Old Sears Boat

[brownboat]

Handed down through the family, I am in possession of an old Sears boat. It's a 1964 17 foot runabout that's in great shape. The original motor was a 75hp Elgin outboard.
Does anyone know who manufactured boats of this size for Sears back in the sixties? I've been searching but can't find any info.

 

[Kevin70]

Re: Old Sears Boat

We live for pictures 'round here. Can you post us any?

 

[hiflyer]

Re: Old Sears Boat

might be a old west bend ???alu?

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Old Sears Boat

Sears had many companies build their boats through the years. I don't know who built yours.

Here is a link to some old catalog pages:

http://www.fiberglassics.com/sears/brochure.asp

I have to look for pictures (not sure if I have any) of a 15' 196? Sears fiberglass runabout I restored in my youth. I liked the classic lines and it was a fun basic boat.

One thing I distinctly remember was that it had an odd ball transom size. It measured 17.5". Perfect fit for the original Elgin 35hp engine, but work was required to use a more modern engine.

 

[brownboat]

Re: Old Sears Boat

Thanks for the link fishingdan...that's it d It's the blue #1 deluxe model with the 75 Elgin. I still can't find out who built them for Sears. I've rebuilt the seats, the next project is to replace the plexi windshield. It's full of stress cracks.
The transom is a little odd on this one too. I've got a long shaft 65hp Evinrude on it and I still ventilate (or is it cavitate) on hard acceleration or tight turns.
I used to fish from this boat on White Lake in Ontario when I was a kid, lots of great memories.