Duratech / PennYan Info

[troutchaser-48]

I work in PennYan NY right near the old boat company. A fellow employee's dad was president of PennYan boats from 1961 to the 80s. My cohort saw a photo of an Orion on my desk top and asked what it was. He recalled the catalogs he had at home of the Duratech boats. He also told me the difficulties his dad had due to moving from wood boats to fiberglass and then having aluminum thrown in the mix at the same time. I bought my Duratech in PennYan but it was made in Peekskill NY.

George

 

[JoeMan]

Re: Duratech / PennYan Info

I'd love to hear more of the story. PY bought Duratech in '65 and that's surely when your cohorts dad had the trouble. '68 seems to be the last year PY put out a Duratech brochure. I am aware of only one guy with a '68, his name is Matt and his beauty (which is also an Orion) is in our gallery. His has the lapstrake hull which Penn Yan put on the Duratech models, which was a departure from the smooth hulls of Duratech. Surely production and sales must've dropped steadily from the time they bought the company. Perhaps they recognized and stayed with their strengths and let the aluminum go...but what a shame that such a great line of aluminum boats ended as it did.

Can we see several shots of your Orion here? Would love to. Provide the 5 digit serial if you'd like the year of manufacture confirmed.

You may enjoy this section on the Penn Yan site. I am 'Duratech Joe', of course:
http://www.pennyanbbs.org/index.php?showforum=27

 

[kopeck]

Re: Duratech / PennYan Info

I'm the one with the Orion Joe was talking about. I've got a brocher for the '68 season, Joe has the electronic version too.

I haven't seen to many other late Duratechs. There was another Orion like mine in town but it had been pretty modifed last time I saw it.

K

 

[JoeMan]

Re: Duratech / PennYan Info

Here is Matt's Orion:

 

[68Duratech]

Re: Duratech / PennYan Info

Hey guys,
I just picked this up today its titled as a 68 don't know what model it is, I seen it on craigslist and fell in LOVE and had to have it. Never heard of Duratech or anything but I adore this boat and plan on restoring it slowly but surely. Can anyone tell me what model it is? The 25HP Evinrude is titled as a 68 also , did these come original ? It started right up.I'm guessin its probably not the original motor tho. And I just went and looked for the serial so we'd know for sure the year but I can't find it? Where should it be? I'll get better pics tomorrow with my digital camera these are the ones off craigslist. Thanks a ton!!

Ryan

 

[JoeMan]

Re: Duratech / PennYan Info

Penn Yan seems to have stenciled the model & serial info on the outside, upper part on the transom. See if you see some info there and report back. Also, some larger images would help. Measure the centerline length from nose to center of stern, and also the beam (widest part of center of boat) I should have some info for you. Not sure on the motor, but if it's registered as a '68, it could have been ordered for the boat when new.

 

[68Duratech]

Re: Duratech / PennYan Info

Awesome thanks for your help, I'll be sure to report back first thing in the morning. I'm super excited to have got my hands on such a awesome classic boat

 

[sasto]

Re: Duratech / PennYan Info

I would go to www.pennyanbbs.org. You will find some old brochures there and some very knowledgeable Penn Yan/Duratec owners very willing to help you. Good luck.

 

[68Duratech]

Re: Duratech / PennYan Info

Penn Yan seems to have stenciled the model & serial info on the outside, upper part on the transom. See if you see some info there and report back. Also, some larger images would help. Measure the centerline length from nose to center of stern, and also the beam (widest part of center of boat) I should have some info for you. Not sure on the motor, but if it's registered as a '68, it could have been ordered for the boat when new.

I still cant find the serial number But behind the windshield is 63 1/2" and in front of it is 65" And the boat is exactly 14' long. It looks like the boat had some kind of top also there is snaps on the windshield and some brackets on the gunwales that might be for a bimini top? I'd sure love to have that if thats what its for. Here is a couple pics, I posted another thread with more. Thanks

Ryan