1946 Elco

[Kyle]

I am looking for photos or info on a 1946 Elco sportcruiser. Mystic seaport has sent me the sales brochures (photocopies). I was hoping that someone might know where another one of these boats might be. Any info sure would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Kyle

[peterriess]

There are a few around. I was recently aboard one in Long Beach (CA). If you go to www.yachtworld.com, search "elco" under Boats for Sale", there are one or two for sale.

[CaptScot]

Kyle,

You might be interested in the website www.elcos.org It is free and the closest thing to an Elco club. The person who created the site has complied a registery of all known Elcos and there is a parts wanted/for sale section.

Scott

[Lee Hoffman]

I am looking for photos or info on a 1946 Elco sportcruiser. Mystic seaport has sent me the sales brochures (photocopies). I was hoping that someone might know where another one of these boats might be. Any info sure would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Kyle
Kyle we own an1947 Elco Sports cruiser,She was used in the Seatle area as A photo boat for marine Photography. She is in excelent contition. The sunbrella was added about 1980 (it is after all, Seattle) Durring the summer months we cruise through out the San Jauns, and South Sound.
enjoy the Photos

Lee

[pungolee]

Those Post-War Elcos were hot at the time,along with Higgins, simply because of all the work that went into the PT boats.The lines are very similar,and you know the factories were still geared up from the war with good supplies and skilled workers.Many a returning serviceman wanted a boat he felt familiar with,and the Elco brand stood out.

[Kyle]

Lee,
Thanks for the pictures. If you wouldn't mind I have numerous questions. I am in the process of rebuilding mine. I have only found three others. None as beautiful as yours. I've attatched a photo from before. The previous owner fluffed her up nicely. Its to bad the structual wasn't addressed.

Thank you very much.
Kyle

[Randy Kyle]

I am looking for photos or info on a 1946 Elco sportcruiser. Mystic seaport has sent me the sales brochures (photocopies). I was hoping that someone might know where another one of these boats might be. Any info sure would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Kyle


I have a 1947 Elco sportcruiser that is in the process of being restored. I have done alot of wood repair to this boat. I also have photos of it from several years ago as well as restoration photos. My wife and I are having a baby and regretefully may consider saleing it. I also would be interested in information about these boats.
Randy Kyle

[Kyle]

Randy,

Where is Kingville Texas? I travel to Austin and Dallas quite a bit. I'd love to see your Elco. The invitation extends this way also. My Elco is here in Tulsa if your ever this way.

[Lee Hoffman]

Lee,
Thanks for the pictures. If you wouldn't mind I have numerous questions. I am in the process of rebuilding mine. I have only found three others. None as beautiful as yours. I've attatched a photo from before. The previous owner fluffed her up nicely. Its to bad the structual wasn't addressed.

Thank you very much.
KyleKyle

Not a problem We spent about 2 or 4 months under our boat replanking the forward starboard side. We are very lucky as to have only 1 frame that needed to be sistered. I still have some more planks that need to be looked at, (unfortunatly she was in fresh water for about 3 years)

[PAR]

Kyle, how did your keel come out?

[Kyle]

Par,

I haven't even had a chance to work on it for the last six months. I'm finnaly back in gear. I lack seven more frames before I get started on the keel and chines.
Question. Which would you do first the keel or a chine? My feeling is the keel, so I can atatch the frames to something. Right now, with every new frame I C-clamp them to the existing stations to keep everything from hogging out of shape. That and about ten boat stands scattered evenly underneath.
As always I value anyones input.

Kyle

[PAR]

You still seem to have a good plan going, no sense fixing the chines if you have to move things a bit repairing the keel and frames.

Got to be short, I'm in an epoxy run on some frames. Chase down the drips, come in, have a cigarette, have the other half ask when I'm coming to bed, chase down more drips, wipe off the door handle (God she hates that) tell her it's almost kicked . . . cooler weather is finally getting here and I can do this in the day time soon.

[Randy Kyle]

Kyle, this is R Kyle good name. Like you I'm a remodeling and painting contractor(retired). My experience helps alot with this project. My boat has a hole knocked in the bottem by a large rock that I have not repaired yet but is pretty straight up.The rest of the hull is in pretty good shape except for the top plank. I removed this from front to back and repaired the stuctural member (sorry don,t know my boat terms) underkneath. From the bow to the cabin area I acomplished this be laminating wood strips to the proper dimention. I scrafed in a piece of mohagany at the deck from front to back and replaced the top plank with plywood epoxied in and out. The top of the bow has been completely rebuilt as well as the canopy with the port-holes. To many other areas to list. I basically target an area, take it apart, make new wood pieces and reasemmble with epoxy and adhesive. Would send pictures if I knew how to. Once top side repairs were done I have slept in this boat more times than I can count, cabin is in fair shape. Sounds like your boat is more complicated. Am real interested in what all you are doing to it.I have worked on mine for two years and have found it challenging and very rewarding. anyway this is long enough. Randy

[Randy Kyle]

Lee Hoffman this is Randy Kyle. I also have a ,47 Elco and see thru Kyle's messages that you trailer you boat and have some questions about this. My boat looks very much like yours accept I have a hard top canopy. I guess these boats did'nt come with tops? I'm new to this computor thing and have not figured out how to put up pictures yet. Also looked for your name in registry and did'nt find it. thanks R Kyle.

[Kyle]

R> Kyle,
Your right it is a great name. You might take an ice pick and start poking around in the bilge. Especially between the bottom of the frames and the inner planking. It can be a very depressing expierience. I've attatched a photo of the stem. This is the part that connects with keel and rolls upward. I'm not real sure of the trailerability of this boat. Putting her on the road will put more stress in areas that the boat wasn't designed for. All that being said, what the hell. I'm dragging her with me when I go some where. Where is your Elco located?

Take care,
Kyle

[Randy Kyle]

Kyle
Thiis is R Kyle. Been busy, just had a baby boy. My boat is located in Rockport TX. It is in dry dock at my father in laws boat yard. I have pocked with an ice pick and all looks pretty good. Going by the survey found in boat from previous owners the keel and many planks had been replaced in the late 90's. Also the motor was replaced then with a new marine power 4 cylinder with 140 HP and new gear box at the same time. The boat yard that originally had this boat removed the power plant for none payment of rent. They then gave the boat up to my father in law for salvage. When I decided to take up this project I tracked down the motor and purchased it along with securing the title. As for trailering this boat I am looking only to use a trailer to remove the boat from the water seasonally for storage and so I can keep up the bottem. Again if I can find time to figure out how to sind photos I will.
Later R Kyle
ps the motor supposedly has only 50 hours on it and looks it.

[Kyle]

R. Kyle,

Congrats on your new arrival.

Kyle :D

[SeaTowBeaufort]

I know that there was a metal plate with the hull # and builder # on these Elcos. I am trying to figure out where this would be located. Any help would be appreciated.