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.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
14′ 1958 Hiliner, Listed for sale
Found this picture at this link.
Not sure if its still available. But i haven’t seen very many of the 14′ boats.
Anyone interested in bringing their Hiliner to a boat show?
The last weekend of August is the annual Antique & Classic Boat Show in Salem, MA. I’m curious to see if any of you New England owners would be interested in bringing your boats to this show and having our own Hiliner class.
This is the website for the show. http://www.boatfestival.org/
Take a look and let me know what you think.
HilinerBoat.com 