Possible find

[Twinblade]

Hi all, I located a Bell Boy 16 express for a possible platform for my Homelite project. The listing says it's a 1957 but it has small fins and it looks like the cabin roof extends slightly over the front windshield. From what I'm seeing on the web, I'm thinking it's got to be a 1959 or later. Does anyone know what years this body style was produced? Thanks in advance, Larry

Sounds like a pre-1960 model. Check out this site: http://www.fiberglassics.com/bellboy and look at some of the sales brochures here by clicking on the "+" next to: "Some Available Brochures"

[Marty Loken (Norseboater)]

Sounds Like....

From your description, it's most likely a '58, but it could possibly be a '59.

- Marty

[BruceDrake]

BB16 update

I have been in email contact with the likely seller trying to verify the year. I sent him some pictures of my 1958 model and he thought it looked the same but that mine was in better condition.Since mine does not have a top hatch and my picture clearly does not show a hatch I interpret his comment to confirming that it is a 1958. The 1959 clearly has a hatch according to literature on fiberglassics. I will go back and check his exact words. I have not gotten any other real description. Mine has a one piece splashwell connecting to the top. If it has any significant transom problems you would probably have to remove the whole top. I am speculating on this since I have never done a transom or removed a top but the space under the splashwell is very small in relation to accessing much of the transom. I have the guys email but no phone number.

I have attached three pictures. Note that my windshield was chopped a bit by a prior owner. The CL ad for the BB16 express shows a taller windshield.

If you have any other questions email willapabay@msn.com or 503-978-9233 home number. Bruce

[Twinblade]

Hi all, Thanks for the response. From what I can see, the boat in question is a 1958 model. It looks like 1958 was the only year for those style fins. I am having problems contacting the seller as he only responds through Craigslist and doesn't call any of the three phone numbers I gave him. Must not be in any hurry to sell. we'll see how this goes. Thanks again for the response.

Larry

Where'd the bulkhead go? :-P Love that old style horn and mast light.

[BruceDrake]

bulkhead

As far as we can tell there never was a real bulkhead. There appears to have been a small helm panel and a curtain that covered the rest. Curtain track looks original and there is no sign of a bulkhead being removed on port side.

updated: I got a picture of the helm on the Bell Boy 16 in Belfair. It has a small curved helm panel on the starboard side. Maybe two feet wide at top tapering in two curves down to the floor. Someone later added bland rectangular plywood panels behind it to frame a bland entry doorway into cuddy area. I received a picture but can't figure out how to alter it to a size that this site will accept.

[BruceDrake]

How to reach the BB18 seller

Unless there is more than one BB16 out there with fins from 1958, the guy in Belfair is Jeremy Seevers jseevers@yahoo.com
Let me know if you follow up on it Bruce willapabay@msn.com