I am looking at a 40ft Kingscraft. I have not seen it up close yet but I sure like what I've seen via the pics.
It's an aluminum boat. Will that cause me electrical issues? It was made in the mid 70's.
I'm interested in any info about KingsCraft boats and the company.

Tell me the good, and the bad please.

Thanks in advance.

Greg, I bought a 40' 1975 this summer and love the boat. I get a lot of comments on the look of the boat and the fact that it has clean classic lines. I have had no problems with the boat as it was well maintained by the other owners. The one thing I like best is that it is all aluminum, I do not have to worry about rot on anything, and I mean anything. I have had wood boats and fiberglass boats. Wood is a pain to work on and requires a lot of time. Looks good but boy do you have to work on it. A labor of love. Fiberglass is nice to a point, the point you have to start replacing some hatch covers because of water log underlaying. No offense Gibson but those hatches can get real heavy once water gets to them. When I lift my hatches and see how everything is constructed I just smile, no problems here. Wish they would have stayed in business longer and kept building boats. No telling how good of a product they would have produces by now.

[QUOTE=GregP]I am looking at a 40ft Kingscraft. I have not seen it up close yet but I sure like what I've seen via the pics.
It's an aluminum boat. Will that cause me electrical issues? It was made in the mid 70's.
I'm interested in any info about KingsCraft boats and the company.

Tell me the good, and the bad please.

Thanks in advance.

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Greg,

I have a 1971 40 ft Kings Craft that I bought in '04. Let me start by saying I really love the boat. But, from my experience I would recommend you check a few things. First and foremost make sure it has vee drives. My boat had OMC stern drives and I did not realize that parts are very hard to find for them, and are only going to get harder, since they are no longer being made.

2) Ask if the gas tanks have been replaced. The origonal tanks are very well made, but they are steel, and they will rust out in thirty to thirty five years. Mine started to weep at thirty three years. If you are handy, it is doable to replace them yourself, but all the interior walls, cabinets etc. have to be removed in order to get the floors up to get the tanks out. I decided to remodel when I did mine, so I think I spent between three and four thousand when I did mine. But, if you reuse as much of the origonal stuff as you can, I bet it would only cost between fifteen hundred and two thousand.

3) Check the window tracks. If they are made of plastic, they will eventually deteriorate and have to be replaced. Mine were plastic, I just replaced them last year. That job cost about fifteen hundred.

Just remember all boats have their issues. I am sure there are a lot of people out there that will agree with me when I say that Kings Crafts are great boats, and well worth your consideration.

Bill

Gregg, I was the VP of Manufacturing for Kings Craft in Florence, Al and I can say the House Boats we made were of highest quality and workmanship of any made. I still see boats we made in the 70's running around all over the Tennessee river. I have a few drawings and pictures I am willing to share if you need any help please feel free to contact me. My email is This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Tommyg & Oldhouseboater,

I've have taken delivery of a 44 ft. Kingscraft hull # 0053897. Engines - Ford 351s. With flybridge and dingy davits.

It has been in the Beaumont area for many years. Any history?

Thanks,

Lan at Eagles Nest

I was VP of Manufacturing at Kings Craft in Florence,Alabama and I can tell you the KC Aluminum House Boats were built with Quality and workmanship.We took a lot of pride in these boats and I still see and have contacts with boat owners today that are still using the boats. If you need any information please feel free to contact me This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it