Wayne, you are right. I did a Google image search for 1957 Ranger III and the 2nd picture looked just like my boat, right down to the peeling brown paint. The reason I have always called it a 1957 is our local paper re-ran a story from January 1958 about a boat show at the Blountstown Landing. One of the boats was the exact same as mine, motor and all. But they might be like cars and come out with the new model late in the year, so it could be a '58. Last night I read some threads on the FC website and thought mine looked like a VII, but it was after midnight, and my memory must have played a trick on me this morning. I see now they have a solid seat back, not divided like mine.
Mine shined when I bought it. So much it blinded you in the sun. I bet the pressure washer would take all the brown paint off it. Then a little polishing would have the shine back. What part of the boat is the serial number stamped at? I would like to know what year it is for sure.
I have bought and sold a few boats over the years, but I will hang on to this one.
Larro
Sorry Guys for taking up so much space on the Good Morning blog, but really this is important stuff! NOT It is just old time boat talk. But Larro (Tim) you might wish to start looking for the stamped in boat ID at the rear on the stern It could be stamped on either side of the motor. Here is a listing of information that will aid you in looking.
One of the reasons I keep this sight updated is to help fellow Feather Craft owners Identify what Feather Craft they have. For the most part the catalog pictures will help determine the model and the year. For most, at least the model. The best way if you still are not sure from the catalog pictures is to locate the serial number for your boat.
The serial number on my 1955 Vagabond was located in two places. As seen in the pictures above the number is stamped on the transom near the motor, the red arrow points to the stamped number.
Also under the dash is a Feather Craft decal that not only listed the "Serial Number" but the "Model", "H.P. Capacity", and "Passenger Capacity".
Decrypting the serial numbers for model years 1951 to 1059
My serial number is: V4-256-55
V =
Vagabond. (this will of cousre be different for each model, dr = Deluxe Runabout, etc...)
4 =
Fourth month of the year that the boat was built.
256 =
The production number so far that year.
55 =
Year boat was built and model year (i.e. 1955).
There are serveral variations and I don't have all the paticulars yet, but will update the page when I can.
Another serial number for a Vagabond is: VII 11 220 567B
VII =
Vagabond II.(Walk thru console)
11 =
Eleventh month of the year that the boat was built.
220 =
The production number so far that year.
56 =
Year boat was built (i.e. 1956).
7 =
Model year (i.e. 1957).
B =
Blue anodizing!!! A "G" would mean the boat was GOLD anodized...
The twist on the year is that the boat was built in 1956 for the 1957 model line.
Serial number front letter designations:
This list does not cover all designations, new ones are added as they are known...
V = Vagabond, VII = Vagabond II, FF = Firefly, CL = Clipper, CR = Cruisette, IL = Islander
P = Penguin, RIV = Ranger IV, DR = Deluxe Runabout, L = Lark, CS = Cisco, RR = Rocket Runabout
H = Hawk, HII = Hawk II, XF = Experimental Flyer
If there are any corrections or updates to the information displayed, please contact me and let me know. I want to provide the most accurate information that I can.
For models years 1950 and below
For serial number: 1-6-592-48
1 = Represents the model of the boat
6 = Sixth month of the year that the boat was built.
592 = The production number so far that year.
48 = Year boat was built (i.e. 1948).
Link:
Feather Craft - Serial Numbers
This is getting serious. My friends up north need to keep their cold up north. :thumbdown: Nice 65° our here on the patio now. :thumbsup:
