Identifying manufacturer of my boat

[detroitmedic498]

I was just recently given a 16-17' ski boat this past week. I looked all over on the inside of the boat and was unable to find the manufaturer plate. It has Evinrude throttle controller, but it has a Johnson ignition system and starter. It's an older 70's model outboard boat. The front end is rather broad and it has a very narrow back end, all fiberglass construction as well. It needs some work, but I shouldn't have too many problems with doing the repairs. I just need to find out if there is another way of identifying it without a manufacturer plate. I will try and get some photo's posted as soon as possible.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

Check the Starboard side of the transom. There may be an ID plate with manufacturer and serial number.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

If you can find the VIN number (should be on the right side of the transom looking from outside the boat), I believe the first three letters are a manufacturer's code.<br /><br />If it's there, that's something to work from, the codes are on the Internet somewhere.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

Can't you trace the boat by its registration numbers on the hull? And don't you need a title for that boat? It must have been registered at some time in some state. Right?

 

[detroitmedic498]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

Well, I went and looked again, both inside and out to find a manufacturers plate. No such luck. As far as the registration numbers, Michigan, if memory serves me well, only keeps records for 7 years on watercraft. I may have to the same thing that I had to do with my canoe and my 14' aluminum row boat, which was guess on the year, make and model in order to get a title. I got this boat from a co-worker that recieved it with the purchase of his home in Detroit. The elderly man that sold the home to him, told him to keep the boat, he had no use for it. Well, my co-worker had no use for it either, as it was taking up a lot of room in his back yard...lol<br /><br />The last time it was registered was in 1996 and it looks every bit of that long since it's been in the water. The hull is in pretty good shape and I am certain it will be sea worthy, but I have a ton of work to put into the seats, new carpet and a motor. It also needs a little tlc in the paint department though. If I had to guess what year it was built, I would almost have to say early 70's. As stated before, I will attempt to get some photo's posted this week if at all possible. If anyone has any more ideas, please let me know.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

I went and looked again, both inside and out to find a manufacturers plate.

You're Not looking for a Plate........<br /><br />The VIN will be Cast Into the transom somewhere near the top, on the Starboard side.........<br /><br />With the VIN, you can run down Who built it..............

 

[detroitmedic498]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

No such luck. I have looked inside and out for the casting or stamp on the starboard side. I'll keep on looking though. I'm open to other suggestions.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

Hull id numbers were not required on boats made prior to 1973. Yours was probably made before that. Pick a year prior to 1973 and put it on the registration application. Posting a picture here may help.<br /><br />You could go here http://www.fiberglassics.com/ <br />and look at some of the photos.

 

[detroitmedic498]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

By the looks of it, I have the distinct feeling that it was built circa 1970-72. I should have a picture posted by the end of this week. On another note, a friend of mine just happened to have a 40 horse motor in excellent shape for sale for my boat. Cost: $200.00. I can't beat that price with an ugly stick....lol With any luck, I'll have this boat nicely restored by this summer and be able to get the wife and kids out on the lakes to do some tubing and lot's of fishing.

 

[detroitmedic498]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

The only real description that I can give so far is that it has a 70's look to it, both front and aft seats are fiberglass molded and forward facing, the windshield is made of 5 sections and the front of it is rather broad and the rear is fairly narrow.It sort of reminds me of my first car, my 1970 Pontiac...lol.

 

[detroitmedic498]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

Update: sorta...A friend of mine told me that he believe's that the boat I have may be a 70's model of a slick craft. His is a 1974 slick craft and he thinks that mine may be 1970-73...possibly even a late 60's model. We'll wait and see what the jury says when I post the pics later today. Another friend is getting me hooked up with an older Chrysler outboard motor, 45hp. for my boat. I soooo can't wait to get out onto the water.

 

[detroitmedic498]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

Here are a few pics of my boat that I can't figure out the make or the model. <br />

 

[one more cast]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

sorry medic, The dreaded red X . If you can't get them up Try photobucket.com or send them to me and I'll post them. I've been waiting all day to see this boat.

 

[detroitmedic498]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

I just sent you those pics. Post away....you'll have better luck than me more than likely...lol. I'm like a kid trying to get the prize out of his cracker jack box at this point with trying to identify the make and model..lol! I just can't wait to find out so I can get it registered and get my new (used) 45 horse Chrysler on this boat.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

Hey Medic why would any one from Ionia want people to think he is from Detroit--Bob--

 

[one more cast]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

 

[detroitmedic498]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

Well, it's because I live in Ionia, just moved from Detroit's northwest side and I still work for the City of Detroit....Detroit Fire Department EMS Division.

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

That boat has some classic lines. Quite interesting. If I were you I would definitely spend some time evaluating the condition of the floor & transom before strapping on a new power plant. The plywood bolted to the rear does not increase one's confidence level. Safety first.... while an old boat is nice it must be inspected closely for structural integrity before use.

 

[detroitmedic498]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

Thanks for posting my pics on here. With any luck, I hope to get a response as to the make and model so that I can get this registered.

 

[detroitmedic498]

Re: Identifying manufacturer of my boat

I have inspected the floor and transom and feel and appear to be sound. I do however plan on installing a new section of wood onto the transom, as the piece that is there is a bit worn and rotted. I haven't found any cracks or gaps as of yet. It looks rough, but after a little bit of glass work and a fresh paint job, alond with some upolstery work, I should have a nice family toy that will last us for years to come.