Retro Crestliner Discussion Forum

Samster · Joined: 26 Aug 2009 Posts: 17

Hello,

This boat was for sale locally. I think it is an old Lonestar Newport or Malibu. I love the fins!

Anyhow I was considering buying it but the guy wanted $2500 and I wasn't sure I wanted to dish that much out for another old boat. I've done some more research about these boats and I've seen some pictures that look so nice. I think this one below is a Malibu.

I could probably find the guy who bought it and make him an offer. (It's a small town) The guy selling it had no idea of the make or how old it was. I'm thinking the guy who bought it probably doesn't have a clue either.

What do you guys think. Are these old Lonestars with fins quite collectable? If so what are they worth?

Even if the guy doesn't want to sell I almost feel like letting him know what he has just so he doesn't hack the thing up. I love these old boats!

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

Yes - the old boats with fins are definitely cool! To add to that, most finned boats were fiberglass and now have major structural problems - only a few aluminum finned models were made - like the Crestliner Jetstreaks. I can't comment on specific price dollars because what they sell for, like all boats, varies greatly around the country. Price is also a function of condition-condition-condition!, and not enough change hands to establish uniform pricing. Modification to the seats, etc, different from original usaully take the price down and mean more work to get the boat looking right for the year (even if you don't redo the seats fully original).
The motor (if any) and it's condition are important factors too. Fortunately, old motors near the same year as these boats, with only a few model exceptions, are cheap - where I live, they are in the $50 to $300 range depending on condition and make. I would put that Chrysler at the low end of the price range (my opinion) because Chryslers have no resale value here. The Johnson in the other photo is way new for the boat and looks out of place, but that means it can be sold for more and you can then find the correct period motor and pocket the difference. Keep in mind newer motors are more reliable and use less gas, so think how you plan to use the boat before getting an old motor.
Last comment on price - it's what the guys at Antique Outboard club(www.aomci.org) say: If you are happy with what you paid for what you got, and the seller is happy with what he got, then the price was right!
Thanks for posting the cool photos!
Dave
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57 Commander 12 Custom Deluxe 550
58 Commodore 14 Speedster (modified)
58 Cadillac Riviera 14 split deck
Dozens of old outboards

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

That is a cool looking boat! (the yellow one ). Certainly has potential. Not sure, hard to tell, but does the yellow one have a longer front deck? Windshield further back? Looks a lot more sporty, but that could be the 2-tone thing making it that way.

Also, I noticed that the white one does not seem to have the splash rails.
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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/

Samster · Joined: 26 Aug 2009 Posts: 17

Hi Chris,

I think the white one may be a Lonestar Newport and the yellow one is a Malibu. I'm guessing from the Lonestar brochure I found online. Tough to tell with their cartoon drawings. Smile

I was definitely kicking myself for not jumping on that boat when I had the chance. I guess I'm a sucker for those wings!

Samster · Joined: 26 Aug 2009 Posts: 17

Well wouldn't you know it. I was playing around on Craigslist a couple days ago and I saw an ad saying vintage aluminum boat for sale.

I called the person and it was a young girl who said it was Malibu. I asked if it had fins and she said yes. I asked if it said Lonestar anywhere and she said yes. I told her I would come right away.

I made the 3 hour trek in the blistering heat and had to deal with a trailer that was poorly set up but I think it was worth it.

Here is my 1959 Lonestar Malibu

Definitely not too pretty at the moment but it all seems solid including the transom. Maybe someday I can make it look like this.....

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

Congratulations! That's awesome! Love hearing boat find stories. Sure hope it works out for you with no serious surprises.

Pretty wide transom - seems it's a good candidate for a twin engine setup!
_________________
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/