Whats up with this forum

[a70eliminator]

It seems like there's only two or three guys that frequent this forum, There's a guy saying hello first post and gets only 3 replies? I'm guilty myself visiting here for a couple days or so then giving it up due to lack of interest or I should say lack of responses.
The chaparral forums are the same way heck i have a post from last year and it's still on page 1 with 1 reply and that is it. I'll touch back here from time se ya.

 

[SuzukiChopper]

Re: Whats up with this forum

I think the issue is that not enough people use the 'new posts' feature in the menu bar and don't venture in to areas they aren't interested in. I only saw this because 'New Posts' is what I do and then just scroll through the threads to find ones that interest me or I might be able to help with.

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: Whats up with this forum

I think most of us are too busy fixing our boats! The lucky MFGers are out using theirs! Plus, they haven't made MFGs for YEARS, so only the *elite* cruise this forum. I don't know what's going on with the Chaparell guys, I see those boats everywhere around here (usually bearing down on me under full throttle).

BOB

 

[pduquette]

Re: Whats up with this forum

Hi a70e ! I think most of the regulars here are the guys who are working hard on their new-to-them boats . Then they move out to the general forums to fix their motors , electronics , ask fishing questions etc.
Maybe some that stop by then never show gave up ? can be tough doing what we do. I love it as i'm sure you do .
Ok. I'll throw it out........Do you guys want to do a get-together...maybe at the end of the summer ??? just a thought to build stronger bonds as a group ? peter

 

[boat1010]

Re: Whats up with this forum

I am guessing that it matters what your post is about. I have had one on here for over a month and don't have any posts on it. I am looking for a windshield part. So I am just guessing that no one has the part or knows how to help me. It doesn't stop me for going on here looking and giving my 2 cents worth. every one has their own way of doing things. I think this is a great place to get some help from.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Whats up with this forum

If you think only 3 people are active here, you must own an MFG or a Starcraft!

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: Whats up with this forum

If you think only 3 people are active here, you must own an MFG or a Starcraft!

Wait...HUH?

I know the first place I check is the MFG forum - the best on iboats in my opinion!

I then check my thread subscriptions, then I get lost in the 'new posts' tab if time permits. I'd post and reply more often, but I know a lot of people here know much more about many more boating topics than I do, so I just sit back and take in the advice. I guess I figure if I do this long enough my knowledge will eventually be extensive enough to answer some questions myself.

"Do you guys want to do a get-together...maybe at the end of the summer ??? just a thought to build stronger bonds as a group ? peter"

pduquette - Most of the MFG guys are up in New England so I can't meet up most of the time, but I'm going to be at my house in S.E. Mass (Westport) at the end of July/early August if anyone wants to get together & fish Striper around Cuttyhunk or something. If you ever make it south, we have the Chesapeake here. For some reason they call Stripers Rockfish here though.

BOB

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Whats up with this forum

I am guessing that it matters what your post is about. I have had one on here for over a month and don't have any posts on it. I am looking for a windshield part. So I am just guessing that no one has the part or knows how to help me. It doesn't stop me for going on here looking and giving my 2 cents worth. every one has their own way of doing things. I think this is a great place to get some help from.

Yes- sometimes it just happens. I posted twice with a Suzuki engine problem and never got a response either time. I posted several times about electronic fish attractors and got little response. The way it is sometimes I guess.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Whats up with this forum

So I noticed this thread in the "New Posts" list and started poking around again. I had looked up several MFG things here, and noticed the ~old~ mark42 posts about emblems and wound up on fiberglassics looking for my boat.

I bought my 14' MFG Niagara in 1993-ish. It was sold to me as a 1972 model year.

So imagine my surprise today when I spend several hours looking at old brochures only to find the bow design on my boat matches that on a 1962 and 1963 brochure!

Basically it does not match the brochure exactly. It came with the optional rounded console seat option that was standard on the Niagara Custom. The dash placard states "Niagara Deluxe" and it has no splashwell or rub rail. The heavy aluminum windshield frame has a full-perimeter groove which I have always wondered about, but from the description in the brochures is probably designed to retain a Northeast Hardtop??! Not sure...

So it appears from the bow molding design that I have a 1962 MFG Niagara Deluxe with options. I regret it at this moment, but I deep-sixed the original seats and bases (rotted out molded plywood!) years ago and don't have my emblems any longer, either.

Probably should change my registration! Although no one cared when I registered originally...

 

[pduquette]

Re: Whats up with this forum

Hi Mark !
I had to "correct" my title + reg last year also .They seemed miffed at having to do it , but checked my info and obliged me . they definately don't like changing alot at the same time so I'll wait to do the motor + colors later I hope VT is friendlier to you .
You could contact Mark42 about your logos , he may have more made too. Great how one curious thought can lead to a change in everything we "know" , ain't it ! peter






Oh , and I'll add GO BRUINS!

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Whats up with this forum

....had to "correct" my title + reg last year also .They seemed miffed at having to do it , but checked my info and obliged me.....I hope VT is friendlier to you......

Me,too.

Anyway- with a bit more thought and old brochure review I am leaning towards it actually being a 1964... When I got the boat in 1993-ish, it had a 1964 Johnson 40hp with no evidence that any other motor had ever been on it. Can't see the photos really well in the brochures.

The dash has a "well" on top in the center. anybody know what years that was done?

Mark

 

[pduquette]

Re: Whats up with this forum

Hi MarkVt
I was checking the catalogs - and squinting quite a bit:redface: I Believe that the first "glovebox" or recesed dash were tried with the '61 model line with the Oxford and N.E./Seaway then dropped in '62 . It re-appears in '63 -Wayne maybe your Edinboro's year?? Then MFG seems to continue with it from there .....Thoughts/corrections anyone? Maybe start new thread ?
peter

 

[sebago_kid]

Re: Whats up with this forum

I think the issue is that not enough people use the 'new posts' feature in the menu bar and don't venture in to areas they aren't interested in. I only saw this because 'New Posts' is what I do and then just scroll through the threads to find ones that interest me or I might be able to help with.

I'm a newbie here, as well, and the first thing I do is hit "new posts", just to see what's new...
love that button...

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Whats up with this forum

I Believe that the first "glovebox" or recesed dash were tried with the '61 model line with the Oxford and N.E./Seaway then dropped in '62 . It re-appears in '63 -Wayne maybe your Edinboro's year?? Then MFG seems to continue with it from there....

Edinboro shows a different bow deck style, and I have a metal placard on the console (dash) that says "Niagara Deluxe."

Thanks for the suggestion- keep 'em coming. I am going to look into this further. Curiosity has killed more than cats

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Niagara year confirmation

Re: Niagara year confirmation

OK- so I just wasted 2 hours this morning looking at old MFG brochures at fiberglassics.com and pouring over this site.

My dash has a centered recess on top, but no ribs in it like some years show. My 3-spoke steering wheel looks like that in 1964 ads. When I bought the boat it had a 1964 Johnson 40hp on it, correct period controls according to the old Johnson dealer, and serial numbers confirm it. It has a very heavy aluminum windshield frame with a retainer groove of some sort and "Taylor Made" emblem on it.

Biggest indicator is the bow deck design, set back raised area under the windshield, and forward of windshield has 1/16" ribs 3" apart running fore and aft on it. The bow cleat is vinyl covered bow which is mentioned in ads from that era. The raised molded area appears to be the same as that shown in the '63 and '64 brochures, but it changed for 1965.

The boat is blue on top with white hull and came with the "optional" Sun'N Fun seats with brackets and adjustment hardware identical to the '64 brochure describing and picturing that seating. The blue upholstery matched the topsides color and was single-tone with molded in "stitch stripes" like shown in the brochure, with white piping. '63 has different adjustment hardware and '65 upholstery has different details as well as being two tone. A dash plate states, "Niagara Deluxe." There is/was no evidence of a splashwell or "self-draining motor well" ever having been installed (which are two features of the Niagara Custom model).

Conclusion? My boat is a 1964 Niagara Deluxe ordered with an optional upgrade windshield (with retaining groove for a convertible top) and optional Sun'N Fun seats.

 

[*EdC*]

Re: Whats up with this forum

Whats up with this forum

Hummm, Interesting question. Had to re-read the post a few times to get a sense of how I wanted to respond. If I understand a70 eliminator correctly, there seems to be a lack of responses to new posts.
Well... maybe, maybe not. Consider this...The MFG forum has been active for just under three years now, with a total of 77 threads. This site has had more activity in the last 12 months(38 threads) than it did in the previous 2 years. Also, MFG owners are a very, very small piece of the pie.
Another reason might be, many visitors are first time boat owners (old boats to boot) and my not feel "qualified" to comment. One only needs to look at the "views column" to see the activity. Givin' some more time, I think this site will become more interactive rather than informative.

Without any further ramblings from me, I think the MFG forum is a great site. Everyone here is passionate about their boats, super friendly too

PS. VT mark, If your windshield has a round red dot on the side, that says "Taylor made" It might be a replacement. Some originals, had a round blue dot with MFG on it. I think??

Pete... A MFG get together has merit.. Let's talk about it.


Regards,
ED

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Whats up with this forum

...or round blue with "Taylor Made" which is what mine is May be a replacement, but I take it to be an original as there is no signs it did not come on the boat and several places including the old MFG brochures mention "step up" options being available.

 

[*EdC*]

Re: Whats up with this forum

"PS. VT mark, If your windshield has a round red dot on the side, that says "Taylor Made" It might be a replacement. Some originals, had a round blue dot with MFG on it. I think??"

Mark,
That's Cool........ :redface: I didn't know the "Taylor made" dots came in blue!. Taylor Made, has for along time, and still do, make replacement windshields. Maybe they made them for MFG too. When you pull your cover off, perhaps you could add a pic to the MFG facts thread!

Regards,
Ed

 

[woosterken]

Re: Whats up with this forum

hay,there was a fellow over at fiberglassics that just picked up a hole truck load of MFG windshields.
have a check over there.

woosterken

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Whats up with this forum

...That's Cool........ :redface: I didn't know the "Taylor made" dots came in blue!. Taylor Made, has for along time, and still do, make replacement windshields. Maybe they made them for MFG too. When you pull your cover off, perhaps you could add a pic to the MFG facts thread!Regards, Ed

Of course I am going from memory of something I have never intentionally paid attention to, so you could be correct after all. Snowed last night and haven't got to my "spring cleaning" yet. I'll let you know...

Trouble with my boat is that whenever it has been on the water I have been at the helm, so I have pictures from my boats but not any of my boats other than a few I snapped of the Niagara going on the trailer.