Yipes, Stripes! - Page 15

This is a 1958 Larson, Falls Flyer. This was the first year of the new finned version of the narrow sport boat. These were only available that first year in black and white, either as shown or reversed. This boat is very intact, still retaining its original interior for a pattern. It also has a functional turn signal switch on the dash, beneath the steering wheel. This was an interesting idea that never became popular. It controlled the functional tail lights.

These boats were made very narrow, as were the first generation Falls Flyers, in order to go faster with the low HP motors prevalent at the time. This was a very poor selling model due partially to its high cost and is very rare and sought after today. They are a good rnatch for a 1958 Pontiac, having a nearly identical side treatment. Falls flyers are well represented by a Museum in Minnesota founded by Paul Michelson. There is also a loose association of Falls flyer collectors, owning both early and late models. The restored boat was photographed at a boat show in Canada.

Larson soon came to understand the economics of producing such labor intensive boats and dropped the Falls Flyers and Thunderhawks from the line. They produced only plain bread and butter models thereafter and this decision likely saved the company.