Re: New Naden owner
Thanks for the help posting the pic. I don know completely what you mean when you say measure the beam? I measured tonite from the very tip of the boat centered down across the top and I measured 59.5". I dont think it ever had a windshield. Anyone know when they started making these boats? Also Id like to know what the original colors may be. Anyone know what hp motor may belong on this boat? Thanks, Darrell
The original Naden Industry boat production lasted from 1954 to 1971. If your boat measures approximately 60" across its width at its widest point, it is one of the standard N-12 models.
I believe that in 1958 the 12 foot boat had the wheel on the right side and the 15 foot boat had the steering wheel on the left side but both were reversed in 1959. Because the wheel is on the left, its probably a 1959 model, not a 1958, as I stated earlier.
The standard N-12 model could take a 25 horse motor. The N-12B and N-12C models had a 30 horsepower capacity.
See the chart below:
If it appears that there is medium/light blue under the red paint, it probably looked the 12 foot boat below on the right side. The boat on the left is a fifteen foot model, very similar to mine:
You'll find that they are a very well-made boat--strong, simple, with construction similar to an aircraft. If you have any other detail pictures, I'd love to see them. I'm trying to compile enough information to start a Naden Boats webpage, so anything you can share I'd appreciate. In return, I'll give you whatever I have.
It sounded like you've already contacted Russ Naden. He answered some of my questions and is a really nice guy and very proud of his family's business.
I normally collect Allis Chalmer tractors but have always wanted an old boat, Well today at a local junkyard i ran across a 12 Naden runabout, about the cutest thing I have ever seen! Anyway it has a front bench seat and has a rear also with the top covered between them, originally lite blue on top, equipted with an air guide speedometer and a Johnson ship mate control for the motor. Has a partial decal on rear that says Quality Line, no tag, but has a serial#14XX . Any help would be appreciated. Thank You, Darrell Ill post pics maybe tommorrow.
