Classic Aluminum Boat identification HELP

[jimbog526]

I inherited a classic aluminum boat this week. I'm having a hard to time finding any correct information about it. I believe its manufactured by Appleby. The hull ID number is APB0597NM751. Can anyone tell me what the year, make and model is? Also please send me links for more information.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Classic Aluminum Boat identification HELP

Hi jim. Neat little boat. I'm not sure of the exact make and model, but it looks to be '60s era and it very good condition. You might try looking on, or near the transom for a Hull Identification Number (HIN). However, they weren't required until the mid-70s so there may not be one. Thankfully, the maker doesn't matter much. These old aluminum boats are great because they're basically a blank slate. Only a few rules to remember; 1)NEVER use pressure treated wood as it can cause pitting in your hull. 2)Use non-PT, exterior grade plywood and seal it instead. You can use 2-part epoxy, Spar Urethane or Exterior Grade Paint. 3)Mount any wood using rivets and/or stainless steel hardware dipped in 3M 5200 marine caulk. That's really about it. You can get everything you need, except epoxy, from Lowes/HD. Good luck!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Classic Aluminum Boat identification HELP

Your HIN, APB0597NM751, probably ends w/ an I not a one, then it follows the 'correct' pre-84 HIN format:

AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN

A B C D E F

FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL

G H I J K L

*Key to Month of Model Year​

Figure 1 - HIN Formats Before August 1, 1984​

This info should prove helpful:

HIN: APB0078RM75E,
You have a 1975 boat


DETAILS FOR MANUFACTURER IDENTIFICATION CODE APB

MIC: APB Status: Out of Business
Company: AINT PERFECT BOAT CO Company Official: WALTER ANDRUS
Parent Company: Parent MIC:
Address: RT 2 BOX 91-B City: NEWPORT
State: NC Zip: 28570
Country: Phone: 9197285053
Fax: In Business: Friday, September 16, 1988
Out of Business: Tuesday, October 29, 2002 Date Modified: Thursday, November 21, 2002
Type: Outboards, Open Motorboats, Jon Boats


Additional Address:
Comments: APB WAS APPLEBY MFG CO 3RD ST BOX 420, ARKADELPHIA, AR 71923; OOB 780507. OTHER PHONE IS 247-6920. 11/21/02 REPORTED AS OOB BY RNI.

From:
Hull ident no. serial#location Richline boats

From your HIN, your's is probably a 1975, built in April, Appleby/APB boat.

Many small aluminum boat models remained virtually unchanged from the late 50's thru the mid to late 70's. AlumaCraft used the Model A designation for their 14ft 48" wide bench seat semi-V for 30yrs +/-, w/ very few changes.

Lineage isn't that important, but it is nice to know what you got.... As KFA pointed out, it's a good looking little boat & it'll make a good platform to start from. The benches are likely filled w/ flotation foam & add structural rigidity to the boat's sides. I wouldn't remove them.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Classic Aluminum Boat identification HELP

Comparing yours to the dimensions listed for 1971, you may find a match, since they probably changed very little year to year....