Re: ID old Alumacraft Utility boat
Yes, my front end was original, anchored under the gunwale top rail. Inside edge of covered area has a 8"? lip that drops straight down, and the metal steering wheel was mounted there, connected to cable/pulley steering system. Boat has 3 very low bench seats. It had a tiller 9.9 when we bought it back in '76. It now has a '85 Johnson 15hp, which planes it ok if I am alone. This boat is very heavy, 2 men can NOT carry it. I can carry the stern, kindof, but 2 sets of muscles are needed to pick up the bow.<br /><br />I believe we have an earlier version if this boat.<br /><br />
http://www.boatingworldonline.com/Archives.htm?CD=39&ID=900 <br /><br />It may have gone by the name Merry M, available in 14 and 16' versions.<br /><br />On this site:
http://www.alumacraft.com/about.html <br /><br /> you will find this:<br />Responding to customers needs, Alumacraft introduced its first runabout the Merry M in 1954. Available in both the 14 and 16-models, the Merry M came with either a forward or center deck. In fact, it was the deck that became the most unique feature of the Merry M. The gunwales were extruded aluminum and protruded above the decks, giving the decks a dropped look. Capable of handling cutboard motors up to 30 horsepower, the Merry M also came with Coast Guard-approved Kapok life jacket cushions for seating. Another unique, new feature was the Aqueduct Transom, a full-width, self-draining pan set ahead of the transom to prevent waves from coming into the boat. The windshield, lights, and steering equipment were optional. They would become standard in 1955.<br /><br />As popular as the Merry M was, customers soon demanded bigger and more colorful boats with more features. Alumacraft listened again and responded. In 1957, the company replaced the M models with the 15-foot Super C, which was not only deeper and wider than the Merry M, but was available in three color combinations. That year, Alumacraft outgrew its facilities at Flour City and moved to a larger plant in northeast Minneapolis. A year later, the company introduced Alumaglass, a fiberglass line of boats that included two models 15 and 17-foot runabouts.<br /><br />No pictures tho.<br />The May 1995 issue of Boating World has an article on the Merry M, but back issues are sold out. <br /><br />If anyone has a copy, please let me know.<br />If it has pictures, I may be interested.
