New guy here, looking for a little help

[Finnhd]

I have come across a rather interesting wooden boat. The owner tells me it was built by the Henry Hinckley Co. I have scoured the internet, and can't find another like it. It appears to be 16ft or so in length, it was called a "bass boat" according to the owner, supposedly these smaller boats were built to keep the workforce working in tough times during the late 40's early 50's? It seems to have a dual helm system. One normal position, and one along the gunwale. Has anyone ever come across one of these? Any info would be a great help. Thanks.

[Thorne]

Welcome!

A better description would help - what type of wood hull -- lapstrake or carvel or ? Sawn frames, bent frames, or both? Any decking? Outboard mount or notch or ?

Can you post some photos? Here's how -

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limitations are the main reason why.

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[Finnhd]

I don't have any pics, it is covered in a garage, and surrounded by clutter. I believe it is lapstrake. It appeared to have a mount on the transom, for what I would call today a kicker motor, but it appeared to be an inboard for propulsion. I know very little, I will update if I get more info or a pic.

[Doug Wood]

I have the book "The Hinckley Story", which was written by Benjamin B. Hinckley Jr. I just did a quick scan and couldn't find reference to a boat built by the company that quite matches your description. Closest to your estimate of 16' would include the following:

In the late 50's, they built 115 15' power launches referred to as the "Kingfisher". Most apparently were powered by inboard motors but some had outboards. Hinckley also built (in the same time period) 33 "Roustabout" power launches. These were 20 footers. During WWII, they built a bunch of 20' cargo boats for the Army. I believe all of these were carvel though, and not lapstrake.

Having said all the above, it doesn't necessarily mean that the boat you're looking at wasn't made by Hinckley but I think you'll need to pull some more info together (with photos, if possible) in order to find your answer.

[Finnhd]

That might be what I am looking at. I am going to try and get a closer look at this boat. Is there more of a description of it in your book? Also I am wondering where I might find that interesting book of yours.

[Torna]

Looks like plenty are available used - about $50
http://www.bookfinder.com/dir/i/The_Hinckley_Story/0963566822/

-leif

[Doug Wood]

Is there more of a description of it in your book?

No, I'm afraid not.

[Finnhd]

Well, I had another visit with this boat yesterday, It appears that It is a kingfisher, I am told built over the winter of 53-54, as a way to keep the craftsmen busy, Yachts must have been slow selling that year? It is a plywood boat, with a 4cyl inboard, and two helm stations, one in the standard position, and one small helm about midships on the starboard rail. I took some pics but you really can't see much as it sits in a garage of clutter. It has been with this owner since '56. Neat find!

[Hwyl]

Sounds exciting. You're in the right place to find out more about it. Good luck.

[Finnhd]

Too big to upload here. Also there is a great Vintage Raceboat Regatta here on the lake this weekend. For those who enjoy wooden powerboats, and hydros.

[Hwyl]

You don't upload, you put them on a photo sharing site. Look at Thorne's ponderous instructions above.

I'm sailing this weekend, although i am attending an event in KBport (or nearby) where there maybe some of powerboat ilk.

[Finnhd]

I am not that computer savvy.