Classic Boat Library - User contributions [en]

User talk:HandyAndy

2013-10-14T04:36:46Z

Cc1000: boats in use question

Andy, the "boats in use" link on he Custom Craft page just goes to a custom craft search, not necessarily boats in use, is this what it should do? Dave.

File:Img157.jpg

2013-02-12T16:40:46Z

Cc1000:

Tomahawk

2010-07-09T17:01:48Z

Cc1000: added note, time line

[[File:Tomahawklogo.jpg]]

Thanks to Dan Walters
 
Franklin Winter founded Tomahawk Boat Co. in Tomahawk, WI, in 1940s and at first the firm made wooden boats, primarily of cedar strip construction but eventually of plywood. Sometime in late 1940s or early 1950s, Winter began experimenting with then-new fiberglass, at first using it to seal wooden boat hulls, and eventually to build entire boats from molds. Winter is considered to be one of the pioneers of what became an explosion of middle-class boating after World War II, thanks to the advent of relatively inexpensive fiberglass boats.
 
 
US Rubber in Naugatuck, CT, was the source of resin and Fero in Nashville, TN, was the source of fiber for the early glass experiments. When the market fell apart one year and nobody was buying boats, the plant found work in other products. Winter designed a fiberglass golf cart marketed by Harley-Davidson (examples are very rare today and much prized by H-D collectors) and the boat company also made milk storage outer shells for Solar, Papermill hoods, frames for billboards, Hough cabs (driver shells), Santa sleds, stage coaches, and fiberglass signs.
 
 
One of the non-boat products was saddlebags for H-D motorcycles. Harley bought 51 percent of the company circa 1960*(see time line below) remainder shortly thereafter. H-D marketed Tomahawak fiberglass boats under its name for one year – another scarce collectible – but quickly abandoned the boat business. It still manufactures saddlebags in its "Tomahawk Division." After selling to H-D, Winter founded Lake Tomahawk Boat Co. and continued to manufacture traditional wooden boats until his death in the 1990s.
 
 
During the heyday of its fiberglass boat business in the 1950s, Tomahawk was one of the country’s leading manufacturers. Evinrude used Tomahawks exclusively in its catalog one year, the U.S. pavilion at the Brussels World's fair had a Tomahawk fishing boat, and Winter’s futuristic racing boat "On Target" (which is still maintained by the local historical society in Tomahawk) was featured in Newsweek on the Today television show during a boat show in New York City. "On Target," with its fighter-plane-like fuselage, was part of Winter’s extensive involvement in boat racing. And Tomahawk advertising brochures of the period almost always used pictures of its boats with Winter’s children at the controls and/or riding.
 

== Tomahawk Boats Timeline ==

by Andreas Jordahl Rhude 12 February 2010
Timeline
Tomahawk Boats

Compiled by Andreas Jordahl Rhude
4054 Wentworth Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55409-1522
612-823-3990 thompsonboat@msn.com

12 February 2010

August 1945 Start of “Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Company”. Purchase of warehouse of former Daigle property on south side of Somo Avenue in Tomahawk, WI. Make wooden cedar strip row/motor boats.
Partners: Franklin P. Winter
Fred W. Dreger

First model built was the 15 ft. “Red Wing” open boat

1945-1946 $22,000 sales in first year of operation

March 1947 Incorporation of “Tomahawk Boat Sales, Inc.”
50 shares of stock at $100.00 per share

Incorporators: Paul J. Winter
Franklin P. Winter
Fred Dreger

April 1947 Tomahawk Boat enlarges factory complex with 36’ x 75’ addition including office and showroom. 2 boats built per day

April 1947 Tomahawk Boat Club formed with Franklin P. Winter as first president

19-27 April 1947 Tomahawk Boat displays 4 boats at Milwaukee Sports & Vacation Show

April 1949 Tomahawk “Beaver” flat bottom plywood resort boat introduced

26 December 1951 Incorporation of “Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corporation”
1,000 shares of stock at no par value

Officers: Paul J. Winter, president
Myrtle L. Dreger, vice president
Franklin P. Winter, secretary/treasurer

1952 Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corporation

Officers: Paul J. Winter, chairman & president
Myrtle L. Dreger, vice president
Tomahawk Boats Timeline by Andreas Jordahl Rhude 12 February 2010
Franklin P. Winter, secretary/treasurer, purchasing agent
William F. Foster, sales manager

November 1952 Lloyd G. Mitchell named assistant general manager

1954 About 1,000 boats produced annually

15 April 1954 Tomahawk boat factory completely destroyed by fire. $200,000 damages. Office safe is recovered and contents are undamaged. 50 employees at time of fire

Principals: Franklin P. Winter, general manager & designer
Fred W. Dreger, sales supervisor
Dave Davenport, plant superintendent
Gordon Mitchell, office manager
Mrs. Dave Davenport, stenographer

April 1954 Tomahawk citizens form an industrial development corporation to raise funds to keep boat works in town and rebuild factory

20 May 1954 Metal framework (Butler type) for new boat factory is erected

25 January 1955 Franklin P. Winter obtains US Patent No. 2,700,357 for “Wood Strip Boat Hull Structure and Sealing Means”

February 1955 Tomahawk Boat announces it will soon begin production of fiberglass boats in addition to wooden boats

05 August 1957 Stockholders: Franklin P. Winter
Paul J. Winter
Fred W. Dreger
Myrtle L. Dreger
Christine K. Dreger
Harold Irmischer
Lloyd G. Mitchell

March 1960 Franklin P. Winter, age 41, runs for board of education in Tomahawk

December 1960 Tomahawk Boat advertises snow sleighs for sale, one piece fiberglass bodies

28 February 1962 Harley-Davidson Motor Company, maker of motorcycles, purchases 51% majority interest in Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corp. Boat firm to be operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson.

Officers: Franklin P. Winter, president
William J. Harley, vice president
Lloyd G. Mitchell, secretary
Otto P. Resch, treasurer

Tomahawk Boats Timeline by Andreas Jordahl Rhude 12 February 2010

20 February 1963 Franklin P. Winter resigns as president of Tomahawk Boat Mfg. Corp.

05 October 1964 Death of Paul J. Winter at age 83, he was president of Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corp. 1952-1960

24 June 1965 “Statement of Intent to Dissolve” filed with State of Wisconsin

01 July 1965 Boat manufacturing operations cease at Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corp. Name changed to Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Tomahawk Division – wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson Motor Company

22 September 1965 Liquidation auction of all boat building assets of Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corp., including work in progress, tooling, molds

03 May 1966 Articles of Dissolution filed with State of Wisconsin for “Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corporation”

Circa 1969 former Tomahawk Boat workers establish “Hi-Plastics, Inc.” and make fiberglass “Hy-Ryder” brand speed boats at Tomahawk, WI

Officers: Harold Irmischer, president
Patrick Bogie, vice president
Ruth Irmischer, secretary

21 February 1996 Death of Franklin P. Winter at age 77, at Shawano, WI. He had been making wooden strip-built boats at Shawano for a number of years after departing Tomahawk Boat in 1963.

'''Model Information:'''
<gallery>
File:Tomahawkbb001.jpg | 1957 to 1960 Model Listings
File:Tomahawkbb002.jpg | 1960 to 1962 Model Listings
</gallery>

'''1958 Information:'''
<gallery>
File:BHBPHOTO223.JPG|1958 Tomahawk Open Runabout
</gallery>

'''1959 Information:'''
<gallery>
File:Tomahawks59001.jpg | 1959 in use
File:Tomahawka59001.jpg |1959 Tomahawk Ad
</gallery>

'''1960 Information:'''
<gallery>
File:Tomahawka60001.jpg | 1960 Advertisment
</gallery>

'''1961 Information:'''
<gallery>
File:Tomahawkb61001.jpg | 1961 Brochure p1
File:Tomahawkb61002.jpg | 1961 Brochure p2
File:Tomahawkb61003.jpg | 1961 Brochure p3
File:Tomahawkb61004.jpg | 1961 Brochure p4
File:Tomahawkb61005.jpg | 1961 Brochure p5
File:Tomahawkb61006.jpg | 1961 Brochure p6
File:Tomahawkb61007.jpg | 1961 Brochure p7
File:Tomahawkb61008.jpg | 1961 Brochure p8
</gallery>

'''1961 In use:'''
<gallery>
File:Tomahawks61001.jpg | 1961 in use
File:Tomahawks61002.jpg | 1961 in use
File:Tomahawks61003.jpg | 1961 in use
File:Tomahawks61004.jpg | 1961 in use
File:Tomahawks61005.jpg | 1961 in use
File:Tomahawks61006.jpg | 1961 in use
</gallery>

'''Misc Factory Images:'''
<gallery>
File:Tomahawkbxx001.jpg | 19??
File:Tomahawkbxx002.jpg | 19??
File:Tomahawkbxx003.jpg | 19??
File:Tomahawkbxx004.jpg | 19??
File:Tomahawkbxx005.jpg | 19??
File:Tomahawkbxx006.jpg | 19??
File:Tomahawkbxx007.jpg | 19??
</gallery>

'''Misc Info:'''
<gallery>
File:Tomahawkpatent001.pdf|Frank Winter's boat sealing patent
</gallery>

[[Main_Page|Back to Main Page]]

Dolphin

2010-04-30T04:09:06Z

Cc1000:

Dolphin Boat Manufacturing Inc., Nashville Tennessee

History needed. Please contact us if you would like to edit this page.

'''Misc. Information:'''
<gallery>
File:Dolphinb59001.jpg | Misc. info. pg.1
File:Dolphinb59002.jpg | Misc. info. pg.2
File:Dolphinb59003.jpg | Misc. info. pg.3
File:Dolphinb59004.jpg | Misc. info. pg.4
File:Dolphinb59005.jpg | Misc. info. pg.5
</gallery>

Dolphin

2010-04-30T04:08:08Z

2010-04-30T03:54:14Z

Cc1000: added Dolphin

<table width=100%><tr><td width=50%>

<big>Welcome to the FiberGlassics® Library</big>

[http://www.fiberglassics.com Return to Fiberglassics Home Page]

The purpose of this Wiki or library is to document facts, procedures, tools, information and techniques about Fiberglassics or classic fiberglass boats.
</td>
<td width=50%>
[[Image:Galshot.jpg]]
</td>
</tr>
</table>

The definition of a classic fiberglass boat is: a boat designed and built from the 50’s through the early 70’s which has unique design qualities common to those eras. For example, a large finned boat from the 50's identifies a style that was found in cars, boats and other products. Our goal is to promote the restoration and enjoyment of these unique craft!.

For help on editing look on the Help:Contents page.[[Help:Contents]]

Note: this Wiki is open to Editors. If you have content to contribute, we accept members who will contribute meaningful, accurate content. To become an Editor, go to the Contact Page and submit your information and attach a document that you would like to contribute (zipped, with images if available). If your content is relevant, accurate and helpful, you will be allowed to be an Editor. Editors will be trained on standards and will also train future Editors when they have mastered the Wiki.

<table border=0 width=100%>
<tr>
<td width=24% align=left valign=top>

[[Image:fiberglasslist.jpg]]

[[Aerocraft]]

[[Aeroglas]]

[[Aluma_craft|Aluma Craft]]

[[American_Marc|American Marc]]

[[Amphibian|Amphibian]]

[[Anthony|Anthony]]

[[A._R._A.|A. R. A. Boats]]

[[Arena_Craft|Arena Craft]]

[[Aristo_Craft|Aristo Craft]]

[[Arkansas_traveler|Arkansas Traveler]]

[[Arrow_Glass|Arrow Glass]]

[[Ash_Craft|Ash Craft]]

[[Barracuda|Barracuda]]

[[Bearcat|Bearcat]]

[[Bee|Bee Boat Co.]]

[[Bee_Line|Bee Line Mfg.]]

[[Beetle_Boat_Company|Beetle Boat Company]]

[[Bellboy|Bell Boy]]

[[Blue Lake|Blue Lake]]

[[Blue_Star|Blue Star]]

[[Buehler_Turbocraft|Buehler Turbocraft]]

[[Cadillac|Cadillac]]

[[California_Boat_Company|California Boat Company]]

[[Catamaran|Catamaran]]

[[Challenger]]

[[Charger]]

[[Chris_Craft|Chris Craft]]

[[Cloud]]

[[Commando|Commando]]

[[Correct_Craft|Correct Craft]]

[[Craig|Craig]]

[[Crestliner]]

[[Crosby|Crosby]]

[[Crownline|Crownline]]

[[Custom_Craft|Custom Craft]]

[[Cutter|Cutter]]

[[Danish Import Co]]

[[Delta|Delta]]

[[Dolphin|Dolphin]]

[[Donzi|Donzi]]

[[Dorsett|Dorsett]]

[[Duratech]]

[[Endura_Craft|Endura Craft]]

[[Elgin|Elgin]]

[[Eshelman|Eshelman]]

[[Fabuglas|Fabuglas]]

[[FCM]]

[[Feather Craft]]

[[Fiber-Flite]]

[[Fiberform|Fiberform]]

[[Fisher_Craft|Fisher Craft]]

[[Flare]]

[[Fleetcraft]]

[[Fleetform|Fleetform]]

[[Fliv-R|Fliv-R]]

[[Fort_Dodge|Fort Dodge]]

[[Garform|Garform]]

[[Glass_Craft|Glass Craft]]

[[Glass_Flite|Glass Flite]]

[[Glass_Jet|Glass Jet]]

[[Glass_Magic|Glass Magic]]

[[Glassmaster]]

[[Glasspar|Glasspar]]

[[Glass_Slipper|Glass Slipper]]

[[Glastron|Glastron]]

[[Gulfstream|Gulfstream]]

[[Guy Lombardo]]

[[Harvey|Harvey]]

[[Herters|Herters]]

[[Holiday]]

[[Howard|Howard]]

[[Hupp|Hupp Engineering]]

[[Hustler|Hustler]]

[[Hydrocraft|Hydrocraft]]

[[Hydrocycle|Hydrocycle]]

[[Hydrodyne|Hydrodyne]]

[[Hydro_Swift|Hydro Swift]]

[[Ideal-Aerosmith|Ideal-Aerosmith]]

[[Inland|Inland]]

[[Invader]]

[[Jake Newsome]]

[[Jayhawk|Jayhawk]]

[[Jet_Cat|Jet Cat]]

[[Jet_Stream|Jet Stream]]

[[John Allmand|John Allmand]]

[[Lake_Flite|Lake Flite]]

[[Lake_N_Sea|Lake N Sea]]

[[Larson|Larson]]

[[Leavens|Leavens]]

[[Lone_Star|Lone Star]]

[[Luger|Luger]]

[[Lyn Craft|Lyn Craft]]

[[Magnolia|Magnolia]]

[[Marine_plastics|Marine Plastics]]

[[Mariner|Mariner]]

[[Mark Twain|Mark Twain Marine]]

[[Marlin]]

[[MFG]]

[[Miami Aeromarine]]

[[Mitchell|Mitchell]]

[[MonArk]]

[[Munro|Munro]]

[[Myco Marine]]

[[Newport]]

[[Nor-Craft|Nor-Craft]]

[[North American]]

[[Nylox|Nylox]]

[[OMC|OMC]]

[[Orlando Clipper]]

[[Ouachita|Ouachita]]

[[Owens|Owens]]

[[Pabst|Pabst]]

[[Pacific_Mariner|Pacific Mariner]]

[[Pearson|Pearson]]

[[Performer|Performer]]

[[Plastyle|Plastyle]]

[[Power_Cat|Power Cat]]

[[Princecraft|Princecraft]]

[[Razorback|Razorback]]

[[Red_Fish|Red Fish]]

[[Reinell|Reinell]]

[[Renken|Renken]]

[[Rocket]]

[[Sabre]]

[[Sabre_Craft|Sabre Craft]]

[[Scott|Scott]]

[[Sea Craft]]

[[Sea_Fury|Sea Fury]]

[[Sea_King|Sea King]]

[[Sea_Ray|Sea Ray]]

[[Sea_Sled|Sea Sled]]

[[Seamaid]]

[[Sears|Sears]]

[[Shell_Lake|Shell Lake]]

[[Sidewinder|Sidewinder]]

[[Silver_Line|Silver Line]]

[[Slick_Craft|Slick Craft]]

[[Skagit_Plastics|Skagit Plastics Inc.]]

[[Sooner_Craft|Sooner Craft]]

[[South Seas]]

[[Span_America|Span America]]

[[Speed_Queen|Speed Queen]]

[[Sport Craft]]

[[Sportster|Sportster]]

[[Squall_King|Squall King]]

[[Starcraft|Starcraft]]

[[Starline|Starline]]

[[Steury|Steury]]

[[Stevens|Stevens]]

[[Streaker]]

[[Su-Mark]]

[[Su-Preme|Su-Preme]]

[[Superior|Superior]]

[[Switzer|Switzer]]

[[T-Craft]]

[[Texas_Maid|Texas Maid]]

[[Thompson|Thompson]]

[[Thunderbird|Thunderbird]]

[[Tomahawk|Tomahawk]]

[[Turn_A_Craft|Turn-a-Craft]]

[[Uniflite|Uniflite]]

[[Vali|Vali]]

[[Vanguard]]

[[Volksboat|Volksboat]]

[[Wacanda|Wacanda]]

[[Wagemaker|Wagemaker]]

[[Water Wonder]]

[[Wellcraft]]

[[WesCraft]]

[[Westerner]]

[[Whitehouse|Whitehouse]]

[[Winner|Winner]]

[[Wizard|Wizard]]

[[Yellow_Jacket|Yellow Jacket]]

</td>
<td width=1% align=left valign=top bgcolor=#cccccc>
</td>
<td width=24% align=left valign=top>
[[Image:aluminumlist.jpg]]

[[Aerocraft]]

[[Aluma_craft|Aluma Craft]]

[[Aqua Swan]]

[[Arkansas_traveler|Arkansas Traveler]]

[[Barnes]]

[[Cadillac|Cadillac]]

[[Crestliner]]

[[Duracraft|Duracraft]]

[[Duratech]]

[[Feather Craft]]

[[Freeland|Freeland]]

[[Lone_Star|Lone Star]]

[[Mirro Craft]]

[[MonArk]]

[[Naden]]

[[Orlando Clipper]]

[[Polar Kraft]]

[[Reynolds Aluminum]]

[[Seamaid]]

[[Starcraft|Starcraft]]

[[Texas Maid]]

</td>
<td width=1% align=left valign=top bgcolor=#cccccc>
</td>

<td width=24% align=left valign=top>
[[Image:woodlist.jpg]]

[[Acme Kit Boats]]

[[Albright]]

[[A.N.A. Sea Skiffs|A.N.A. Sea Skiffs]]

[[Arrowcraft]]

[[Barbour]]

[[Burchcraft]]

[[Century]]

[[Chetek]]

[[Chris Craft]]

[[Chris-Wood]]

[[Cornwallis]]

[[Cruis Along]]

[[Cruisers Inc.]]

[[Dunphy]]

[[Fleetcraft]]

[[Hagerty Kit Boats]]

[[Higgins|Higgins]]

[[Hi Liner]]

[[Holiday]]

[[Lyman|Lyman]]

[[Lyn Craft]]

[[Marine Craft|Marine Craft]]

[[Mid Kraft|Mid Kraft]]

[[North American]]

[[Old Town]]

[[Ozarka Kit Boats|Ozarka Kit Boats]]

[[Pabst|Pabst]]

[[Penn_Yan|Penn Yan]]

[[Raveau]]

[[Roberts Kit Craft|Roberts Kit Craft]]

[[Skyway]]

[[Sport Craft]]

[[Stamas]]

[[Taft Kit Boats|Taft Kit Boats]]

[[Thompson]]

[[U-Mak-It Kit Boats]]

[[US Molded Shapes]]

[[Waterbird]]

</td>

<td width=1% align=left valign=top bgcolor=#cccccc>
</td>

<td width=25% align=left valign=top>
[[Image:Boathouseheader1.jpg]]

[[Bhb1-50|Boathouse Bulletins Gallery 1]]

[[Bhb51-100|Boathouse Bulletins Gallery 2]]

[[Bhb101-150|Boathouse Bulletins Gallery 3]]

[[Bhb151-200|Boathouse Bulletins Gallery 4]]

[[Bhb201-250|Boathouse Bulletins Gallery 5]]

[[Bhb251-300|Boathouse Bulletins Gallery 6]]

[[Bhb301-350|Boathouse Bulletins Gallery 7]]

[[Bhb351-400|Boathouse Bulletins Gallery 8]]

[[Bhb401-450|Boathouse Bulletins Gallery 9]]

[[Image:trailerlist.jpg]]

[[Air-Buoy]]

[[All Purpose Trailer Co]]

[[E-Z Flote|E-Z Flote]]

[[Gator|Gator]]

[[Gray Gull|Gray Gull]]

[[Holsclaw|Holsclaw]]

[[Lo-Loader|Lo-Loader]]

[[Lone Star]]

[[Mastercraft|Mastercraft]]

[[Meco|Meco Maid]]

[[Milhaupt Hi-Lo]]

[[Miller Coach|Miller Coach]]

[[Natco|Natco]]

[[Nefco|Nefco]]

[[Norjack|Norjack]]

[[Otaco|Otaco]]

[[Schenkelberg|Schenkelberg]]

[[Shipmate|Shipmate]]

[[Spartan|Spartan]]

[[Speedway/Dunphy|Speedway]]

[[Sterling|Sterling]]

[[Tee Nee|Tee Nee]]

[[Young Beaver|Young Beaver]]

[[Misc Info|Misc Trailer Info]]

[[Image:motortab.jpg]]

[[Barr Marine|Barr Marine]]

[[Champion|Champion]]

[[Evinrude|Evinrude]]

[[Gray Marine|Gray Marine]]

[[Johnson|Johnson]]

[[Mercury|Mercury]]

[[Milburn|Milburn]]

[[Oliver|Oliver]]

[[Scott Atwater|Scott Atwater]]

[[Sea King]]

[[West Bend]]

[[Image:hwtab.jpg]]

[[Aqua Meter|Aqua Meter Accessories]]

[[Aqua-flite|Aqua-flite Windshields]]

[[Attwood|Attwood Hardware]]

[[Garelick|Garelick Hardware]]

[[Kainer|Kainer Hardware]]

[[K-S|K-S Hardware]]

[[Nautalloy|Nautalloy Hardware]]

[[Paragon|Paragon Canvas Tops and Windshields]]

[[Perko|Perko Hardware]]

[[Stewart-Warner|Stewart-Warner Instruments and Accessories]]

[[Surf-Line|Surf-Line Boat Hardtops]]

[[Taylor*Made|Taylor Made Hardware]]

[[Unitrol|Unitrol Outboard Controls and Steering Wheels]]

[[Wilcoxcrittenden|Wilcox Crittenden Hardware]]

[[Image:Misclist.jpg]]

[[Safety|Misc Safety Publications by year]]

[[Myths|Myths & Legends]]

</td>

</tr></table>

Winner

2010-02-23T17:06:02Z

Cc1000: added 1958 brochures

[[File:Ideal-aerosmith-logo.jpg]]

History needed. Please contact us if you would like to edit this page.

Thanks to Lee Wangstad for the information.

'''1957 Info:'''
<gallery>
File:Ideal-aerosmithb57001.jpg | 1957 Ad

</gallery>

'''1958 Info:'''
<gallery>
File:Ideal-aerosmithb58001.jpg | 1958 Ad
File:Idealaerosmithb58002.jpg | 1958 Brochure pg.1
File:Idealaerosmithb58003.jpg | 1958 Brochure pg.2
</gallery>

[[Main_Page|Back to Main Page]]

File:Idealaerosmithb58003.jpg

2010-02-23T16:46:42Z

Cc1000:

File:Idealaerosmithb58002.jpg

2010-02-23T16:46:41Z

Cc1000:

Ideal-Aerosmith

2010-02-18T05:05:36Z

Cc1000:

[[File:Ideal-aerosmith-logo.jpg]]

History needed. Please contact us if you would like to edit this page.

'''1957 Info:'''
<gallery>
File:Ideal-aerosmithb57001.jpg | 1957 Ad

</gallery>

'''1958 Info:'''
<gallery>
File:Ideal-aerosmithb58001.jpg | 1958 Ad

</gallery>

[[Main_Page|Back to Main Page]]

File:Ideal-aerosmith-logo.jpg

2010-02-18T05:03:39Z

Cc1000:

2010-02-17T23:53:57Z

Cc1000:

[[File:Crosbylogo.jpg]]

Ab Crosby - Racer, Designer, Boatbuilder
 
 

To our knowledge, Ab Crosby was the main force behind two boat companies; Crosby Aeromarine Co. and [[Hydrodyne]]. We are focusing on the
earlier business, the Crosby Aeromarine Co. We know the 1958 and later Crosby's were sold with serial plates indicating that: 
1.) The line of boats were called the "Hoosier Line" of fiber glass boats. 
2.) Ab Crosby's business was called Crosby Aeromarine Company. 
3.) The Crosby Aeromarine Company was a division of Midwestern Industries inc. in Grabill, Indiana. 
Through collecting empirical data from members of the Crosby Owners Group, it appears that for boats built in 1958
and later, all hulls and topsides were fiberglass. Pre-1958, chances are your topsides are wood. 
Ab Crosby did not do much with the 50's rage of putting BIG fins on his boats. The one exception is the little 14' Sweptfin
model, a little two seater rated for 48 hp. The Sweptfin also had a great looking "grill" that ran across the forward deck.
We have not been able to locate anybody with knowledge of a Sweptfin to date. You can see one in the 1959 brochure, or on the
Yankee Clippers chapter page, cutting (amazingly) across the clipper ship Flying Cloud's bow. 
Crosby boats are known for their classic styling lines. The open runabout line's flagship was the 19' Baycomber. Then, there came
the 18' Ranger, 17' Fish n'Ski, the 16' Capri and Seaquin models, the 14' Sportsman and 14' and later 15' Hurricane models, 14' Angler (no wheel), and the
14' Sweptfin. Crosby also made closed cruising models including the 17' Cruisette, the 19' Voyageur, and the top of the line 25' Antiqua. The Antigua, Voyageur, Cruisette and Baycomber all utilized motor brackets rather than attaching the motor to the transom. This provided more space in the boats and allowed for larger seating
capacity. 
Crosby construction was stong and solid. The company used balsa and mahogany for cores and stringers. The balsa was light and strong and made for good cores. Today, however,
we find that if these old boats were not stored properly, theres a good chance of core damage and delamination. It can be repaired, but does involve a lot of work, and knowledge
of how to repair these condictions. 
Crosby offered a couple of different levels in most of the models. The standard models were typically called the "Deluxe" and included bow and stern handles, bow chocks, stern cleats, all around rub rail with polished
trim brackets, towing eye, left and right front control mounts, and double gas tank and battery tray. 
The higher level model was called the "Custom" and included everything in the Deluxe plus windshield with chrome brackets, single cable steering, harmonizing color upholstery, bow light and staff, stern light on a flagstaff, bow pennant, ensign, and step pads. Electrical wires were molded into the glass in both models. 
Further, different finishes were offered. For example, for $50 extra, you could get a "Tu-tone" deck (white over your base color). There were also many, many accesories offered. 
The Crosby Owners Group, to date, has turned up the following models which are represented in the group; Hurricane, Capri, Sportsman, and Baycomber. Some are pre-1958 and are the "half and halfs".
Others are post-1958 and are all glass. 
We also believe we know of a Ranger model in San Diego and a Fish n' Ski in New York that are for sale. We have found another Hurricane and a Seaquin in boat junk yards waiting for owners, although these boats need LOTS of work to make them
safe to operate again. A number of the boats in the Crosby Owners Group are undergoing renovations now. The pictures posted represent current status. Visit again and again
to watch the progress as these wonderful old boats are brought back from the brink. 
Crosby Sleds
 
I think it's important to spend a few minutes on these boats. The Crosby Sled, other than the Crosby name, has nothing to do with Ab Crosby. After Ab sold Crosby to ADM, ADM continued to make Crosby boats until the early 60's when the company
went belly up. The Crosby name was sold to a manufacturer in FL who started producing the Crosby Sled. This was a very popular line of fishing boats in the south. Crosby Sleds were made until around 1967 when a fire destroyed the manufacturing plant.
Because the Crosby Sled uses Ab's name, and because they are a boat from the 60's we think they should be included in the site. 

Thanks for visiting!!

'''1956 Stuff'''
<gallery>
File:BHBPHOTO26.JPG | 1956 Crosby Vagabond Deluxe Cruiser
</gallery>

'''1957 Info:'''
<gallery>
File:July57_1.jpg | 1957 Brochure p1
File:July57_2.jpg | 1957 Brochure p2
File:July57_3.jpg | 1957 Brochure p3
File:July57_4.jpg | 1957 Brochure p4
File:July57_5.jpg | 1957 Brochure p5
File:July57_6.jpg | 1957 Brochure p6
</gallery>

'''1959 Info:'''
<gallery>
File:Crosbya59001a.JPG | 1959 Ad
File:Crosbyb59001.jpg | 1959 Brochure P1
File:Crosbyb59002.jpg | 1959 Brochure P2
File:Crosbyb59003.jpg | 1959 Brochure P3
File:Crosbyb59004.jpg | 1959 Brochure P4
File:Crosbyb59005.jpg | 1959 Brochure P5
File:Crosbyb59006.jpg | 1959 Brochure P6
File:Crosbyb59007.jpg | 1959 Brochure P7
File:Crosbyb59008.jpg | 1959 Brochure P8
File:Crosbyb59009.jpg | 1959 Brochure P9
File:Crosbyb59010.jpg | 1959 Brochure P10
File:Crosbyb59011.jpg | 1959 Brochure P11
File:Crosbyb59012.jpg | 1959 Brochure P12
File:Crosbyb59013.jpg | 1959 Brochure P13
File:Crosbyb59014.jpg | 1959 Brochure P14
File:Crosbyb59015.jpg | 1959 Brochure P15
File:Crosbyb59p01.jpg | 1959 Etc 1
File:Crosbyb59p02.jpg | 1959 Etc 2
File:Crosbyb59p03.jpg | 1959 Etc 3
File:Crosbyb59p04.jpg | 1959 Etc 4
</gallery>

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Crosby

2010-02-17T23:53:04Z

Cc1000: added 1959 ad