1980 Yonkers brand, AL Hull, anyone know this brand?

[TallTex]

I was looking at an auction boat in Clear Lake TX, owner says it is a Yonkers brand. I finding nothing online about this name/make. Has twin caterpillar engines. He thought it was originally in CA, they bought it in MD, updated/upgraded it and moved to TX. Been sitting long time since. Anyone on here know this name or where it was built?

 

[O C Diver]

It might be a boat builder as opposed to a manufacturer. Basically there are boat builders who build whatever a naval architect designs for you. Consider the age and how few aluminum boats were built in that size back then, I think the above is a likely bet.

If the boat is documented, the builder should be listed with an address. If the boat is titled in a state, the hull will have an identification number that will also appear on the title. There is a look up that covers hull identification numbers and lists the builder, whether still in business or not.

Ted

 

[TallTex]

Thank you for your response. I believe you are correct. The Texas owner/seller said it was "custom" but I don't know what that means in reality. "Custom" could mean anything as he has only been its owner past 20 years or so no idea of a 1980 boat. So you are thinking it could be a "one of" that the original owners had built for themselves?

What is the reputation of an AL hull for strength or longevity? If you know.
The only other AL hulled big boat I have seen is the yt guy Gus's revival of a 70' Brower? out of a dock in VA last year. He loves his.

 

[O C Diver]

A great deal will depend on who the architect was, who the builder was, and very important, what alloy was used in the construction of the hull.

If it were me, I would contact the owner and get either a picture of the documentation certificate or the hull identification number. Either of those will get you to the builder identification. After several searches, I've come up with nothing related to Yonkers boat building, so I'm assuming it was either sold or went out of business.

If going forward on the purchase, you absolutely need an expert surveyor for aluminum boats. There are all sorts of horror stories on boats with horribly pitted hulls that were filled and barrier coated to resemble pristine hulls. Replating a hull is prohibitively expensive.

Ted

 

[mvweebles]

OC Diver is spot-on. The alloy of aluminum is very important. Some alloys fizz like Pepto Bismol (slight exaggeration). Some are very durable.

Not sure which ones to look for or how you tell, but due diligence is in order.

Peter