What model of boat is this?

[jiminmontana]

I plan to fix up a dead boat with a Johnson Meteor ii motor. It was used since the 60's to patrol the Panama Canal and was floated up to MT along the Lewis and Clark water highway. It is worth saving, due to its history. The motor may have just too many hours to salvage.

I can't tell what type of hull it is. Any help would be appreciated.

http://jiminmontana.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/boat-nose.jpg?w=1024&h=768

pics are on my blog http://jiminmontana.wordpress.com

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: What model of boat is this?

Welcome Aboard Jim..
That is straight out of the 50's for sure..very cool boat..

When you post pics here..They really prefer a 640x480 size..Just so you know.


I cant help you with the model of that old girl..Have you ever been on fiberclassics.com?


Best of luck on this insanely unique boat!

 

[boatflipper]

Re: What model of boat is this?

I must say- that boat is my personal favorite!
Will definitely be following your rebuild!
Some more pics would be great if that is possible!

 

[sean whiteman]

Re: What model of boat is this?

lonestar caribbean ? I'm not 100%

 

[Squid Billy]

Re: What model of boat is this?

WAY, WAY COOL to say the least.

I can't wait until you start digging around in there.

Bill

 

[jspano]

Re: What model of boat is this?

i think sean nailed it

http://www.theclassicboathouse.com/lonestarcaribbean59.html

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: What model of boat is this?

jiminmontana,
Welcome again to Iboats.
What ever it is, it is extremely cool and I would definitely try to save her.
Bob

 

[andgott]

Re: What model of boat is this?

Looks like a Lonestar Caribbean to me- a serious collectors item! WELL worth the restoration!

-Andrew

 

[jiminmontana]

Lone Star Caribbean -- what YEAR on this fin boat?

Lone Star Caribbean -- what YEAR on this fin boat?

First, thank you, gentlemen, for pointing me in the right direction. I found a few pics of the same model, but of a different year, being 1959. The blue 59 has rounded windows, whereas mine has swept/slanted ones.

http://i.ebayimg.com/06/!Bd!!,9g!mk~$(KGrHqYH-EIEqu+s,!W0BK27HwGrRQ~~_12.JPG

My dead boat has a good hull, but much of the wood needs to be replaced. I want it to be back to original as much as possible. However, it seems that the center part of the wind screen has been cut out and hinged so a person can get up front easily -- probably while being used as a patrol boat. The piece of deck above the nose is cut out, so the big star is missing. I am considering putting a teakwood deck on the nose for fishing off of. There is not a lot of room in the back.
http://jiminmontana.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/boat-rear.jpg
http://jiminmontana.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/boat-interior2.jpg
http://jiminmontana.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/boat-back-half.jpg

If anyone has an idea of what year this thing is, that would be great to know.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Lone Star Caribbean -- what YEAR on this fin boat?

Re: Lone Star Caribbean -- what YEAR on this fin boat?

Interesting boat.

Please limit your photos to 640 x 480 for posting.

Happy Holidays! Welcome to iboats!

 

[archbuilder]

Re: What model of boat is this?

Very cool, I can't wait to see you work on her! If you need any help, you came to the right place!

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: What model of boat is this?

Just wanted to stop by and wish you a safe and Merry Christmas.
Bob

 

[andgott]

Re: What model of boat is this?

She's a great looking boat, for sure. Yeah- A little rough now, but give it some TLC and it'll be a real show stopper- Especially given it's added history from the Canal zone. Do you have documentation of that history? It will add significantly to the value.

I hope you plan to do a 'correct' restoration of this boat, to bring it to like-new condition. Given the rarity, and the fact that it's one of the models that collectors look for, its well worth the time and money that you need to invest!

-Andrew

 

[andgott]

Re: What model of boat is this?

Here's some info-

Bigger here

One of my 'connections' tells me yours is likely a 1957 model.

 

[jiminmontana]

1957 Caribbean, maybe?

1957 Caribbean, maybe?

Andrew,

Thanks again for all your help pointing me in the right direction.

I have a buddy who used to restore olb boats at a marina in Washington. He said he'll help all I need.

If I were to restore it to specs, where would I get all the missing hardware? And the top of the front deck has a big rectangle cut out of the middle -- the big Lone Star emblem is GONE, likely taking 80% of the value with it. The windscreen is reworked with a hinged piece that's missing, etc. I can fix it up and make it look good and run right, but to go to the level of making it look like it did back when -- that is such a "next level" for me that I don't know how to even think about the project. Anxiety!

 

[andgott]

Re: What model of boat is this?

For this level of restoration, many parts would have to be fabricated... The missing emblems, for example, are available-
http://www.boatsinthebelfry.com/swapnsell.html

As are pretty much ANY part you're willing to pay for!

The windshield and deck would have to be rebuilt- But that's not too bad of a task... Getting that windshield 'right' might be a challenge- But it's doable.

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: What model of boat is this?

jiminmontana,
I just finished reading your blog and found it very interesting indeed. Your plan sounds very intriguing and very good experience for your son. Not sure you will be able to complete your restoration for the $ amount you stated but you may.
Good luck with the restoration and the trip.
Bob

 

[techjob4u]

Re: What model of boat is this?

Very cool boat. You are gonna have a rough time finding parts for it, ebay is the only place I can think of and thats gonna be a crap shoot. Since its so rare.
That boat looks like the bat mobile (bat boat) paint her black it would be a dead ringer.