1969 orlando clipper

clipper

For reference, here's a photo of one of my clippers. This photo was taken about 75 miles south of Everglade City on the Wilderness Trail (in the Everglades). I have a 2-stroke 25HP on this boat with a 13 gal tank inside the center seat. I picked the bimini up at a yard sale, it came off a Yamaha Jet boat. Top speed is 30 MPH. This boat is so light and nimble it will go just about anywhere.

 

I have one too

It's nice to find some clipper owners.I just aquired mine a few months ago. I did some modifications to the interior. attached are some pictures. I would like to find more info on these boats.

 

the project

here is the link to the whole project http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1208478217/0#0

 

There's not much on the internet about these boats. Here's a couple of sales brochures:
http://www.theclassicboathouse.com/orlandoclipperad56.html
http://www.theclassicboathouse.com/clipper.html

Wow, your clipper looks great! I really like these old clippers. I'm glad another one was saved. Best part is they are so light, you don't use much fuel and you can pull one with any car. I bought a second one to replace my first clipper. My old one was used in salt water and had some serious corrosion in it (my Everglade trips did not help). My new one I found on a little lake next to Cypress Gardens in central FL. It’s never been in saltwater so the aluminum is in excellent shape. I just installed a new transom in it and the fuel tank from the other boat too. I rigged some lights in this boat as occasionally I'm out after dark. I ran the bow light wire inside the top rail (which is hollow) to give the boat a cleaner look. It was a trick to run the wires in that rail. I made a small elongated hole at each end of the top rail (on the bottom side where you can’t see it) then blew compressed air in the hole while I fed a weedeater line into it. I pulled the line out the far end with a pair for forceps then pulled my wire back using the weedeater line. I do some mountain bicycling and have a 12 volt battery to power the twin headlights on my handlebars. I installed a water bottle bracket to hold this battery and a small flip up light on the transom. The 12 volt battery is rechargeable and kept everything compact and light. It looks great. I'll post some photos of the new boat soon. Congratulations again on your find!
Bill

 

Yours is identical to mine Bill. After looking at yours I decided to srtip all the paint off of mine.Then I added some pinstriping to break up the aluminuim color .Right now I'm pushing it with a 1953 15hp evinrude It's light enough to get up on plane rather quickly with all my gear and 2 people on board.I will post pictures when I have more time.I would like to see a picture of your mfg plate,if you would be kind enough to post it as mine is missing.
Thanks,
Rich

 

Actually, my new boat did not come with a data plate. My other one had a data plate but I have already sold it. Anyone else with a data plate photo?
Bill

 

I'll try to get a pic of mine up here.

 

for sale

I have a 12 foot clipper that needs some transom work for 200.00 it has a wheel and engine controls contact me at gordiekb@bellsouth . net i live in west palm beach or call after 5 pm at 561-582-3773

 

I Have A 12 Foot Clipper That Need Some Transom Wprk For 200.00 It Has A Wheel And Engine Control Contact Me At Fordiekb@bellsouth,net I Live In West Palm Beach Call After 5pm At 561-582-3773

 

Glad To Find Others

Well, after many failed searches over the years finally other Clipper fans. I'll have to dig out some pictures of mine. I love anything old and when I saw her in front of "Fast Eddies " pawn shop it was love at first sight. A doctor had purchased her in Alabamba and was headin to Ohio when he stopped in Beaufort SC and decided to go for a cruise. Alas no such luck for him but for me Oh Yeah! I had it in my possession in less than 3 days for $700 with the trailer and a 50hp 1970 Mercury. The only thing wrong was the choke spring had popped loose. I run her up and down the Savannah River to the amusement of many. I can skipp her across the water and turn on a dime. What sparked my interest today was I've had her parked a few years and decided to up her registration and fire her up again. I'll get some pics of her and her data plate posted if anyone needs that info. 14ft, windshield, hull I think is 1020 but I'll check. I think she's rated at 30 but that small merc 50 works well and I would'nt go any higher withthe way I captain. Regards To All and Safe Boating, Patrick

 

Clipper

Cool to see more people talking about Orlando Clippers. I'm in the process of restoring mine. At the point where I am trying to get it to go faster by lifting the motor higher. Have a 40 horse merc. It goes about 30-32. I wonder how far I can push the cavitation plate above the bottom of the transom? When the boat is sitting in the water the water comes half way up the transom. It's a 12 foot clipper with a totally rebuilt 2'' transom rienforced with welded aluminum... Any Ideas, expierences, anything?

 

Orlando Clipper

Question... does anyone know where to get a plug or what to use as a plug for the drain on the floor? I have been using a 3/4" PVC pipe threaded plug with an O-ring but can not totally seal it.

I am in the process of restoring a 12' Aluminum Orlando Clipper for the second time. It is far from perfect. But who is at 53 years old. I acquired a used Honda 15 four stroke with a 20" shaft. They make an adapter plate to raise it to the correct height of 15". So far it is very economical to run and does 23 MPH. I originally had an old 20HP Merc on it. It was faster, noisier, and totally unreliable. These boats are incredible. I don't need to say more.
http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=29278&stc=1&d=1234361544

 

New boat do not know what it is for sure.

My neighbor has this boat in his yard I may get and fix up.
I had a Game and Fish officer look at it and he thinks its a 68 Orlando Clipper.
I am not so sure.
If you look at the picture close up on the side of the boat it looks like an Anchor type emblem used to be there. I never seen that on any Clipper so far tho I may be wrong.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Sorry the pictures are so big needed to get in close for detail.
thanks
TODD

 

Pardon the damaged shed still have hurricane damages in the area lol.

 

Boat Plug

Try the hardware store and ask for a brass drain plug 3/4 thats where I got mine.
TODD