Story and photos by Paul Scorza
My wife (and kids) think I am nuts.
My wife (and kids) think I am nuts.
My “fleet” ranges from 10-14 boats depending on when you catch me. I have loved boats since I was a little kid. Below is a pic of a 1960 Glasspar, owned by family friends, in 1969 with me riding in it on the Hudson River in Red Hook, NY.

I loved boats then as I do now, and boats from that time period hold a special place in my heart. Hence the reason all the boats I buy and restore are from those years of growing up on the river.
My first restoration was when I graduated from college and wanted my own boat. I loved Sea Rays from when we used to visit lake George every summer and the lake was full of them. I found a 1970 Sea Ray, 24ft cuddly full of tomato plants in a field. I bought it and proceeded to restore it over the next 9 months. I used it for a few years and then traded it for a newer boat. We then always had a family boat for the wife and kids.

My next restoration was many years later when my dad passed away and I needed something to keep busy. He loved Chris Crafts, so I figured why not find one that needs restoring and take it from there. I restored a 22ft 1955 Continental which I still have and will always have. I named it after my dad.

Next, I actually found that exact yellow boat in the picture below from 1969 rotting away in an owner’s backyard and offered to buy it. I restored it and still have it. That really got me going on finding old boats and bringing them back to life. Sometimes I sell a few of them, but mostly I have my favorites and keep them. They have to be seaworthy and run, as every one of my boats goes out for a cruise at least a few times a year.

Below is a picture taken on a day when the whole fleet was afloat. It looks like a lot of friends and family having lots of fun!

“My favorite thing to do is go out with my wife and take a nice early evening cruise on one of my restored oldies.”
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I am looking for someone that would have some knowledge on Sea Sprite boats. My title says it is a 1972 14ft with no model type. I would love to understand what model it is. I rebuilt it and I am totally in love with it and just want to understand what I have. Thanks
Boats were made in Miami Fl late 60"s only made for a year or two. They were made for the resort industry and rental industry mainly.
they had a 5 1/2 hp Johnson outboard engine converted to a inboard under the hood. the hole you are talking about is for the pull cord, only forward. I had two recently sold them. one was orginial the other I converted to electric by replacing the rudder with a trolling motor. hope this helps
John
they had a 5 1/2 hp Johnson outboard engine converted to a inboard under the hood. the hole you are talking about is for the pull cord, only forward. I had two recently sold them. one was orginial the other I converted to electric by replacing the rudder with a trolling motor. hope this helps
John
I'm after some letters that say " OWENS'' for my 1961 Owens runabout. Any help would be appreciated.
Doug Routly
Doug Routly
The first MFG boats were made in a mold taken right off a Lyman hull.
I recently listed a 1960 MFG boat for sale on Boat Trader. I indicated it is a 15' "Erie" model MFG boat. I am not certain of this and ask the membership that may be familiar with MFG boats open the Boat Trader listing for my boat and confirm whether it is an Erie or another model. It is identical in design to a 15" Lyman of that vintage and looks as though Lyman was used in its design. Thanks.
I really don't recall any emblem on the side of the boat. the '58 had emblems on the fins but not the '59. Therre are some pictures on the net of 58s but are labeled as 59s.
If you are restoring or modifying, I have hundreds of pictures of my rebuild that I can share.
The glove box cover is like hens teeth along with the cigarette pack holder but there are guys here that can help. I don't know if Don is still hanging around here but he's a go to guy for the Herters.
If you are restoring or modifying, I have hundreds of pictures of my rebuild that I can share.
The glove box cover is like hens teeth along with the cigarette pack holder but there are guys here that can help. I don't know if Don is still hanging around here but he's a go to guy for the Herters.
Hi everybody, we are trying to find accessories for a 1959 Herter's Flying Fish specifically the Herters emblems for the sides of the boat and glove a compartment cover. If anybody knows of a custom shop that can replicate those items, any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!
I am trying to locate any owners of Famous Craft, Famous Craft by Rinker, Goshen, IN boats. molded plywood from 1950s. please contact me This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Pre 1972 boats were not required to have a hull id number, so there may very well not be any numbers anywhere on the boat.
New guy here ! first of all thanks for letting me join the group ! I'm right full of questions. I have just bought a Fabuglas boat and need help with the Model and year . The tag reads for the Model # F And the serial # is 68 13802. Cant find any numbers stamped into the hull any where . So i cant get it registered at this time.. HELP !! if you can any infor or directions to help would be really apprated!! Thanks
Hello everyone, I am new to this site. I previously owned a 1959 Cruisers Inc 14' runabout, but today I purchased my first fiberglass boat!
It is a 1960's Hydro-Mite.
I have been searching online for more information on how to determine the year and model, however I have not been able to find to much other then some pictures and a picture of an old magazine article.
Should these boats have a VIN somewhere on them?
If so, any suggestions on where to look?
The Registration number on the side indicates it was from Missouri.
The motor was removed as it was sitting in a barn and not sure if it is seized and I need a new one or if it can be repaired. I haven't confirm yet which make it was or the HP.
The boat seems to also be missing a lever to change gear from idle to forward as there seems to be a hole to the left of the steering wheel but nothing is there.
Is there anyone who might have parts or know where to get them?
The gas tank is also missing so that will need to be replaced.
I am guessing a standard outboard gas tank that is secured down would work?
If anyone could help with how to determine the year and model as well as any other info or experience they have had working on Hydro-Mites I would be very appreciative.
I am location just west of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Attached are a few pictures of the boat.
It is a 1960's Hydro-Mite.
I have been searching online for more information on how to determine the year and model, however I have not been able to find to much other then some pictures and a picture of an old magazine article.
Should these boats have a VIN somewhere on them?
If so, any suggestions on where to look?
The Registration number on the side indicates it was from Missouri.
The motor was removed as it was sitting in a barn and not sure if it is seized and I need a new one or if it can be repaired. I haven't confirm yet which make it was or the HP.
The boat seems to also be missing a lever to change gear from idle to forward as there seems to be a hole to the left of the steering wheel but nothing is there.
Is there anyone who might have parts or know where to get them?
The gas tank is also missing so that will need to be replaced.
I am guessing a standard outboard gas tank that is secured down would work?
If anyone could help with how to determine the year and model as well as any other info or experience they have had working on Hydro-Mites I would be very appreciative.
I am location just west of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Attached are a few pictures of the boat.
i am new to the site... currently own a 1969 Cutter with a re-powered 1976 Mercury 1750.. I would like to find out as much information as possible as to the history of my boat. The motor is easy to find information but hard to find any history/info on the boat. will publish pictures shortly
I am looking for help in identifying a boat I recently purchased. The boat was built in 1960 and came out of Florida. It has since been totally restored and is a Glassic. I can provide photos if there is an email address that I can send them to.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Okay I apologize If im in the wrong place, but I just was looking for some info on a boat I purchased this past summer. Its an all fiberglass body, 2 person boat. There are 2 tags on it but the company closed its doors according to a search I did on it. But I thought it was pretty neat and I couldnt pass on the price. But any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Now This isnt the actual boat! But it is the same model. And I do apologize if this is not allowed. But any info would be awesome.
Now This isnt the actual boat! But it is the same model. And I do apologize if this is not allowed. But any info would be awesome.
Welcome aboard! Good advice from the other guys. If you post motor questions under the specific section, it helps the experts find you. I have received lots of help. Something you should mention when you ask questions is to tell them if you wish to do all work yourself and give them a hint as to how much previous mechanical experience you have in your past that you can draw from. This can help them tailor their answers to your needs. Some choose to find someone who can do certain parts of fixing, tuning, etc. and there are a few around your region that could perhaps help with a repair… and then there are several active Merc professionals that can answer any question I have ever posted…. And many other 2-stroke outboard gurus that can help troubleshoot general outboard problems. They got me on the water so quite confident someone can help. The more clear pictures and explanations you can post, the quicker and easier someone can get to the issues you might have. Good luck. p.s. I am not your expert, but love old boats and I am an expert at posting pictures that are sideways or upside down sometimes.
Welcome aboard Andy you did come to the right place. Like 63 Sabre said go to the Merc section there's a lot of help there. I would start a new thread their and you'll get a lot of help on there. Great motor by the way.
Bob
Bob
Boy did you ever come to the right place.
There are experts here, repair guys and wrench turners that specialize in Mercs, OMC, glass repair etc.
Stay tuned. Page down to the Merc threads and you'll see more information than you can absorb and all in understandable terms.
Lots of guys here from the Midwest. Wis, MN, Ill, and a couple youpers for flavor.
welcome aboard
There are experts here, repair guys and wrench turners that specialize in Mercs, OMC, glass repair etc.
Stay tuned. Page down to the Merc threads and you'll see more information than you can absorb and all in understandable terms.
Lots of guys here from the Midwest. Wis, MN, Ill, and a couple youpers for flavor.
welcome aboard
I recently purchased and all already is an all original 1957 glass craft Imperial with I believe a 1957 Mercury mark 78 Tower of Power that I would like to Shine up and get her hummin like it was 1957, Is anybody with any knowledge of the motor or bold I would love to hear All they know I'm located in the Saint Croix river Valley Between Minnesota and Wisconsin If anybody Has some hot tips they'd be willing to share let me know