Re: Identifying my boat 1962 Larson all American HARD TOP
I have a boat 1962 Larson all American HARD TOP and cannot find another one like it anywhere. No pics in books or on internet. How rare is this boat and how many where made. Can anyone share this information?
Thanks
atcwthme
I've a 1961 Larson All American 17' with the hard top. As I understand it, the hard top was only installed in the '61 & 62' models. If you Ebay the year and make of your Larson, you will find plenty of vintage full color adds which depict the various models for our years of Larson. The All American hard top has yet to appear as a main picture spread in any of the old adds posted on Ebay; however, I have seen it in two adds in a smaller picture. It was exactly what I had been searching for, a picture to narrow down the year; as well as the motor: Johnson 75 - or Mercury. You could order different motors back then; though I do believe from all the pics that Johnson was the prevalant and most used outboard. Also Google '1961 Johnson outboard'. You'll find vintage adds on the motor which more than likely came on your boat right off the show room floor! Those Johnson specs also give you a detailed weight class. What state are you in? I am in Alaska, and finding any parts for this antique is absolutely impossible; so the rebuild is going to take a few years. However, I purchased my boat about 3 years ago and it came with a Mercury 40hp; which pushes the boat around 11 to 12 mph. I've read these boats are rated for an outboard of 110 hp and less! I have been trying to locate a 1961 - ish Johnson 75 hp; and they are numerous thru out the mid-west, but there is the shipping to deal with. No one wants to ship an outboard for some reason! So again, my project will take some ingenuity. Other than not having the windshield which mounts on the top, my Larson is in tip top shape and only requires a 'back to factory' paint job; since the previous owner painted the deck a great looking dark teal color and the top a solid white - but the paint is always the last step.
I have been just slaying the Silver Salmon out of the Seward and Whittier bays up here; it has been a banner summer for my Larson!
Email me so we can exchange some pics and more info.
EDIT
-David
