Earliest aluminum boat builder?

[Andreas Jordahl Rhude]

I am writing an article on the history of Larson Watercraft, Inc. of Little Falls, MN, which ultimately became Crestliner. I desire to include reference to the earliest builder of small, outboard aluminum boats. Larson Watercraft started shipping boats by october 1946.

Alumacraft Boats of Minneapolis also started up in 1946 as a department within Flour City Ornamental Iron Works. Harwill, Inc. of St. Charles, Michigan began making their AeroCraft aluminum boats in 1946 as well. Lund Boats started in 1948 or so. When did Grumman begin making aluminum boats? What about Reynolds Aluminum?

Who was first? I am talking about the typical small, outboard fishing boats, not yachts such as made by Burger Boats of Manitowoc.

Any clues or suggestions?

[Andreas Jordahl Rhude]

I am writing an article on the history of Larson Watercraft, Inc. of Little Falls, MN, which ultimately became Crestliner. I desire to include reference to the earliest builder of small, outboard aluminum boats. Larson Watercraft started shipping boats by october 1946.

Alumacraft Boats of Minneapolis also started up in 1946 as a department within Flour City Ornamental Iron Works. Harwill, Inc. of St. Charles, Michigan began making their AeroCraft aluminum boats in 1946 as well. Lund Boats started in 1948 or so. When did Grumman begin making aluminum boats? What about Reynolds Aluminum?

Who was first? I am talking about the typical small, outboard fishing boats, not yachts such as made by Burger Boats of Manitowoc.

Any clues or suggestions?

[Andreas Jordahl Rhude]

I am writing an article on the history of Larson Watercraft, Inc. of Little Falls, MN, which ultimately became Crestliner. I desire to include reference to the earliest builder of small, outboard aluminum boats. Larson Watercraft started shipping boats by october 1946.

Alumacraft Boats of Minneapolis also started up in 1946 as a department within Flour City Ornamental Iron Works. Harwill, Inc. of St. Charles, Michigan began making their AeroCraft aluminum boats in 1946 as well. Lund Boats started in 1948 or so. When did Grumman begin making aluminum boats? What about Reynolds Aluminum?

Who was first? I am talking about the typical small, outboard fishing boats, not yachts such as made by Burger Boats of Manitowoc.

Any clues or suggestions?

[Iceboy]

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[Iceboy]

Here's a suggestion. Subscribe to Aluminum Boat. LOL JimmyM

[Iceboy]

Here's a suggestion. Subscribe to Aluminum Boat. LOL JimmyM

[nedL]

I was reading something 'online' within the last couple of weeks about Mullens boats that said they were building "fabricating" out of aluminun in the '20's I think.

[nedL]

I was reading something 'online' within the last couple of weeks about Mullens boats that said they were building "fabricating" out of aluminun in the '20's I think.

[nedL]

I was reading something 'online' within the last couple of weeks about Mullens boats that said they were building "fabricating" out of aluminun in the '20's I think.

[Donn]

Grumman Aircraft, in Bethpage, Long Island, NY, built a 13' aluminum canoe in 1945.

[Donn]

Grumman Aircraft, in Bethpage, Long Island, NY, built a 13' aluminum canoe in 1945.

[Donn]

Grumman Aircraft, in Bethpage, Long Island, NY, built a 13' aluminum canoe in 1945.

[Donn]

Ask the same question here...very good forum for aluminum boats:

http://www.pagebiz.com/bds/aluminum/repair.html

[Donn]

Ask the same question here...very good forum for aluminum boats:

http://www.pagebiz.com/bds/aluminum/repair.html

[Donn]

Ask the same question here...very good forum for aluminum boats:

http://www.pagebiz.com/bds/aluminum/repair.html

[Donn]

"In the latter part of 1945, Bill and Chick Ward created the first welded seam aluminum jon boat. This first Ward Brothers aluminum boat was patterned similar to the flat bottom cypress wood boat of that period. However, the Wards saw the advantage of more rake at the bow and more flair on the sides. After testing this aluminum Jon boat, they realized it was much easier to paddle -- and, more responsive with a outboard motor. Also, they found it much easier to load, unload, and pull up the banks of the river. The name Dura Craft was decided upon; and, an industry was born."

http://www.wareagleboats.com/history/

[Donn]

"In the latter part of 1945, Bill and Chick Ward created the first welded seam aluminum jon boat. This first Ward Brothers aluminum boat was patterned similar to the flat bottom cypress wood boat of that period. However, the Wards saw the advantage of more rake at the bow and more flair on the sides. After testing this aluminum Jon boat, they realized it was much easier to paddle -- and, more responsive with a outboard motor. Also, they found it much easier to load, unload, and pull up the banks of the river. The name Dura Craft was decided upon; and, an industry was born."

http://www.wareagleboats.com/history/

[Donn]

"In the latter part of 1945, Bill and Chick Ward created the first welded seam aluminum jon boat. This first Ward Brothers aluminum boat was patterned similar to the flat bottom cypress wood boat of that period. However, the Wards saw the advantage of more rake at the bow and more flair on the sides. After testing this aluminum Jon boat, they realized it was much easier to paddle -- and, more responsive with a outboard motor. Also, they found it much easier to load, unload, and pull up the banks of the river. The name Dura Craft was decided upon; and, an industry was born."

http://www.wareagleboats.com/history/

[Donn]

There appears to be controversy over the first aluminum boat. Here are 2 views:

"...the first aluminum boat, a 17’ launch named Zephyr, was built in Switzerland way back in 1890. It was not until 1931, however, that aluminum alloys were developed that were sufficiently resistant to salt water corrosion."

http://www.boatus.com/jackhornor/power/marinette32.htm

-OR-

"Alfred Nobel commissioned the first aluminum boat ever built (12 x 1.8 m), with a capacity of 25 to 30 passengers. The boat, "Mignon," made its maiden voyage on Lake Zurich in 1891. "

http://www.nobel.se/literature/articles/french-lit/poster5.html

[Donn]

There appears to be controversy over the first aluminum boat. Here are 2 views:

"...the first aluminum boat, a 17’ launch named Zephyr, was built in Switzerland way back in 1890. It was not until 1931, however, that aluminum alloys were developed that were sufficiently resistant to salt water corrosion."

http://www.boatus.com/jackhornor/power/marinette32.htm

-OR-

"Alfred Nobel commissioned the first aluminum boat ever built (12 x 1.8 m), with a capacity of 25 to 30 passengers. The boat, "Mignon," made its maiden voyage on Lake Zurich in 1891. "

http://www.nobel.se/literature/articles/french-lit/poster5.html

[Donn]

There appears to be controversy over the first aluminum boat. Here are 2 views:

"...the first aluminum boat, a 17’ launch named Zephyr, was built in Switzerland way back in 1890. It was not until 1931, however, that aluminum alloys were developed that were sufficiently resistant to salt water corrosion."

http://www.boatus.com/jackhornor/power/marinette32.htm

-OR-

"Alfred Nobel commissioned the first aluminum boat ever built (12 x 1.8 m), with a capacity of 25 to 30 passengers. The boat, "Mignon," made its maiden voyage on Lake Zurich in 1891. "

http://www.nobel.se/literature/articles/french-lit/poster5.html

[Ed Harrow]

Like I've said before, it doesn't much matter what the question is - someone here either knows the answer, or knows where it is...

[Ed Harrow]

Like I've said before, it doesn't much matter what the question is - someone here either knows the answer, or knows where it is...

[Ed Harrow]

Like I've said before, it doesn't much matter what the question is - someone here either knows the answer, or knows where it is...

[paladin]

a gazillion years ago........I wuz reading something about Napoleon.....and the new tableware made from this wondrous new lightweight metal.....the table ware was more expensive to produce than gold.....and there was a mention of a small rowing "pond boat" fabricated for the amazement and enjoyment of guests........probably amateur built and one of a kind...but.....

[paladin]

a gazillion years ago........I wuz reading something about Napoleon.....and the new tableware made from this wondrous new lightweight metal.....the table ware was more expensive to produce than gold.....and there was a mention of a small rowing "pond boat" fabricated for the amazement and enjoyment of guests........probably amateur built and one of a kind...but.....

[paladin]

a gazillion years ago........I wuz reading something about Napoleon.....and the new tableware made from this wondrous new lightweight metal.....the table ware was more expensive to produce than gold.....and there was a mention of a small rowing "pond boat" fabricated for the amazement and enjoyment of guests........probably amateur built and one of a kind...but.....

[nedL]

I found this on the Mullins boat club web page, there is also what sounds like an ealier reference to aluminum being used.

"The twenties would show Mullins boats continuing an evolution in design and speed to match the propulsion industry. The new Sea Hawk line sported a hydroplane hull made with corrugations toward the stern that increased the surface area for easier planing and increased stability by reducing sideslip. These were outboard boats that were offered in different models to fill, hopefully, the needs of the boat-buying public. Sea Hawks were produced in galvanized Armco ingot iron and also offered in aluminum alloy. With speeds of up to 28 miles per hour listed in a 1928 brochure, the ever-increasing power of the outboard promised to soon make 30 miles per hour a reality. The aluminum models were highly polished and painted with clear lacquer. Production aluminum boats came from Mullins long before it became commonplace. A standard Sea Hawk, the Lady Sparton, is shown in a 1929 brochure winning the Milwaukee to Chicago marathon. Of the 49 boats that started only 6 made it to the finish line, and the Mullins was the only one with a crew of two."

[nedL]

I found this on the Mullins boat club web page, there is also what sounds like an ealier reference to aluminum being used.

"The twenties would show Mullins boats continuing an evolution in design and speed to match the propulsion industry. The new Sea Hawk line sported a hydroplane hull made with corrugations toward the stern that increased the surface area for easier planing and increased stability by reducing sideslip. These were outboard boats that were offered in different models to fill, hopefully, the needs of the boat-buying public. Sea Hawks were produced in galvanized Armco ingot iron and also offered in aluminum alloy. With speeds of up to 28 miles per hour listed in a 1928 brochure, the ever-increasing power of the outboard promised to soon make 30 miles per hour a reality. The aluminum models were highly polished and painted with clear lacquer. Production aluminum boats came from Mullins long before it became commonplace. A standard Sea Hawk, the Lady Sparton, is shown in a 1929 brochure winning the Milwaukee to Chicago marathon. Of the 49 boats that started only 6 made it to the finish line, and the Mullins was the only one with a crew of two."

[nedL]

I found this on the Mullins boat club web page, there is also what sounds like an ealier reference to aluminum being used.

"The twenties would show Mullins boats continuing an evolution in design and speed to match the propulsion industry. The new Sea Hawk line sported a hydroplane hull made with corrugations toward the stern that increased the surface area for easier planing and increased stability by reducing sideslip. These were outboard boats that were offered in different models to fill, hopefully, the needs of the boat-buying public. Sea Hawks were produced in galvanized Armco ingot iron and also offered in aluminum alloy. With speeds of up to 28 miles per hour listed in a 1928 brochure, the ever-increasing power of the outboard promised to soon make 30 miles per hour a reality. The aluminum models were highly polished and painted with clear lacquer. Production aluminum boats came from Mullins long before it became commonplace. A standard Sea Hawk, the Lady Sparton, is shown in a 1929 brochure winning the Milwaukee to Chicago marathon. Of the 49 boats that started only 6 made it to the finish line, and the Mullins was the only one with a crew of two."

[Bayboat]

If God meant for us to build aluminum boats he would have grown aluminum trees.

[Bayboat]

If God meant for us to build aluminum boats he would have grown aluminum trees.

[Bayboat]

If God meant for us to build aluminum boats he would have grown aluminum trees.