Retro Crestliner Discussion Forum

Phil · Joined: 15 Aug 2010 Posts: 4

Hi All - First post.

I am looking for a bow handle for my 12' Commander. This is my first Crestliner. Second was a Flying Crest, third was a Viking bought by a fellow forum user here in Washington State. Would like to eventually find a 18' Voyager but that's another topic.

So, for my first boat I am trying to locate a bow handle that will work. Looks like 90% of the bow handles were the same or very similar. I've searched the online auctions and other forums but so far no luck. Hoping some one here has one or knows of one. All options considered.

Thanks,
Phil near Seattle, Wa

Chris · Joined: 15 May 2004 Posts: 270 Location: North West

Hi Phil, can't help with the handle, but just wanted to say hi.

We've really been enjoying the Viking. It's a good boat. Lot's of struggles, blood sweat and tears, but it's sorted out nicely now. I haven't forgotten that I promised you a ride. Now that I have the motor working well, and have electric start, I'm much more interested in taking someone other than forgiving family members! Hopefully we can make this happen sometime.

Chris.

Good luck with the handle.
_________________
Chris
1956 Commander 520
1956 Viking
'55 Johnson 10,'57 Johnson 18,'55 Johnson 25
1958 Evinrude Lark 35

http://www.retrocrestliner.com/viewerphotospage53.htm

http://s127.photobucket.com/albums/p156/7car7/Aluminum%20Runabouts/My%20Boats/

OutBdNut · Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 593 Location: Minnesota

I'm not sure where to get a bow handle, but watch out for the type because there were two types used. If the boat has a short deck, like the Commodore 14 model 802, that did not have the aluminum rib down the center of the deck's surface, the bow handle did not have the notches on it's underside to make it sit over the rib. Your Viking has this rib on the deck. The classified ad section here is used to have a boat junkyard on it that may be a place to contact for a handle - maybe somebody here remembers how to contact them.
Another place to try - it's mostly an outboard junkyard, but they have some old boat parts is www.twincityoutboard.com. Their website doesn't mention boat parts, but I've been to their store (60 miles from me, just south of Minneapolis) and they do have some boat parts and they do mail parts out - call or e-mail them.
Dave
_________________
57 Commander 12 Custom Deluxe 550
58 Commodore 14 Speedster (modified)
58 Cadillac Riviera 14 split deck
Dozens of old outboards