Re: Can Anyone Help Me ID My Ancient Alumacraft?
As for interest, this is some of what I know of the F models.
The F and the later F7 model boats were AlumaCrafts most popular boats and made as 14 footers only. The seats of all early boats were air sealed for flotation. A model F could have an optional front enclosed quarter deck with or without attached remote steering. The F later became the F7. I don't know what the 7 means. F7's are heavier gauge aluminum, very solid, strong standard utility boats, built as tiller steer models only. Styrofoam was used in the seating of F7's and all the newer boats for flotation.
The FD boat..... Started 1954. It is dimensionally close to the F and F7, length and beam. But it is built deeper (D) and stronger and has the aqueduct transom, a braced self draining transom splash tray. AlumaCraft was the first with this and never had a transom failure. Some later 1970's models aqueducts weren't braced, along with other minor boat changes, maybe as rated maximum horsepower was reduced for safety. Rated horsepower varied through the years and was up to 40 hp. A earlier FD boat could be purchased with an optional front enclosed quarter deck, with or without attached remote steering. Later in the 1960's it could have the optional quarter deck or a remote steering console, or both. The design and build of these boats made for powering them to your limitations.
As this pictured 14' FD AlumaCraft with 2 Mercury Mark 55's on the transom, courtesy of vintagealumacraft.
The FDR boat..... F is the model, D is for deep and R is for runabout. The FDR boat is a FD boat made into a runabout, including front enclosed quarter deck, windshield, steering and dash. Seats remain the same, bench style.
The Flying D.... It's dimensionally the FD or the FDR boat. But a dual cockpit boat built to the max. for style and comfort, along with the changed interior and a paint scheme. They are rare and a most beautiful boat.
These F models as others had changes as the production years progressed but remain close to the originals. The boats are narrow with a round (soft) chine, having a good ride and giving great performance. They track solid and corner like an airplane.
As for some model letters. Model E and Model A boats are smaller than F's but Model C's are larger than F's. Go figure. There is much to learn and I don't know all that much, it's hard to find info. If someone can add something, please do, it'll help. Thanks. I just pick up most of it seeing the boats through the years. I do like all the boats but prefer some model years more than others, but that's just me. No other competitors boats were better built.
Other rare dual cockpit boats like the Flying D is the larger Flying C and Super CS, from the model C line of similar but dimensionally larger boats.
A pictured Super CS.
, but it's in great shape and has no leaks. Thanks for your help. Don
