Seeking Info on 1979 Aqualark Outboard

[Sealarker]

Hello swhobie,
I am in the process of getting everything I can find together to post it but I can tell you that the max HP rated for one of these boats was only supposed to be 15 to 20 HP but guys put up to 25HP. With anything over a 15 to 20 HP I would deffinatly be governing it down to let your grandkids drive it. They where never really fast out of the hole due to the short lenght of the boat but once up and planed out with a 25HP on the back my dad had told me that the boat would run right around 50MPH with no problems at all......The issue is that with the larger outboards on the back they are very prone to flipping over at speed. The boat that I have has never been assembled due to that very reason my father was always worried about me flipping it over. One of my fathers jobs for Tamco was to test the products on the detriot river to find flaws with the different models. This was a deffinate flaw to speek of if the boats where over powered. I have just purchased a 25HP merc for mine that I plan on doing some work to up the power a bit. I have a need for speed and am now old enought to deal with the consequences of hurting my self with the boat......My father was always very adimate about not over power one of these boats as he has flipped over his far share and knows what can happen when things go wrong.....As soon as I have all the liturature together I will make sure to post it so everyone can enjoy it.

[swhobie]

Thanks for that update, I am going to stay at 20 or 25hp max and will probably keep the 9.8 HP for the grandkids when they old enough to go out solo. With light crew it is fast enough and with the whale tail comes right up on top with no problems.

I look forward to your future postings.

[cactus jack]

Hi Everyone. Great thread. I have a mini boat that I think is a Aqua Lark. If not it is quite like one. The floor is rotting and soft and I want to repair it before next summer. Has anyone done this or have pictures of what I will find under the floor that may also be a problem? Stringer? Knees? Foam? Core? Thanks for any info.

[Sealarker]

Cactus Jack,
The floor under the aqua lark is a sheet of ply wood laying over 2 stringers that run the lenght of the boat and taper down toward the front of the boat.
Under the plywood is filled with spray foam....The issue is that the foam will hold water and over time rot the wood around it. Not a huge projet to fix but be prepared to have a lot of foam to pull out of the bottom in order to get at the stringers to replace them. Good luck and if you have time post some pic's of your ride and we can let you know if it is in fact an Aqua Lark......
Good luck and happy boating .....

[cactus jack]

Thanks Sealarker. The foam! Oh yes. I've had to deal with the foam on another boat repair I did once. Sounds like it will be about the same. I was hoping it was open. Do you have any pictures of what it is supposed to look like under the floor? Thanks again!

[bronzlovic]

Is anyone still around this site? I have a Jet Lark and I need some of that info to hopefully get my engine running. Thanks

[testmoron]

I too am looking for info on my jet lark, anybody?

[danzima]

Two useful tidbits:
I just installed an 8foot long KEELSHIELD on my Aqualark
PERFECT SIZE!-if your lark is equipped with the rear hatch,
Then it will be easy to install,from the tip of the bow to the end of the stern under the transom... Easy to install in about 1/2 hr
ALSO-a set of SMART Tabs, a hydraulic trim tab that requires no electronics-it automatically adjusts! This is even more beneficial to folks worried about an overpowered boat, since it basically adds a bit of length to the craft... Easy to install in about an hour. It normally helps a lower powered craft gain lift to a quick hole-shot, and provides better stability while planing

[mdonzi]

cool old stuff on the boats my dad was the one who bought the tamco co from canada to maryland in the 70s then named it kamco i have some info on boat if any would like good to see them still going

[danzima]

Could you perhaps scan any pages,and post them up on this forum? I am still getting emails of folks that are interested in their boat but have no info... I know there is one person that had purchased a bunch of the old molds,and I think he is still able to be reached on this forum. Personally,I am nearly completely done with another project:I've painted one all bright yellow,and will be installing my 25HP motor. It now has a horn,bilge pump,blower,and I may install a humminbird 3D. Hopefully I'll get a chance to play before wintertime. -Matt Danziger danzima@hotmail.com

[mr.marine]

i think thats a good point. also, in case you dont know where to buy, try this shop www.mcmarine.net. really good parts and very fast. if you cant find what you need contact them, they are really friendly people. www.mcmarine.net

cheers, bob

[Richard Wolf]

I am seeking any information concerning the boats produced in Windsor Ontario by Tamco. My father was the owner of Tamco during this time.

[epatterson10@gm]

Hi! Just refurbished a '74 Aqualark, and am now working out the kinks. Can't get it to come out of the hole and stay down. It rides with a 20hp Yamaha. Any ideas on prop size? We'll be adding sandbags in the front to help balance, as well as adjusting the tilt of the motor.

[mdonzi]

rich my dad bought the tamco boat co and change it to kamco in maryland in 70s i have some pic and ads i will try to post soon on the boats still have one wish had few more

[pistnbroke]

bit like this I suppose ...25 hp Yamaha with 4 blade 12 pitch solas prop...large batteries for ballast but bottom re shaped to be boatlike rather than the deep V of the jetski