Rare 1960's, 14 ft. Elgin Speedster "Norma Gracey" (Macklin)

BOAT HISTORY

This nice little Elgin has been refinished over the winter of 2013. Originally an open fishing boat model, we have customized it to resemble a gentleman's racer.

 

Ted's intention is to use the 1953, 15 hp Evinrude motor once owed by his father - this great little motor has received total refurbishing.

 

Elgin boats were made in the '50s and '60s to be sold in the sports section of Sears Roebuck. Back in the day, you could stroll into a Sears Roebuck store, select a reasonably priced little wooden boat, complete with outboard motor and Teeny teardrop trailer. Over to the finance dept. to set up an easy payment plan, that Sears was so well known for, stock up with some fishing and camping gear, and set out with the family to a nearby lake for a family vacation. But who made these reliable, sturdy little vessels?

 

Sears would source them from different manufacturers and contract a given number of boats to be produced for their brand (in this case, Elgin), under an annual contract. Penn Yan Boats, of Penn Yan, New York actually set up a separate company called "Angler Boat Co." to produce boats for Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward. Cruisers, Inc. of Oconto, WI, also made numerous lapstrake boats for Sears Roebuck.

 

The actual origin of this little boat has not been ascertained, but her present restored condition has made her an attractive, fun little vessel for the Macklins to enjoy for many years to come in the Muskoka Lakes.