Help with aluminum boat ID

[MikeKingston]

I bought a used aluminum 14' fishing boat identified as a "Challenger" on the previous owner's registration. The trailer and engine are both 1988 models, so I'm guessing the boat is, too. I can barely make out the information on the metal transom tag with the exception of the maker. Google doesn't find any similar boats with the Challenger brand name.

 

[oldrem]

[h=2]Smoker-Craft had a 14ft Challenger model in 1988[/h]

 

[MikeKingston]

I can't find any pictures of a smoker craft that looks like my boat.

 

[Watermann]

Not an 1980's boat, the shape suggests 60's to me. The seam running from the bow down the side of the hull is very distinctive but I can't say I've ever seen one like that before.

 

[GA_Boater]

Not an 1980's boat, the shape suggests 60's to me. The seam running from the bow is very distinctive and I can't say I've ever seen one like that before.

I have been looking for that rivet line on and off. I know I've seen before and I'm almost positive it was a major brand way back in the day. Way before '88.

A 1988 boat would have a HIN tag on the starboard stern. See anything there, Mike? Or on the paperwork?

 

[Watermann]

I have been looking for that rivet line on and off. I know I've seen before and I'm almost positive it was a major brand way back in the day. Way before '88.

I saw the paint scheme and at first in the small pic, I thought Naden but a look at that seam, nope.

 

[GA_Boater]

The answer may be under the paint. Careful removal or looking real close at the upper left corner would reveal who built her. I think I see a "V", Valco?

 

[Watermann]

Valco has a very distinctive bow and stern, at least the ones I've seen made in the past 40 or so years. The Gregor is very similar to the Valco if not the same.