Questions about 12 ft "EZ" model Row Boat

[Chumba]

Hello! I am new to iboats. I just purchased my first boat off of craig's list. A 12 foot Alumacraft model ez row boat and I have a couple questions:
On the wood back piece with the 2 metal tabs there is no year or serial #. How do I go about finding what year this is? Its not a big deal I am just curious, so if anyone has a good ballpark guess that would be cool. I have attached some picks below.. Sorry the metal decals did not show up well. (Also I think it is max 10HP but the decal is dented so I can not read it.. does max 10 HP sound right?)

My main question is on the front end.. It has what I am assuming is some sort of mechanism for the anchor. I have closeup pictures below.. How does this work (I am clearly new to these so please excuse my ignorance)

I have been looking around for a good outboard motor for this. Would anyone have any recommendations as to what HP would work good for this? I am just using the boat for fishing.

Thanks!

 

[Vintage Aluminum]

Re: Questions about 12 ft "EZ" model Row Boat

Nice boat...ask away on your questions, that's what the site is for. The EZ is rated for no more than 10 hp. My 1959 Budget Boats info. from AlumaCraft says 7.5 hp, 118 lbs. Live load capacity of 476 lbs. Not sure what that excludes....motor???

The EZ is a notch down from the EL models which were a lower cost version using wooden seats and cheaper flotation foam/polystyrene (not air tanks). Anyway, nice little boat...should give lots of service. Patti up at AlumaCraft (number not handy, but they are in St. Peter Minnesota...) can generally get you the info as to age. You need to supply a serial number which might be hard to find on an EZ. On a typical 1950s AlumaCraft it was stamped on what they called the knee casting that connected the transom to the keel/boat bottom. But, it will read EZ and then 3 or 4 numbers. I don't believe an EZ has that cast piece. But, they were carefull about putting serial numbers on each boat in my experience.

The bow piece allows one to pull a bow mounted anchor up and lock it in place. There are typically two swinging pieces there...pull the rope to one side and one can pull it up, pull it to the other side and it will lock in place.

Your boat is likely late 1950s...maybe 1959??

VA

 

[hawkerjv]

Re: Questions about 12 ft "EZ" model Row Boat

Hi,
I just purchased an EZ also. Mine had wooden seats, I'm in the process of replacing as most wood was gone, no flotation either. The bow casting is stamped "EZ 2810" I am assuming the S/N as mine has no transom brace yet. I'll be installing one of my own design as I feel it needs one. Transom HP rating 7.5 HP. I am anxious to try my classic outboards on this one.
Jim J
Dodgeville WI