Old AlumaCraft...FDR?

[KeptMan]

I rescued an AlumaCraft that was wasting away in my dad's woods. I'm not sure on the year or the model, but I think it's a '57-'59 FDR. Anyone out there with knowledge on this subject feel free to tell/guess what it is. I had a buddy of mine put the '62 40 horse Evinrude and modern steering on the boat. It handles great! I'm looking forward to restoring it this winter.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Old AlumaCraft...FDR?

Nice boat. From my inexperienced eye, that does look like what you say it was, but you should wait on a reply from river-runner. He seems to be the alumacraft wizard of the board.
Quite a find.

 

[KeptMan]

Re: Old AlumaCraft...FDR?

Thanks "Lieutenant". I'm glad I talked/guilted my dad out of the boat.

 

[River - Runner]

Re: Old AlumaCraft...FDR?

He seems to be the alumacraft wizard of the board.

bassboy1..... No way! and I'm far far from it. I just like learning about the Alumacraft and Lund boats. Yesterday I was looking at a very nice 1959 model F AlumaCraft for sale at the local bait and tackle store and it had interesting factory features I've never seen before, I'm going back with my camera.

KeptMan..... I don't have a good guess on your boat, but that I know of the FDR isn't a dual cockpit boat. If you haven't already, look at the post (Looking for info on dual cockpit Alumacraft) on this forum page. Maybe it can give you some help, also about contacting Alumacraft.

Gees, your boat sure is built solid! and it disturbs me to know the boat was being abandoned. You are very lucky to have it. It's a beauty now and if brought back like original it will be an amazing looker. If you would, keep us posted on it.

 

[KeptMan]

Re: Old AlumaCraft...FDR?

Thanks for the info. I will post updates on my progress in research and restoration.

 

[MNAlum]

Re: Old AlumaCraft...FDR?

Since the boat has counter-sunk decks and side decks plus the position of the aluminum brace for the aft seat back rest, I am guessing that it is a 1954 or 1955 Aluma Craft Merry M 14-footer. A few years ago Russ Swenson, Aluma Craft Vice President, told me that there were 308 of this model made and 202 of the 16-footer.

There should be a serial number on the transom knee brace in the center of the boat. Call Alumacraft at 507-931-1050 with the serial number and they should be able to provide the model and year of the boat.

Installing the decking on the Merry M was labor intensive with the dozens of rivets fastening the one-piece deck to the hull. Perhaps that it the reason that Aluma Craft only produced it for two years.

The current Alumacraft website, www.alumacraft.com, states that the Merry M was Aluma Craft's first runabout. There is a picture of the Merry M on the front cover of the 2007 Alumacraft brochure. It is located immediately below the New 2007 Tournament Sport 185.

Hope that this information helps.

 

[jim911]

Re: Old AlumaCraft...FDR?

If it's a nice boat and you don't want it let me know. Jim

 

[Fishing boat guy]

Re: Old AlumaCraft...FDR?

I have recently inherited a 1963, 16' Alumacraft Lunker with a 35 HP Mercury engine. Been sitting in a garage for 20 years and low use prior to that. Did some basic maintenance and took her out to the lake and she runs like a charm. Boat has the original Alumacraft steering wheel on it and pulley system - all in very good condition.

Here's my question: I'm thinking about cutting the center bench seat out and installing a flat floor + a few other modern upgrades (lights, seating, etc). Before I 'cut' or modify anything, I want to find out if the boat and engine are valuable to anyone as collectibles?

Anyone have an opinion?

 

[Fishing boat guy]

Re: Old AlumaCraft...FDR?

bassboy1..... No way! and I'm far far from it. I just like learning about the Alumacraft and Lund boats. Yesterday I was looking at a very nice 1959 model F AlumaCraft for sale at the local bait and tackle store and it had interesting factory features I've never seen before, I'm going back with my camera.

KeptMan..... I don't have a good guess on your boat, but that I know of the FDR isn't a dual cockpit boat. If you haven't already, look at the post (Looking for info on dual cockpit Alumacraft) on this forum page. Maybe it can give you some help, also about contacting Alumacraft.

Gees, your boat sure is built solid! and it disturbs me to know the boat was being abandoned. You are very lucky to have it. It's a beauty now and if brought back like original it will be an amazing looker. If you would, keep us posted on it.

River Runner... I recently inherited a 1963 Alumacraft Lunker with a '63 35HP Mercury. Sat in a garage for the last 15 years with very low use prior to that. Great condition and runs like a champ. Am considering some modifications to update; e.g. removal of center bench seat and install flat floor + new seats. Before I modify anything, I'm wondering if the the boat/engine have value to anyoine in it's original/unmodified condition? Would appreciate any guidance.

 

[Fishing boat guy]

Re: Old AlumaCraft...FDR?

I've inherited a 1963 Alumacraft Lunker and 35HP Mercury engine. Great condition/runs like a champ. Sat in a garage for the past 15 years, low use prior to that. I am considering modifications: Remove center bench seat and add flat floor + new seats. Before I make any permanent modifications, I'm wondering if this boat/engine have value to anyone in original/unmodified condition? Would appreciate your opinion/guidance.

 

[River - Runner]

Re: Old AlumaCraft...FDR?

River Runner... I recently inherited a 1963 Alumacraft Lunker with a '63 35HP Mercury. Sat in a garage for the last 15 years with very low use prior to that. Great condition and runs like a champ. Am considering some modifications to update; e.g. removal of center bench seat and install flat floor + new seats. Before I modify anything, I'm wondering if the the boat/engine have value to anyoine in it's original/unmodified condition? Would appreciate any guidance.

You must mean '63 Yukon? Because there wasn't a Lunker back then.

This is a quote from VintageAlumacraft on this forum a while back..... "I've seen many vintage Alumacrafts that have been altered and there's just not that many around these days. Please don't take another one away. There's plenty of modern boats designed to do what your asking for."

I agree and It's to be remembered. The value is also understood in the quote.

https://xenforo-prod.iboatsdev.com/posts/1085784/ Also read the Thread.

 

[Fishing boat guy]

Re: Old AlumaCraft...FDR?

You must mean '63 Yukon? Because there wasn't a Lunker back then.

This is a quote from VintageAlumacraft on this forum a while back..... "I've seen many vintage Alumacrafts that have been altered and there's just not that many around these days. Please don't take another one away. There's plenty of modern boats designed to do what your asking for."

I agree and It's to be remembered. The value is also understood in the quote.

https://xenforo-prod.iboatsdev.com/posts/1085784/ Also read the Thread.

Yes. '63 Yukon (sorry), great shape/all original. Merc is also cherry - real chrome/no plastic. This is a proud vessel with lots of charcter, but right now I need a fishing boat with a flat floor and don't have room for both. What would be the best way to find someone interested in this boat as a vintage?

 

[River - Runner]

Re: Old AlumaCraft...FDR?

Yes. '63 Yukon (sorry), great shape/all original. Merc is also cherry - real chrome/no plastic. This is a proud vessel with lots of charcter, but right now I need a fishing boat with a flat floor and don't have room for both. What would be the best way to find someone interested in this boat as a vintage?

You're thinking about selling? You could be sorry later. With a vintage and kept original, don't rush into anything. About finding a buyer for your boat... By continuing to look at all things about boats and related you often see someone that is looking for you.

Just my thoughts... Keep the rig and enjoy! You have a great fishing boat as it is. Being basic and easy to use is where these boats excel and it?ll get noticed. Keeping the boat as original is the most user friendly, along with the bench seats. But if for some reason you really and really do need a flat floor, lay a removable one in. It can be done fancy and with carpet or just simple cheap sections. Click Here Remember it?ll add weight, use up room, be something to maintain and it?s not needed for this style of boat. For me, I?ll just place a loose section of indoor-outdoor carpet on the boat bottom for a cushion or I?ll always prefer the as it is aluminum boat bottom. It cleans quickly, water easily drains out, dries fast and no maintenance.

It sounds like you know what you have. Use the boat and motor as often as you can for one-year. The next year it will be hard to part with, for reasons you?ll discover. Then after, it won't be for sale.

I?m saying this to change your mind, if I can, about selling and your earlier thoughts of changing the character of this classic boat.

 

[KeptMan]

Re: Old AlumaCraft...FDR?

I plan on selling the Alumacraft noted at the top of this thread sometime this spring. It's sad to see such a classic boat sit in the driveway most of the year. I'll probably use ebay to sell her unless someone on here wants to contact me via PM. I know I'll miss her, but it's just not practical to have this style boat when I'm entering the walking dogs, changing diapers, not enough storage space stage of my life.

 

[River - Runner]

Re: Old AlumaCraft...FDR?

I wish somehow you could keep your boat.

Here's pics of a 1954 Alumacraft M-16.

 

[KeptMan]

Re: Old AlumaCraft...FDR?

I wish somehow you could keep your boat.

Here's pics of a 1954 Alumacraft M-16.

I keep wrestling with the idea of hanging onto the boat, but every time I end this internal argument it comes down to my desire to not carry on the family tradition that has been passed down for generations: collecting more than one needs and/or can care for. I know I can't have it all, however, I'm going to try and make sure that this boat falls into the hands of someone that will respect the history and just plain awesomeness of this alumacraft. If you know of anyone that lives near southern Indiana looking for a boat like this, send them my way. Or, even better, if you know of anyone that wants to come over and build me a larger barn for free so I can keep the boat send them my way .

 

[maxr6996]

m-16

m-16

awesome, i have the same boat as you river runner the m-16 my dad bought it off my uncle and we didnt know what it was thank you for informing me of my new found treasure

 

[austinsailor]

My M-16 as found

My M-16 as found

I paid $650 for my M16, just as you see it in this picture. I can't seem to find a current picture, but I'll post one soon.

Took me 3 years to convince the guy to sell it. But, with a rebuilding, painting and new seats, it's a great riding boat that draws attention anywhere we take it.

 

[austinsailor]

Merry 16

Merry 16

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have an M16 as well. It's registered as a 1958, but I called the factory last week with the serial number.

Found out, with serial #139, it's a 1955, they only built the M16 in 1955 It's #139 of 202 ever built. They built the 14 footer in 1954 and 1955, I didn't ask the numbers, but a previous post seems to answer that.

[EDIT: Please contact the poster by private message with offers.]
also removed email address