Aerocraft CC-16

[1973Chieftain]

Do any of y'all know anything about Aerocraft CC-16 aluminum runabouts? I've been to fiberglassics website and the only info I could find was a very short listing in a 1955 catalog- was this the only year they were built? I am considering buying one, but would love some more info on them! I would love to pull a tube with it, but due to its age I am not sure if thats a smart idea- have any of you used an old 50's Aerocraft for such a purpose or do I need to treat her like the old lady that she is?

 

[oops!]

Re: Aerocraft CC-16

as long as the transom is solid and the rivets are in good shape......pull away.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Aerocraft CC-16

Ditto. As longs as the transom is solid you should be good to go. Lots of us here actually prefer the old aluminum runabouts of that era for both their looks and build quality. They really don't build them like they used to. There are tons of threads here that can walk you through and entire resto. The great thing about aluminum boats is that they're easy to work on with simple everyday tools. The only iron clad rule is to NEVER use pressure treated wood in an aluminum boat as the metals used in the wood preservative can/will cause and electrolytic reaction which will result in pitting of the aluminum and weakening of the hull. To avoid this, use high quality, exterior grade plywood such as Arauco brand available at Lowe/HD then laminate two sheets together (usually two pieces of 3/4") to get the desired thickness, the you can either waterproof it by coating it with epoxy, then painting (for UV protection), or you can coat it in wax-free polyester resin and fiberglass mat. Most folks here tend to go the epoxy route for its ease of use and versatility. Although, it is a bit more expensive. Also, be sure you only use Stainless Steel fasteners, preferably coated in 3M 5200 marine caulk, especially for any through hull fasteners. Aside from the epoxy, you can get virtually anything else you may need at any lowes/HD. They even sell aluminum angle and stock. Good luck. Holler if you get stuck.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Aerocraft CC-16

Thanks guys! I am part way through replacing the transom on my Jet (epoxy is done, need to drill the wholes next). The odd thing is that on my Jet the transom is the full width of the stern, practically touching the sides. The Aerocraft however looks like the transom wood is only about 2/3rds of the width only going slightly past the outer knee braces. I will be looking at it in person around the middle of the week hopfully... I wonder if that will effect the towing capabilities? I don't think putting the tow points just through the aluminum skin would work very well.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Aerocraft CC-16

The Aero Craft CC16 on ebay, in Eagle? Nice looking boat! If I was anywhere near it & had room @the house/garage it would certainly be my ticket into the tinny club. Incorrect windshield has to go though!

According to this chart it maybe a 1955 AeroCraft, its the only CC on the chart. May have been that the outboard was easily identified as a 1950 motor, & at some time the boat 'became' a 1950 too. That's why my '60 FireFlite was listed as a 1957....

Good luck, if that's the one, hope ya snag it..............

 

[64osby]

Re: Aerocraft CC-16

Thanks guys! I am part way through replacing the transom on my Jet (epoxy is done, need to drill the wholes next). The odd thing is that on my Jet the transom is the full width of the stern, practically touching the sides. The Aerocraft however looks like the transom wood is only about 2/3rds of the width only going slightly past the outer knee braces. I will be looking at it in person around the middle of the week hopfully... I wonder if that will effect the towing capabilities? I don't think putting the tow points just through the aluminum skin would work very well.

You might want to, or have to extend the transom to full width of the stern if possible. Might provide the structure and strength needed for tubing. Sounds like something a Starmada member could easily do.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Aerocraft CC-16

If it was the one on ebay, sold earlier today, $700. If it's a different boat, take the pix from the ebay listing w/ you to compare w/ the one your seeing this week. Maybe help w/ price neq too.

It's probably a replacement transom wood 'panel'. With the inward curve of stern end of the sides, transom cap, knee braces & etc, it was done at 2/3rds full width to make it easier to get in, around and under all that stuff, most likely. Or my $0.02.....

Probably had a low HP motor, I think the one on ebay was low HP. And w/ fishing seats like the one on ebay, there was probably no high torque, or high tension tubing, ski or wakeboarding runs. Definitely go beefy on the transom wood, just make sure it will fit your motor mount. And don't forget your talking about a 60+yr old hull & rivets. And the transom wood is attached to the transom which is riveted to everything else. But again just my 2cents....... I dig the hull though!

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Aerocraft CC-16

64, it probably wont be that hard with all the help the 'mada gives!
Jb, yes I bought the one off ebay. The interior transom pics seem to show that the wood is just over the 3? Knee braces but it looks like it is facory since the handle bolts don't look long enough to go through wood as well, and there don't appear to be any holes in the alum where bolts would have gone. On the other hand, the trough that the wood appears to be sitting in goes all the way across. If I can't tube with it that's fine, I could just use my Jet for that but I would prefer to be able to do everything with either boat!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Aerocraft CC-16

I didn't mean you couldn't tube, just to do it safe She's 60+ after all & I know I won't feel like too much speed when I'm on a tube after 60...

Congrats! It's a really nice looking boat, except the square-ish windshield. In fact, I just short of love it. My MBS has 'new' boat envy.....

Man, all that AL polished & shiny........ I may be AL drunk, I gotta go before I embarrass myself & have an incredible AL hangover at work Tues...

Good luck. Fire us some pix when you drag her home!

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Aerocraft CC-16

Good thinking, I would hate to damage it just pulling a tube! Looks like its rated for 50 hp, i've got the 40 in my sig line I was planning for the jet, I might just put it on the Aero and buy something bigger for the jet yes, that windshield is AWEFUL!! It'd the first thing coming off, I've got 2 doner glassers in mind that I might be able to salvage the correct style for her!