Lets play, Name that boat.

[BlkY2k]

Alright guys and gals, this boat has been in the family for years. I learned to water ski behind it many moons ago. It was put to pasture back in the early 80`s, covered with a tarp and forgot about. Well with the admirals and myself s new love for boating I`ve been looking the old girl over. I always liked the lines of her, sharp chine line but a nice curve to the bow she cuts the water and rolls it away. The motor is a 68- 69 chrysler 45 hp. and is in great shape, I`m sure the carb would need rebuilding and and all the usual updates that go with restoration. As far as the hull goes she seems to be pretty solid, I havent found any weak spots. The seats were kept inside and there was no carpet to begin with. All glass interior and it looks fairly good, some spidering but nothing major. I had it off the trailer before it was parked and painted the bottom before it went back on.
My question is this, what kind of boat is it? Who made it and when? It has Clipper on the sides in a nice chrome script and says Clipper 400 on the dash, but I cant seem to find anything on this thing. I`ve tried google, I`ve searched forums, wikipedia, you name it. I did find a reference to a clipper made by Cadillac Boat Co. here in Michigan, but thats it. I`m wondering what I have here and if I should restore it or should I cut and run. HHmm what do you think Iboat?

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Lets play, Name that boat.

Shame on you for even thinking twice...:facepalm: Restore her!!! She's part of your family, and a huge part of your boating history.

 

[KnightWolf]

Re: Lets play, Name that boat.

As to her identity the hull number should have letter and numbers the letters will tell you the manufacturer.
Here is a link to the USCG's manufacturer id codes
http://www.uscgboating.org/recalls/mic1.aspx

You can also call the boat title authority for Michigan and give them the boat id number and they can tell you all the info from the title.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Lets play, Name that boat.

As to her identity the hull number should have letter and numbers the letters will tell you the manufacturer.
Here is a link to the USCG's manufacturer id codes
http://www.uscgboating.org/recalls/mic1.aspx

You can also call the boat title authority for Michigan and give them the boat id number and they can tell you all the info from the title.

That numbering system did not take effect until 1974 so..... if it is pre-74 it will not help. Not all manufacturer's were "onboard" until 75-76 too.

 

[BlkY2k]

Re: Lets play, Name that boat.

I know Veritas, I really am leaning this way. It sits the water really nice and shes a smooth and dry ride.
KnightWolf, I cant find any markings on the hull, I used to have a registration for it but cant seem to locate it. I`ll try to contact the secretary of state today, Thanks for the idea maybe it will give me another clue to this thing. I cant seem to find out anything.

 

[bekosh]

Re: Lets play, Name that boat.

Your best bet might be to ask on the forums over at Fiberclassics.
I did a quick look through the library there and they have some info on Cadillac boats from the late 50's but nothing from the 60's. Same for the Orlando Clipper brand.

As for whether you should restore?
HELL YEAH!!!
And the trailer too. Then find a matching 60's Caddy to tow it with.

 

[emoney]

Re: Lets play, Name that boat.

What they said, except the part about the Cadillac. Get yourself an old Chrysler Imperial to tow it with!!!!!

 

[conquestforlife]

Re: Lets play, Name that boat.

Old thread, but wondering if you ever figured this dillema out. I have acquired a "clipper 500" nearly identical to your 400 and can not find a single word of info on it. No Hull identification number.... just a serial number on the transom trim.