Trying to Identify what this boat is

**cancobra** · 08-12-2015, 08:33 AM

I had posted to another thread but it was quite old so decided to post a new one. The boat shown was recently purchased and does not have any identification at all. From a previous post by someone else it appears to be a Prince Craft. The boat is a 12 footer, originally had rear right controls and is quite heavy for its size. I have a few other 50's boats so have a keen interest in restoring this one. The aluminum contraption on the rear is for mounting different configurations of motors I understand.
Can anyone tell me what it is and its approximate age?

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**89LASER** · 08-12-2015, 11:25 AM

**89LASER** · 08-12-2015, 11:29 AM

I saw this on another thread and borrowed the picture

**cancobra** · 08-12-2015, 12:19 PM

Thank you for responding, that is the thread I also posted on when I came across that photo. I know there is a manufacturer called Princecraft but was not sure the poster was inferring that shot was of a Princecraft or not.
After searching through the internet with that information could not find really any more significant information. It may be there is none so I thought I would appeal to members on this site just to be sure that is what I have. The one in the photo has a slightly more "dome" to the deck and different definition on the hull but the rest is very close.
Hopefully someone will come through who may own one of these boats and assist in identifying it.

**Slimm** · 08-12-2015, 12:29 PM

Is there not a hull identification number on the transom that looks like it was stamped in while the gelcoat was still soft? On my boat it is fairly easy to see but on a couple older boats I saw the numbers were very 'shallow' and almost appeared mostly filled in.

Slimm

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**cancobra** · 08-12-2015, 12:52 PM

I have been all over this boat and have not found anything. Not even rivet holes on where the plate may have been affixed. Considering the boat is probably close to 60 years old who knows what has happened to it over the years. The transom itself looks to have been glassed over at least once. If I knew where it was I would start peeling fiberglass but without that information could end up with quite a mess.

If there is anyone with a boat like this one I would appreciate any information at all. I cannot get the boat registered until I can get some information other than its physical dimensions.

**CharlieN** · 08-12-2015, 01:45 PM

Being a pre '70s hull there would be no HIN on the transom. Any numbers would probably be glassed in up under the deck, either under the splashwell or helm area. But that could vary as well.

**cancobra** · 08-17-2015, 08:17 AM

Well I cannot find an ID on this boat and really is not that important. It may surface as I am restoring the boat. I have another question, does anyone have any detail on the transom extension on this boat. Manufactured by Springfield Marine I cannot find any information on how to use it, not even on their site. I will post a shot of it when I figure out how.

**cancobra** · 08-17-2015, 08:18 AM

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**TooStroked** · 08-17-2015, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by cancobra

That's not a "transom extension," it's a good old fashioned Jack Plate. It's used to easily raise or lower the motor on the transom to find the optimum position for best speed and handling. On a boat like you have, it was probably added because somebody had a long shaft motor and the transom height was designed for something shorter. I kind of doubt "optimum speed and handling" was ever considered.