1969 orlando clipper

[cassanova]

Hello to all. I am new to the site and I really dont know where to post this. I am looking for info or someone to point me in the right direction for info on a 1969 orlando clipper boat. Thanks in advance

[messabout]

What kind of information do you wish to have?

From memory, Orlando Clippers were made in....Orlando or one of its burbs. The boats were aluminum and built with a heavier gage material than similar boats. They were mostly quite full in the bow sections and could pound in certain conditions. These were tough boats and many of them are still in service. They bring a premium price on the used market unless consumed by galvanic corrosion, which seldom was a problem. I think that, at some time or other the manufacturer dropped the ball and started building FRP boats. If you find an old aluminum Clipper in good condition, scoop it up.

I did not like them when they were being sold because I was a boat dealer selling Lone Stars and Duracrafts. The Clipper was somewhat heavier for a given size but they were damn good boats.

Hang around for a while, someone who knows more than I do may reply.

[Bob Falconer]

I have a Clipper, fiberglass, 20' with a 125 hp Merc on it. What would you like to know about it? It's a pretty tough boat with high gunwales - good for deep water fishing (Lake Michigan). Oh yeah - it's for sale.

[gregoryservices]

Originally Posted by cassanova

Hello to all. I am new to the site and I really dont know where to post this. I am looking for info or someone to point me in the right direction for info on a 1969 orlando clipper boat. Thanks in advance

i have a 1956 orlando clipper in great condition. we love it. i have thought about putting it up for sale. i put a 55 hp chrysler on it and it hauls A** i did find a couple of sites with cool info.

[gregoryservices]

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Rapids/5373/
http://www.theclassicboathouse.com/ads.html

[explorer3114]

You are correct; Orlando clippers were made in Orlando, FL. They were expensive in their day. They were made with a heaver gauge AL, the bonus to that was they were rated for bigger motors (a 14' open bow runabout was rated for 30hp). Another notable feature was they put the stringers on the outside of the hull which helped with tracking and made the floor smooth on the inside. There's a few of these boats still around (I bought a second one a couple of weeks ago). Both of my boats are the open hull 14' 3 seater. It's perfect for running the local rivers around Florida. I have even run across the Everglades a few times in my older one. Salt water does eat them up like any AL boat so it's best to keep them in fresh water. Watch the internet and FL papers (Orlando Sentinel) and you can find one. I also see them at the Antique Boat Show in Mount Dora, FL every spring. I'm looking for the oval logo's that were on the bow. I heard someone was selling a replica logo on the internet, but that link appears to be dead. Any info on the logo would be appreciated.

[gregoryservices]

i have a good picture of that logo. see attached files. as you can see mine is rated to 50hp.

[Tmartin56CLIP]

Hey yall,whats up? Im new here, been reading your posts and finally signed up!!!! Ive been waiting a LONG time to find people actually interested in Old Orlando Clipper boats!! Mine is a 12foot enclosed bow all aluminum..got a 40 on the back....it goes pretty good.... man I love it..!! Right now Im doin my best to restore the the boat completly..starting with re-doin the original upholstry and the bimini top...anyone know wheres a good place around orlando sanford area to get something like that done? ..ive been addicted to these boats from day one..!!!!!!!!!! One question...the stripe on my boat is black now...does anyone know if it is supposed to be black or was it red at one time???? PROUD to be part of the CLIPPER CREW!!!

[Tmartin56CLIP]

Does anyone know the best way to seal up an aluminum boat..the clipper above....ive got a leak somewhere and I want to try to paint, spray, whatever I can do to the inside of the boat c!orners and floor to possibly keep the boat from leaking...I hope someone can help me with this..I will forever be greatfull..

[gregoryservices]

check the rivits carefully by tapping them if they are loose just a little bit you will develop leaks. painting the inside will not help that much. you can replace the rivits that are loose (must be proper ones), tighten them (easier said than done), or use a sealant on those loose ones, if you dont stop the leak it will always leak. mine is a 56 as well and i had a few loose rivits here and there. i used tough silicone from the bottom and wiped just a little of it around the edge of the loose rivits. yes you will get to know your boat doing this, give her a name. mine is Jewel. you might also try a waterproof epoxy. just be aware of the water line so it still looks nice. MOTHERS metal polish is great for the finish.

[Tmartin56CLIP]

Cool man, thanks for writin back! Those rivets or rivet seem to be under the front bench seat...So that should be hard to get to right? Theyre dead center of the boat... wee'll see what happens!!

[explorer3114]

The rivets under my seat were bad too. Gooping sealant around a rivet is just a temporary fix. Best to replace the leaking rivets. I put about 6" of water in my boat and marked the leaking rivets on the outside with a grease pencil. Then you have to drill out the seat top panel rivets (when I replaced the seat panel I just used 3/16" pop rivets). Sometimes you can get lucky by just tightening up the existing leaking hull rivets. I had to replace my leaking rivets. On the hull I used regular aircraft rivets and bucked them. No leaks now and it looks original. As I like restoring old boats...and you live close by, I could give you a hand with it. It would only take 1/2 hour to do if you do the prep work first. No charge, just happy to help out a fellow Orlando Clipper owner. You can e-mail me at biketraveller314@hotmail.com for more info.
Bill

[Tmartin56CLIP]

Thanks a lot...I will send you an email here soon about it! Thanks again.

[fire048]

Good evening to all. I have been looking at an Orlando Clipper to purchase. I am looking for the plate that gives the serial number and the horsepower rating. This boat is 12' long and has a steering wheel on the right side about 2/3 of the way back on the right side. It is kind of rough but my grandfather owned one when I was little and I want to restore this one. The bow is closed in but only a small portion and the boat has no windshield and I don't think it ever did. I am going by my memory from over 30 years ago. If anyone can tell me where the plate may be located for this boat i would appreciate it.

[Tmartin56CLIP]

I would say that the plate is on the transom...the inside of it....Mine has a face-plate for the inside of the transom where it is attached to...also if you look at the transom from the rear, (the right side) the serial number and model number should be engraved or tapped-into the outside wall..... Saw an orlando Clipper Windshield on craigs list.com/orlando/orlando clipper...throw some pictures up here of it...it would be cool to see it! Good LUCK!!!