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1957 Sportstar

I received this email the other day. Pretty cool…. I have requested more pictures and details from Brian and will share as they become available.

Hi Jim,

Attached are a few pictures of my 1957 sport star with original twin 35hp Johnson motors. I finished restoration this summer and took first place in the Antique Classic Boat Society “Mahogany Memories” boat show in Essex Ct. in the outboard class.

The boat is as original when bought new in 1957 as I was lucky enough to get her from the original owner. I have many more pics if you like and will be happy to elaborate on the restoration if you like, but thought your subscribers might enjoy the pics.

As far as I know, there are very few of this 18’ models around and would love to hear from anyone that has a similar model. I have to say this boat design is excellent with plenty of room for fun and entertaining and is really a head turner. She cruises nicely at 25mph and have gotten her up to 35mph. Oh, and yes, that is the original Tee Nee trailer that the boat was delivered on as well!

Thanks,

Brian

Posted by jamesbowes | November 10, 2016 | Categories: Uncategorized | 1 Comment

New old stock Hiliner Parts

I was finally able to clean out most of the storage building and came across a few boxes of new old stock parts.

If anyone needs any of these items i am happy to ship them out. Or if you are local to Newbury, MA you can come by and take a look. I also think there are some Bow handles somewhere, but they haven’t surfaced yet.

Cover Slider, $10 a set (slider and base x2)

Tail Trim. There are two sizes. $20 a set

Bow Shield. These are the smaller style. $20

Dash Hinges $5 a set, there are two styles in the box

Hatch Handles $5 each

Posted by jamesbowes | May 16, 2015 | Categories: Uncategorized | 13 Comments

Fleetstar at 2014 ACBS Show in NH

Randy from Amesbury, MA sent over this link to a video of him and his 58 Fleetstar at the 2014 ACBS show in Meredith,NH. Randy appears at the 21:51 mark in the video. He has a great story of how he came to own his boat.

http://smartboatingus.com/sbtv/134/

Posted by jamesbowes | January 8, 2015 | Categories: FleetStar | 5 Comments

Fishing Rigged 59 Fleetstar in NH

Gary from Concord NH shared these pictures of his 59 Fleetstar. He’s got a pretty slick fishing setup. He’s also made some neat modifications. I like wood framed windshield, and the storage under the rear seats.

Posted by jamesbowes | July 18, 2014 | Categories: FleetStar | 1 Comment

Hiliner 140 Restoration

Kieth Symmes from Essex, MA sent me the following note and pictures.

Well the “140” HiLiner is out in the sunshine in Essex, MA for the first time in many years! These will serve as some “before” pictures and obviously I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I am optimistic. As I had indicated previously, this was my 93 year old father’s boat and he got it from his older sister who had it on the tiny fresh water river up in Amesbury, MA at her camp many many years ago. I had taken most of the hardware off the deck and started sanding there first. I hope to also strip the paint on the sides and if I can, stain that as well. My dad said this pale green was the color is sister had from way back. The motor is the original 1957 18 HP Holiday Bronze Johnson which has seen very little use, and the trailer is also a classic. I notice the steering is offset to the port side more than the one shown in the 1955 brochure. I wonder if it was offered in 1956 and 1957 as a special order as this was always represented as a 1957. Notice the red “rope” that does the steering!!! Wish me luck? I’ll need it as I start this project. I also have some vintage pennants to fly from the United Shoe Yacht Club that my mother’s father was active in more than fifty years ago. I also have his vintage paddle and gaff hook to lovingly restore. Looking forward to this classic wooden boat being on Chebacco Lake again.

I also have several more vintage green Johnsons tucked away from the 30’s (rope pull 10 HP), 40’s (5 HP), and early 50’s (two 25 HP) in similar condition as we have been here on the lake since 1937.

Posted by jamesbowes | May 17, 2013 | Categories: FleetStar | 1 Comment

New Old Stock Hiliner Bow Handles

I uncovered a few, never installed, Bow handles. These have the ‘HLB” letters etched into them. If anyone is looking for a new, original Hiliner Bow Handle, please let me know. I will try to get a picture up.

I also found some of the triangle sheetmetal trim pieces that go on the each side at the rear. I have two sizes, both left and right side.

Unfortunately I have not been able to find any of the Bow logo plates.

Posted by jamesbowes | March 12, 2013 | Categories: For Sale | 4 Comments

62 Fleetstar Pictures

If anyone has pictures or stories that they would like to share, please send them.

I received this email from Dan Fitzgerald.

When I was little we came home from the July 4th Parade and there was my uncle sitting in a brand new 1956 14′ HiLiner tied to our dock. We lived on Lake Cochituate and no one had anything like this. It had a 30 Johnson and it flew -no one could come near us. It began a life-long passion for boats for me and of course HiLiners always had a special place in my heart. In the early 70’s I bought a 1962 16′ HiLiner with a MERC 700. Just the most perfect package in the world. We loved the boat but time was passing and we succumbed to the beautiful fiberglass boats; eventually ending up with a competition ski boat. But I always missed the HiLiner keeping my eye open for one. I looked for my ’62 HiLiner thirty years later and actually found it. It was a Good news and Bad news scenario. The Good News is that it was restored and is still alive and well. The Bad News is he won’t sell it. But then again that may be a good thing. I also still own a 1965 Glasspar G3 that I bought brand new. It is fully restored and we use it – it’s a virtual showboat. I have owned lots of boats but never could sell my G3. Thank Goodness. Had I had the room, I never would have let the HiLiner go.

Lastly I was so happy to see your website. HiLiners were a step above all the competition. It’s sad we don’t hear much about them anymore but maybe you’ll fix that.

Best of luck – wish you the best.

Dan Fitzgerald

Posted by jamesbowes | August 30, 2012 | Categories: FleetStar | Leave a comment

1955 Hiliner Brochure

Thanks to Bob Rand for sending in these scans. Note that Hiliner “140” this is the 12′ boat that has had a few questions on the site.

Posted by jamesbowes | August 29, 2012 | Categories: Brochure | Leave a comment

Hiliner For Sale

I have decided that I need to sell at least one of my three boats. I don’t have the space or time to care for all three. Please let me know if you are interested in any of them.

1960 Fleetstar – 55hp Suzuki Motor. I put a new windshield on last year. Needs some minor work. Needs a new top, but i have the hardware and the old mice chewed top. Was in the water this past year.

1961 SeaStar – I’ve had this one for 6 years. In decent shape, has a 50hp Mariner motor. My next project on this boat is to revarnish. Was in the water this past year

1961 Coast Clipper – No Motor, Barn Find. Hasn’t been in the water in close to 30 years. Side windows are intact. Would make a great project. Very Rare.