BTW, you guys might enjoy this little story from one of the members over on the DeFever Owners group!
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A little more on the evolution after that momentous intro in the 90's. Please understand that parts of this story I heard directly from Arthur over several visits. Other parts are a logical deduction or knowledge from another source. The introduction of the new Alaskan series did, as you mention, cause quite a stir at the new boat shows. I think the original "deal" was with Oviatt Marine to sell the new series as a more or less "exclusive" dealer for the new series - at least on the East Coast. They were well introduced and quite a few were sold in the coming years. One story I got from Arthur was when, at one of the major boat shows, Tony Fleming sent a team of 5 or so engineers to the boat - which they proceeded to photograph and measure from stem to stern. At the following years' boat show, the New Fleming 53 was introduced to rave reviews. This boat was replaced by the Fleming 55 very shortly thereafter, and continues today. I always liked Arthur's dry sense of humor and did not find him given to huge overstatement, but this incident really got him going. Let's just say, his fervent account of the incident never lead me to question its veracity. Between the success of the new DeFever's and the now new Fleming, American Marine, owner of the Grand Banks brand name, leaped into action, and designed and re-introduced their new Alaskan series, and their lawsuit to reclaim both the "Grand" and "American" brand names ensued, and we end up where we are today. To be kind, both the Fleming, and the GB Alaskan series, as many other since, borrowed heavily from Arthur's'design
My information brought me to believe that the original "Alaskan" designed by Arthur, was done for American Marine (Grand Banks). Most built in wood. Several examples survive today, and are highly sought after yachts. Of course, in those days the market presence of "Grand Banks" was not so visible as it is today. They have done a great job of building value in their brand name.
However, I feel quite certain that most or even all of this new design from Art's board were advertised, built, and sold as DeFever, "GRAND ALASKAN", or the Grand Alaskan Series, by DeFever. I know there was a 53, a 60, and of course, the 64. I clearly recall (I think) seeing the cast bronze step plates with the "GA - 64" on them. I believe this was still going on when American Marine sued to claim the brand. Oviatt Marine was in some financial turmoil at the time, and lacked the resources to support a prolonged legal battle, and the settlement favored American Marine. I think it was agreed that the name did not have to be removed from existing vessels, but no more could be advertised, built, or sold under the name, except by American Marine.
