their being fooled by the "free" part. They've been buying, restoring, and reselling stuff for quite a while. He's an amazing auto restorer, and she's got good business sense. I'm sure they knew exactly what they were getting.

 

[woosterken]

Re: Any Info we can get - 1963 Elgin boat

DH,
check this out..................
these people would know all there is to know about your boat, check in their forums
http://www.fiberglassics.com/library/Elgin

woosterken

 

[southkogs]

Re: Any Info we can get - 1963 Elgin boat

I don't know nuthin' about it ... but it's a good lookin' boat. Hope y'all have some fun with it.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Any Info we can get - 1963 Elgin boat

My first reaction when I saw the boat was it is an Arkansas Traveler because of that very distinctive bow design. I believe the "AT" in the serial number confirms it. The motor was manufactured for Sears by Scott which later became McCulloch and the serial number confirms it is a 1963 model. Service info for that motor can be found at the link below.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=393281

LOGIN as directed and then drill down to: Small Engines, Marine/Boat Motors, McCulloch and Flying Scott.

You can see the model number listing if you look under Sears. Good luck!

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Any Info we can get - 1963 Elgin boat

I say it looks like a fine old boat. Almost classic!
Remember, Sears had everything!

 

[etracer68]

Re: Any Info we can get - 1963 Elgin boat

Looks like a cool, older boat. Motor parts might be a bit hard to find though. If theres not alot of rot in the floors, might be a good boat. I would get it covered though. Sun and rain will kill a boat fast.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Any Info we can get - 1963 Elgin boat

My first reaction when I saw the boat was it is an Arkansas Traveler because of that very distinctive bow design. I believe the "AT" in the serial number confirms it.

I'd agree on a very high possibility especially if he can get a number and you can nail it. It has been a long time since I saw an AT. Well, both brands for that matter.

Mark

 

[DHag]

Re: Any Info we can get - 1963 Elgin boat

Thanks, everybody. You all gave me what I needed in order to find out what they needed. I'll share here in case anyone needs to know.

Yes, it's an Elgin, 1963 model. Not sure about calling it "Elgin 16."

Willyclay thought it was an Arkansas Traveler, with "AT" in the serial number and its bow design. Sure enough, I found that it's either an Arkansas Traver "Skijack" or a "Frolic." They called it a "Sports Runabout." It's 15' 2" long, which in those days made it a 15 footer. The Skijack was a totally open design, and the Frolic had enclosed fuel and battery space. "Siesta seats" and a soft convertible top were optional. It was re-branded "Elgin" for sale by Sears. See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arkansas_Traveler_(boat_line)
and
http://www.fiberglassics.com/wiki/images/1/12/Arktravb62007.jpg

I was able to confirm that the motor was built by Scott-McCulloch. In the Scott-McCulloch line, the motor was called the "Flying Scott." Believe it or not, I found the service manual for it, thanks to woosterken's link.

I found an old ad, that indicates the top speed would be about 35 mph:
http://www.fiberglassics.com/wiki/images/1/1e/BHBPHOTO379.JPG

So many thanks go to all of you. I wouldn't have known where to start without your collective expertise.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Any Info we can get - 1963 Elgin boat

Glad to help! Tell the kids to give you post-restoration pictures to update this thread. We really like to see what others do with these great old boats and motors.