Tail Fins and Two-Tones: The Guide to America's Classic Fiberglass and Aluminum Runabouts [Paperback]

Peter Hunn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2006

A historical presentation of restoration techniques involving the fiberglass and aluminum runabouts that were wildly popular between 1950 and 1970, this detailed guide features runabouts from mild to wild—the latter with automotive-inspired tail fins and colorful paint schemes. With an examination of the restoration process, including details on specific outboard motors, accessories, and add-ons, this guide to the boats that revolutionized family boating following World War II offers practical advice for both casual boaters and aficionados. Listing nearly 600 aluminum and fiberglass runabout builders, their contact information, company histories, and the boat models they offer, this manual is essential for anyone wanting to authentically restore, equip, or purchase a vintage runabout.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"With its list of more than 600 builders, [this book] is a great resource for vintage boat enthusiasts."  —Soundings

"A good job of describing...these [boat-building] companies and offering advice on how to authentically equip a vintage runabout."  —Boat & Motor Dealer

About the Author

Peter Hunn is recognized throughout the United States and Canada as the foremost expert on antique outboard motors and post-war, outboard-powered boats. He is the author of Beautiful Outboards, The Golden Age of the Racing Outboard, The Old Outboard Book, and The Vintage Culture of Outboard Racing. He lives in Fulton, New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Devereux Books (April 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1928862101
• ISBN-13: 978-1928862109
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #762,257 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #74 in Books > Professional & Technical > Transportation > Ships > Pictorial

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars classic info., November 23, 2008

By 

jimmyg (bend, or) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tail Fins and Two-Tones: The Guide to America's Classic Fiberglass and Aluminum Runabouts (Paperback)

found a lot of history and information on my 1957 wizard.
searched the net and there was little info.very good book for a classic boat owner or a person thinking of getting a classic.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book on retro runabout boats!, March 31, 2010

By 

Brett - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tail Fins and Two-Tones: The Guide to America's Classic Fiberglass and Aluminum Runabouts (Paperback)

This book is very informative and will take you back in time! Good read for unique boat enthusiasts!

8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb, user-friendly guide for avid boating enthusiasts, April 10, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tail Fins and Two-Tones: The Guide to America's Classic Fiberglass and Aluminum Runabouts (Paperback)

Tail Fins and Two-Tones: The Guide to America's Classic Fiberglass and Aluminum Runabouts begins with a lengthy overview of stylish American runabout boats, and then offers a meticulous listing of the hundreds of companies that made them. Each listing includes the company's current address, if still in business, and many offer notes on the types and distinctive features of boats each company has made or continues to make. Author and public school administrator Peter Hunn has been a boat buff since age 10; he applies his home-grown enthusiasm in this superb, user-friendly guide for avid boating enthusiasts, especially those searching for the perfect model of runabout to suit their tastes.