Looking for guidance---new owner of Alumacraft

[abjur]

Hey guys,

My first time post on iboats, I was sent here by a friend and man there is a ton of information, I am getting excited. I am a little lost though and would like some more help or info or at least be pointed in the right direction.

Today I received an old Alumacraft from my father. This boat first belonged to my grandfather, who passed away several years ago. This boat has been in the family for a LONG time, my mother actually learned to ski behind it when she was a kid. I spent many fishing trips with my grandfather and father in it.

It has sat on my father?s property for many years and is in poor shape but I would like to restore it partly as a tribute to my grandfather but also so I may share with my kids (3year old daughter and soon to have a son in August).

My dad thinks the boat is 1956 but he isn't sure, and I am unable to find any further information on the boat to assist in my search online. I would like to get it in good looking/running order and maybe even mod it a little bit for fishing. The back tag says its a combination row/outboard boat but I don't see any sort of model numbers, heres hoping someone out there may know more or help me figure it out.

I am soo excited to get working on the boat!

sorry blurry

Thanks in advance!

 

[jpetker]

Re: Looking for guidance---new owner of Alumacraft

Those are kick *** boats. Good Luck chuck!

 

[River - Runner]

Re: Looking for guidance---new owner of Alumacraft

A welcome here, Abjur

On the transom brace look for a stamped I.D. number. Contacting Alumacraft with that they can give you information about your boat and year.

It looks like a 14' model F with the optional front deck. Nice boat, a classic! And with air sealed seats.
Added value to the boat is that it isn't modified and kept original as possible including the aged wood, aluminum finish and decals.

 

[Aqualad]

Re: Looking for guidance---new owner of Alumacraft

Looks just like my Alumacraft F-6. Model year is around 1960 thru 1964( I think). Like River-Runner said, the transom brace should have a series of numbers stamped into it.

I'm in the process of some aluminum polishing. My boat has a lot of pitting from salt water, barnacles and such. My ex-brother in law gave me the boat when I moved ot Florida, since I didn't have a boat at the time.

Good luck and keep us informed on your progress!

 

[Prophammer]

Re: Looking for guidance---new owner of Alumacraft

Very Nice boat, But I don't have any model info.

 

[javsam]

Re: Looking for guidance---new owner of Alumacraft

The 1956 Alumacraft F had the following specifications:
Length 14 '
Width amidships 54"
Width at transom 52"
Depth forward 24"
Depth amidships 18"
Transom depth for motor 15"
Splash rails ....full length
Flotation tanks....3
Bottom design...round
Weight....150 lbs
OBC approved for outboards motors
up to......16 h.p.


The older Alumcrafts boats were fast and stable boats.
The forward deck was an installed option.

 

[Lloyd Lautner]

Re: Looking for guidance---new owner of Alumacraft

It's a nice mid fifties Model F with optional foredeck. Please do NOT modify it for fishing or otherwise modify it in any way. It will severely decrease it's value.
In particular do not drill holes in the seats to mount anything. They are welded aluminum flotation tanks. Holes are a no no. Don't paint it either. It's supposed to be bare aluminum. Replace the transom wood if you have to but use the original fasteners and white oak of the proper thickness.

 

[abjur]

Re: Looking for guidance---new owner of Alumacraft

Thank you guys for the responses and the info.

My dad found the title and told me it was a 1955, but I haven't seen the paperwork.

I really wanted to modify it but the more I think about it, I want to keep it as vintage as possible but maybe add some mods that won't actually affect the value but make use a little more enjoyable. I will not paint it but will look for some good cleaner to clean up the aluminum and hopefully get it looking new. I might look into doing some sort of flooring that could be removed but also add to the comfort.

The transom wood is pretty old and I would like to redo it, to give it a newer look. My dad also has an old Evinrude to go with it. I did some research on the motor and it is a 1956 Evinrude 5.5 Fisherman..it's paint and decals are still in pretty good condition and has a great vintage look.

The trailer is in pretty rough shape so I will do a lot of work to getting it back in shape to match the boat.

If you guys have any ideas or suggestions on how I should clean up the boat and keep it as original as possible but still adding some good look and comfort to it, let me know.


There is one area on the boat that makes me a little sad, the rear seat looks like the original bracket was broken so a new one was added with nuts and bolts...its definitely not the same as the others on the other seats...I will try to post a picture to show what I am talking about, maybe you guys could give me some suggestions on how to best fix or make do with what was done.

Though I have no real intention on selling to boat, I do want to make it as valuable as possible....would be nice to have something of value, that I could take care of and pass down through my family like it has been so far.