So, yet another project found it's way towards me this season. At a deal I just couldn't resist.. this old flower planter was begging for another chance at life. Last week I was contacted by a friend who advised me her husband was cleaning up the backyard and would be removing some items for the trash. One of these items scattered among many was a boat that "Maybe like a duck boat" was the description I got! I politely said no thanks as I already have too many projects! But curiosity got the best of me a few days later and I asked for some images the boat was dragged out of the weeds, cleaned up and emptied of the dirt. Now that the yard work had begun the boat was placed on clear lawn and sent. At first glance I immediately recognized the familiar outline of this vessel. An Aero-Marine, Aeromarine, Tom-Pryor Boat, Pryor Barnegat or in other terms a treasure find in the garden! She's a 1984 model and last hunted in 1991 by a gentleman who moved to VA.
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4wKNG4qBmM&feature=youtu.be
From what I know and what was told, the Aero-Marine company was founded in 1977 by Tom Pryor a former WW2 pilot hence the name "Aero" he owned & operated Aero Marine in Harbor Island "Island Park" NY which is still in operation today by his son John who apparently has not continued the boat building tradition. From my research, Tom wanted a battleship barnegat style boat but in the 70's these were not available to his liking. He began the first build in 77' making only around 4-5 that year in the single man version and making them for his own enjoyment. These were infused displacement style hulls without a recessed transom. 12' in length & very stable.
As the years passed, the boats were all made to order, with one being kept as a show / display model for his marina customers. Those that wanted a boat would be added to a list, in the late summer a batch of boats would be made all together and the various customer options would be specific to each hull. One of these earlier versions was purchased by my father at that marina. It was used as a Layout boat only so no stern decoy racks or dodger was needed. The boat was a simple design of a bare hull with cockpit cover. As the popularity gained attention I found that Artist David Hagerbaumer published his own article in the 1979 Edition of the Outdoor Life Magazine. (Was lucky enough to find this on Ebay) awaiting the delivery!...But anyways, a few were made for him and his friends which propelled the design even further. In the early 80's the design was improved a bit to accommodate more room within the original cockpit, this resulted in a few tests with current models and the familiar cockpit design was formed. The second version marketed as a (2-Man) boat was born from what I'm told in 1981. During 1981 the production of these newer models was the largest it ever was as the popularity increased. The market price in those days was around $1200 for the single and $1400 for the new improved model. The newer models featured a recessed transom well, and increased filler techniques that made the boat capable of handling a larger motor. Larger (Stanley Garage Door) handles were also added both bow & stern.
I've tried to find a few marketing materials on these boats, and I know Steve Sanford also has in an attempt to include this in our 2017 Documentary "On The Falling Tide" but not much is out there, word of mouth among reputable duck hunters seemed to be the best marketing for Tom. Unfortunately in the late 80's 88-89 the marina was forced to shutdown production of these boats due to EPA regulations requiring expensive equipment to limit the emission of building pollution via chemicals used.
I decided to see what all the hype was about, as my father purchased an original early 70's model Tom Pryor Layout Version (1-man) at the time with that rounded cockpit and it was an incredibly solid well built boat I figured the 2-man would be even better. I picked up the boat shortly after that week in Mattituck, NY. Hauling it in the back of the 6"6" pickup bed caught the curious eyes of many on the roadway LOL but once home she was given a power washing deep scrub and was able to see the original paint which looked like a Forrest Green underbelly with Khaki Drab topside. The interior featured an optional self on both sides for gunning essentials and a spacious cockpit marketed as the (Two-Man) version modified years later after releasing the 1-man boat. The topside also features a metal marking tag plate I'm assuming a manufacturer plate just forward of the cockpit. There was obviously no accessory left out on this hull as the outline of the decoy rack system, the snaps for a dodger and cockpit latch are still in place on this hull, unfortunate they are no longer here but will be replaced one day!
After picking up a nice Yamaha 15hp 2-stroke at the SSWA Duck Boat show last weekend, I decided to splash the boat and see how it preformed with that power setup. Many of these boats from what I've seen were powered with a 9.9 / 15hp. On our layout boat we had no need for a motor so this would be the first time I'd truly see what these hulls were capable of. I've got to say the 15 was a perfect fit! The boat handled beautifully in light chop and on an early morning calm sea I was really able to see the performance raved about on these hulls! The WOT pushed the boat appx 19kts more then I needed but at 3/4 throttle she cruses just fine with the fuel tank & my weight up further at the bow. It's stable as well, rocking from side-side no fear of tipping even at sharp turns.
I was very impressed, and look forward to seeing this hull ready for many more season's in the marshes. My plans for the boat will be super simple (for me) LOL, to have it dropped off in 2024 at Pencil Brook Farm in South Cambridge, NY where the mastermind Steve Sanford will give her a complete overhaul of her finest potential. With the many other projects going on right now I will patiently wait for her progress once delivered!
Here's a few images of the boat when I received, the overall condition & first sea-trial back on the Great South Bay
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4wKNG4qBmM&feature=youtu.be
From what I know and what was told, the Aero-Marine company was founded in 1977 by Tom Pryor a former WW2 pilot hence the name "Aero" he owned & operated Aero Marine in Harbor Island "Island Park" NY which is still in operation today by his son John who apparently has not continued the boat building tradition. From my research, Tom wanted a battleship barnegat style boat but in the 70's these were not available to his liking. He began the first build in 77' making only around 4-5 that year in the single man version and making them for his own enjoyment. These were infused displacement style hulls without a recessed transom. 12' in length & very stable.
As the years passed, the boats were all made to order, with one being kept as a show / display model for his marina customers. Those that wanted a boat would be added to a list, in the late summer a batch of boats would be made all together and the various customer options would be specific to each hull. One of these earlier versions was purchased by my father at that marina. It was used as a Layout boat only so no stern decoy racks or dodger was needed. The boat was a simple design of a bare hull with cockpit cover. As the popularity gained attention I found that Artist David Hagerbaumer published his own article in the 1979 Edition of the Outdoor Life Magazine. (Was lucky enough to find this on Ebay) awaiting the delivery!...But anyways, a few were made for him and his friends which propelled the design even further. In the early 80's the design was improved a bit to accommodate more room within the original cockpit, this resulted in a few tests with current models and the familiar cockpit design was formed. The second version marketed as a (2-Man) boat was born from what I'm told in 1981. During 1981 the production of these newer models was the largest it ever was as the popularity increased. The market price in those days was around $1200 for the single and $1400 for the new improved model. The newer models featured a recessed transom well, and increased filler techniques that made the boat capable of handling a larger motor. Larger (Stanley Garage Door) handles were also added both bow & stern.
I've tried to find a few marketing materials on these boats, and I know Steve Sanford also has in an attempt to include this in our 2017 Documentary "On The Falling Tide" but not much is out there, word of mouth among reputable duck hunters seemed to be the best marketing for Tom. Unfortunately in the late 80's 88-89 the marina was forced to shutdown production of these boats due to EPA regulations requiring expensive equipment to limit the emission of building pollution via chemicals used.
I decided to see what all the hype was about, as my father purchased an original early 70's model Tom Pryor Layout Version (1-man) at the time with that rounded cockpit and it was an incredibly solid well built boat I figured the 2-man would be even better. I picked up the boat shortly after that week in Mattituck, NY. Hauling it in the back of the 6"6" pickup bed caught the curious eyes of many on the roadway LOL but once home she was given a power washing deep scrub and was able to see the original paint which looked like a Forrest Green underbelly with Khaki Drab topside. The interior featured an optional self on both sides for gunning essentials and a spacious cockpit marketed as the (Two-Man) version modified years later after releasing the 1-man boat. The topside also features a metal marking tag plate I'm assuming a manufacturer plate just forward of the cockpit. There was obviously no accessory left out on this hull as the outline of the decoy rack system, the snaps for a dodger and cockpit latch are still in place on this hull, unfortunate they are no longer here but will be replaced one day!
After picking up a nice Yamaha 15hp 2-stroke at the SSWA Duck Boat show last weekend, I decided to splash the boat and see how it preformed with that power setup. Many of these boats from what I've seen were powered with a 9.9 / 15hp. On our layout boat we had no need for a motor so this would be the first time I'd truly see what these hulls were capable of. I've got to say the 15 was a perfect fit! The boat handled beautifully in light chop and on an early morning calm sea I was really able to see the performance raved about on these hulls! The WOT pushed the boat appx 19kts more then I needed but at 3/4 throttle she cruses just fine with the fuel tank & my weight up further at the bow. It's stable as well, rocking from side-side no fear of tipping even at sharp turns.
I was very impressed, and look forward to seeing this hull ready for many more season's in the marshes. My plans for the boat will be super simple (for me) LOL, to have it dropped off in 2024 at Pencil Brook Farm in South Cambridge, NY where the mastermind Steve Sanford will give her a complete overhaul of her finest potential. With the many other projects going on right now I will patiently wait for her progress once delivered!
Here's a few images of the boat when I received, the overall condition & first sea-trial back on the Great South Bay
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