Cedar Strip Boats
Bob Speltz fondly described cedar strip outboard builders in his
Real Runabouts Volume IV as my favorite boats we are going to discuss.
My first boat, a 1950 12 Larson Speed Runabout, still holds a warm spot in my heart as well.
Manufacturers in Minnesota like the Minnetonka Boat Works and Larson Boat Company combined with Wisconsin legends like Chetek and Thompson Brothers to build some of the most elegant small scale hulls ever built.
Bob outlined the basic construction of the hulls in Chapter One. The basic idea was to form ½ inch thick by 1 ¼ inch wide cedar bands around a mold or jig and nailing steam bent oak ribs to hold it all together. The combination of oak and cedar made for strong yet light weight structure that offered a beautiful contrast when finished.
Options ranged from fairly bare utility or fishing hulls to runabout models with long decks, remote steering and upholstered seats.
Pre WWII racing hulls were built and run successfully prior to the dawn of plywood technology. The solid keel and oak spray rails made for a stable, dry ride. The round bottom designs made for great handling with moderate horse-power. Given that the typical engine available in the 1930s- 1940s was rated in the 1020 hp range, an excellent choice.
My 12 Larson was purchased in 1972 from a now defunct marina in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Distinctive features include a long alternate striped deck of cedar and mahogany and an after plane, extending about 10 aft of the transom. This allowed for better planning and performance with modest horsepower. My first power plant was a 5 hp twin cylinder Johnson. When seated amidships, the 11 year old captain could plane the hull out.
I have since upgraded to a Mercury MK 25, 18hp model with remote steering and throttle. My daughter, Allie hopes to test out the rip on Lauderdale Lakes, Wisconsin (in about 5 years). The key to obtaining a safe, clean handling ride is to combine adequate horsepower with light weight. Too heavy a power plant and the boat will porpoise and not behave at speed.
Cedar strip boats went out of production in the mid 1950s. Less expensive molded plywood and aluminum were just more economic.
Check out A.J. Rhudes Thompson or a strip built Larson Falls Flyer at our show to see excellent examples of this construction. Nothing beats the sweet smell or solid feel of a nice Cedar Strip hull under way. I am happy to see BSLOL Rendezvous return to Minnetonka. Ill see you there!