HELP identifying boat

[thefuture]

Just purchased this boat. Trying to figure out any history on design or orginal manufacturer. Any help is appreciated.

Also if anyoe has any pictures of the orginal boat or ideas of how this boat would have been layed out from the manufacture.

Planning a total rebuild picnic boat style...

Thanks

[marshmat]

Hi thefuture,

The style looks somewhat familiar... we have a couple of boats in one of the marinas here that look a lot like that, but are a bit smaller... I can't think of the name, though.

If it's a structurally sound hull, I think it could be a good base for what you're planning.

Just don't call it a "picnic boat"- Hinckley has that trademarked and defends it vigorously....

[Lt. Holden]

the future,


That is a 18' Lone Star Eldorado Express, 1959-1961 or so. My best friends have one. it was made in Plano, Texas. In the early to mid 60's Lone Star was the largest recreational boat manfacturer in the U.S.; they were bought out by Chrysler in 1967 or so.

It is a very good boat! They are built like an aircraft and are very well constructed. They are very light for their volume; factory brochure states 700lbs. or so.

My friends' has a 1988 Johnson 88 H.P. Spl on theirs and it handles very well and is sneaky fast. We have been clocked on the Connecticut river with 4 people aboard at 40 m.p.h. (GPS).

It is not the sleekest shape there is above the waterline but has an amazing amount of room and nice high sides. It has a fairly flat bottom aft so I think it is mainly a lake, river, and bay boat, it tends to pound in rough chop.

Owner's pics and brochures can be seen at ************s

[thefuture]

Thanks for the heads up guys. Lt. Holden do you think you could pm me that link or break it up because it seems the forum is blocking it. I am really excited about this project, although i currently own 4 boats right now.

[Lt. Holden]

the future,
I don't know why I can't post a link; perhaps one of the mavens could help us out. Is your e-mail in the members list? If so I will send it to you.

Is your boat 18', it looks like it. They also made a 21' version that I have not seen personally. The boats were offered in different configurations, my friends' boats does not have the bow lights on it. I have seen others in brochures and on the net that have full width motor boxes on the stern thus increasing cockpit volume. I think all of these had solid foam block flotation under the sole and behind the cockpit liner.

They made a variety of aluminum styles from 14 to 24' and later fiberglass from 14 to 21' (I think). Also if you google "Lonestar Owner's Group" and sign up (free) they have a nice album section with many of the models shown. Several of these, especially the 24's have been redone at a very high level.

I will p.m. you if possible and look forward to your progress with what I regard as a very worthwhile project!

John

[Lt. Holden]

I didn't see your e-mail in the member's list so let me try putting the name of the link here: fiber (+) classics (+) .com

[Lt. Holden]

I was just looking more closely at your pics. You need a longer trailer! I would suggest some temporary support to the transom in the meantime; although with no motor mounted it may not be a big deal. Does yours have an O/B well or the transom bracket?

I also noticed your windshield is missing, do you have it? If not the owner's group has a topic by a guy who made his own using his old windshield as a form; it may be worth looking into.

I forgot to mention it, but these boats are shallow draft (I'd have to measure in the spring) I'm thinking 6-8" or so; making them ideal for riverine or estuarine use.

[thefuture]

Fiber classics . com does not work. Here is my email. Elliottfalls(at)gmail dot com

[Lt. Holden]

I tried the link and it did not work. I have visited that site many times over the last three years. Does anyone know what happened to it?

Reagarding interior layout, the brochures for the El Dorado show back-to-back lounge seats on low boxes under the house top. My friends boat had no seats when they bought it. I gave them a pair of pedestal seats for the helm and companion and a pair of back-to-back lounges which we mounted just aft. The pedestals were a tad too high and where the lounge seats where you bumped your head when rising. This past year we removed the pedestals and mounted the lounge seats up forward under the housetop; a much better arrangement!

I believe the brochure also mentioned a small stove (in the cockpit), a folding table and portable head as options. I have also seen photos of boats with a standup helm station and windshield at the after end of the housetop. I think I have the brochures, if so I will post them along with pictures of my friends boat.

Cheers and Merry Christmas and Happy holidays to all.

[Lt. Holden]

Here are a few images of the brochure, my friends boat and another with the external O/B box/bracket.

[thefuture]

Thank you very much for the help in finding info. This boat is going to be a lot of fun to work on and operate. The pictures you have sent me really helped. Thank you!! Merry christmas.

[Lt. Holden]

I found another link I had for Lone Star brochures; it may help you with the interior layout.

http://homepage.mac.com/davidkrommes/PhotoAlbum13.html

[Lt. Holden]

************s is now Fiberglassics.com