Name That Manufacturer

[Duo Dummy]

We very recently purchaed this boat because well, I don't really know why. We have been told that the boat is a "DUO" roughly 58 model, fiberglass ski boat. It came with a Johnson Sea Horse 35 engine.... We haven't been able to identify this boat thru old magazines, the web, or photos. Can someone help with identifing this boat. It is 16' and needs work, however, it isn't really in too bad a shape for as old as it is. We were told "Bill Penny Tire and Marine" flooded the area with these boats during the 50s and 60s. We have the original manual with the engine purchase but the boat has absolutely no id but the local court house doen't keep information that is that old!

 

[roffey]

That is a cool looking boat. Restored it will turn heads:thumb:

 

[roffey]

.. and no idea who made it but someone here will know for sure

 

[airshot]

My dad bought a DUO boat back in the mid/late 60's, good boat but it looked nothing like the one in your pic. You pic appears like a boat from the 50's but the one my father had looked like a much more modern shape. Sorry I can't be of more help

 

[Duo Dummy]

Thanks Guys! It think it was the design that inspired us to drag this thing home. It reminds me of the "kid boats" that go round and round in a foot of water
at the local long time amusement park "Lake Winnie" in Lakeview, Georgia. I hope we can identify it, there has been absolutely no hint....

 

[Ned L]

In the '50's there were lots of builders that built very similar boats in sheet plywood. This looks like it may have been splashed off of one of those. Nice looking little runabout, and relatively expensive to build for a 'production boat'. The tumblehome requires a two piece mold that bolts together along the keel line.

 

[Duo Dummy]

Thanks Ned... There doesn't seem to be another one... lol

 

[mr 88]

www.fiberglassics.com go to there library section its listed .As they note,it was bought out by StarCraft. Do not expect to restore it and get big money for it. Very few boats from the era have a high resale value and most that do have fins or some other real quirky features. Restore it for your own pleasure.

 

[Duo Dummy]

Thanks Mr. 88,

We bought it to restore and use it... we looked at it for a long time and the design or "look" of the boat had some strange attraction.Trying to get a handle on the original interiors and paint and trim so that it can go back just the way it debuted. Just don't want to end up at the bottom of Chickamauga Lake.:laugh:

 

[mr 88]

Since it doesn't have a sub floor I wouldn't be surprised if the stringers are solid. The transom is hole free as well ,except for the original handles,so that may be solid as well. If that's the case it will save you a lot of blood sweat and tears.Just buff out the gel coat and let her rip. Unless you make the interior cushions yourself that would be the biggest expense. Or just use throw cushions in her.Looks like there are some buttons on the mid cockpit deck for hanging a backrest on, That shouldn't be hard to match up so you could use those snaps or holes if you wanted to update without drilling new ones. Its your boat to customize anyway you want. The Golden Jubilee Johhny is the icing on the cake. The sister of that, the" Fat" 50 ,is somewhat sought after and sucks gas like a 454 on steroids. The 35 is a sweet running unit,not much of a charging system on it but trustworthy.Yours does look like its in a few pieces. I am sure the guys on the Johnson Evinrude forum here could steer you in the right direction on any issues you run into it. Good luck.

 

[JoLin]

We very recently purchaed this boat because well, I don't really know why.

That made me laugh. 5 years from now you'll have a dozen boats in the yard, 'cause they were just too cool to pass up.

However, that IS a very cool boat. I hope you can fix it up. It's a head turner, alright

 

[Duo Dummy]

Guys, can't thank you enough. You've given us hope!
Will keep you updated. Just on the phone with one of
Our "premier" vintage Johnson engine guys now retired. Reluctantly agreeing to work on the engine... If we help

 

[Duo Dummy]

We are such novices this boat might as well be the Mars Land Rover. My sincere apologies to the moderators for "duel" posting.

 

[jbcurt00]

No worries

Apology not needed, but accepted all the same

 

[Watermann]

She's a super neat 'barrel back' glass boat from the 50's. Nice find!