Road Runner Boats - I think they were out of San Angelo. I'm in the middle of re-doing a 1974 model and was just wondering about their history? I was born in 75, so they are at least 1 year before my time.

It's been a really fun job, but a job, none-the-less! I've taken the top cap off and sanded, primered, and painted. I've taken the rotted floor and foam out and replaced w/ new foam and new flooring (marine-grade 5/8" plywood). I've replaced the transom. I've painted to pedestools (??spelling??) and console.

It's gonna have all new accessories, a new trolling motor, new seats, all new wiring, a new control panel, the works!

I'm curious about history, opinions, pics, anything you guys have, or can remember, about RoadRunner Boats.

-Alton

Anybody? I'm gonna post some pics of the remodel in a couple of days.

-alton

PICS?

I've seen a lot...heard of a lot...just not that one.

How about a pic Alton?

We are not sure we have seen that one, though we do know of one in INdiana.

i do remeber when cotton cordell made a boat called the (goin jesse), ever see that one pat

Hopefully, I'll get some posted tonight. The only pics I'm gonna have are of the boat de-constructed amd in pretty bad shape. I'll also post some of my current progress.

I've got to get the boat off of the trailer to start on that part of the project, so I'm gonna be pretty busy with that part of it.

Anybody got any suggestions about how to handle the boat once it is off of the trailer? Not wanting to damage the hull, I was thinking to just lay it on several old tires, as they will flex enough, but now let it touch the concrete.

What do you guys think?

-Alton

Not sure they were built in San Angelo. Spent 18 years there from about 1968-1985. Only remember Lampro marine that made lots of kayaks they made some larger boats but don't recall any bass boats----but I recall less and less every year.

The trailer says "Road Runner Trailers - San Angelo, TX" and the boat is a Road Runner, so I'm assuming they were both made in San Angelo.

I've googled it several ways and can't find anything.

-Alton

I lived in Hot Springs for a short time when I was in High School in the 70's, worked all summer mowing grass so I could scrounge up $600 to buy a two year old "going jesse" My first boat.

We've sure come a long way since then...thank goodness.

If you'd put the HID number in NADA guides, it should tell you who the manufacturer was, and where they were located.

The book Runabout Restoration lists two ways of doing it, cradles and keel carts.
Cradle
"Take a look at the boat's stern, where the sides and the bottom of the hull meet. Many designs provide convenient flat spots at these corners that serve nicely as points on which to rest the boat. This generally is one of the strongest areas of the hull, and the cradle won't hinder your work to a great extent. If your boat doesn't have a convenient flat spot on the bottom, you'll have to cut a block for each side of the cradle to conform to the hull shape. The cradle should be constructed much like the stud walls of a house, using 2 x 6s. Measure across the hull from corner to corner, and cut two pieces of 2 x 6 the same length to serve as top and bottom plates. Next, determine the height of the cradle. If you'll be lying under the boat sanding the hull, estimate a height to give you a comfortable, average reach with the tools you'll use. That becomes the height of your cradle. Cut enough 2 x 6s so that they can be nailed on 16 inch centers the length of the plates. This will be the back wall. Build two side walls and nail them to the back wall. These usually needn't be more than 2 or 3 feet long, but will depend on the length of your boat. The forward vertical 2 x 6s should be doubled, and they must extend forward far enough so that there is no danger of the entire cradle kicking out backward. Nail a 2 x 4 across the bottom of the side walls to prevent them from spreading. Depending on the height of the cradle, the shape of your hull, and your inclination for safety, you may also want to nail a brace from the bottom of the 2 x 4 to the top ends of the side walls."
Keel Carts
"My favorite carts consist of nothing more than four 2 x 6s, bolted together at the corners , with a set of heavy-duty casters underneath and the contact points covered with foam and carpet. The carts can be customized to the shape of your hull by nailing on blocks of 2 x 4s until the boat sits level and solid.Nail a 1 x 4 between the two carts to keep them form separating when you're moving the boat around."

I am an old San Angelo boy so maybe I can help a little...Besides Lampro there still is Sea Arrow Marine which makes mostly runabouts but also some center console fishing boats. However I don't think he (Bob Lovelace along with partner Ann Janek) were involved in the boat you mention. San Angelo Die Casting built a good boat trailer and possibly could be involved. As far as the boat itself I am not sure but I will ask around...that does sound familiar from the early 70s....

I just found a label under the trailer - it reads

Mnfgrd by San Angelo Co, Inc
San Angleo, Tx
Model # 1513 A.C.
Yr 1980

Then it lists a VIN. The boat is titled as a 1974 Road Runner 16ft Fbrgls Pleasure boat.

I'm trying to post some pics, but my computer won't run the software to get the pics off of my camera. I'll keep trying.

-Alton

That is (was) San Angelo Die Casting in it's later years before going out of business...but I thought some other company built the boat but senility keeps me from remembering