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1955 Larson 14’ Falls Flyer + 35HP Evinrude Lark + Beatty Bros. Gator Trailer

Beautifully restored, ready for the boat show! Incredible condition with only a few small chips in the paint. Windshield has a crack but a replacement windshield is included.

14’ Fiberglass Hull

1957 Evinrude 35hp in great running condition. Electric choke does not work, need to choke manually.

1950’s Gator Trailer - Gator Trailers were manufactured in Canada by Beatty Bros, Ltd., of Fergus, Ontario 1-7/8” hitch.

In 1939, Larson Boat Works launched the Falls Flyer, available in 12- and 14-foot lengths and designed for the most powerful outboard motors of the time. Paul Larson secured a design patent for an inboard version in 1940, which was granted on April 15, 1941.

The Falls Flyer was a hit at the 1941 Chicago Boat Show, generating more orders than Larson could fulfill. Unfortunately, World War II soon began, hindering the boat's potential success.

The history of this distinctive Minnesota-made boat is as captivating as its looks and all thanks to the Falls Flyer pioneering creator, Paul Larson of Larson Boat Works.

Larson was one of the admiring millions who watched Charles Lindbergh's historic landing at the Le Bourget Air Field in Paris in 1927. Larson, like many, was impressed by Lindbergh's remarkable transit of the Atlantic Ocean and he wanted to honor the famous aviator in a new line of boats.

From this admiration the Falls Flyer was invented and named to honor Lindbergh. The word "Flyer" was out of respect for the aviator's outstanding 3,600-mile solo flight and "Falls" for Little Falls, the central Minnesota hometown of both Larson and Lindbergh.

Larson was a prodigy who built his first boat from scraps at the age of 11. He was a successful entrepreneur while still a teenager. His boat factory, located on the Mississippi River, was well established by 1927, and it was manufacturing hundreds of handcrafted wooden boats.
Production of the Falls Flyer began in 1937 with the design of the boat as a rounded-hull vessel with a double cockpit built of canvas on wood. It resembled and had many features of Lindbergh's Curtiss biplane, model JN4, which was named Jenny. This was the plane that Lindbergh flew while barnstorming and carrying mail in the years prior to the famous Spirit of St. Louis he flew across the Atlantic.

The first outboard Falls Flyers were built in 1938 and were constructed using techniques similar to early canoe building. Thin cedar strips were screwed to oak ribs and then aircraft canvas was tightly stretched over this framework and glued. The boats were given a distinctive tri-color paint job. The bottom to the splash guards were adorned with bright red marine enamel with the bow and part of the deck painted black. The remainder of the boat was decorated with an ivory paint. All of the colors were blended at the bow of the boat.

Larson patented the idea for this boat that would capture the American heart. Pride in the innovative creation along with numerous modernizations prompted the successful inventor to take out a patent in 1941 for "a new original and ornamental Design for Boats."

The boat was sleek and stylish with a narrow, low-slung bullet shape. Larson abbreviated the transom, surrounding it with a sloping rear deck that went right to the waterline, which to this day is an industry standard for high-performance recreational outboards. The wooden boat had an airplane-like body and cockpit. Although the 25 inboard Flyers that were manufactured drew mixed reviews for their tendency to torpedo or sink in big waves, the outboards attracted quite a number of fans.

A few 21-foot inboards were built, along with one 17-foot model, and a handful of the single-seat speedster models.

World War II brought an end to recreational boat building at the Larson Boat factory. Then, in December of 1949, the factory was engulfed in flames that consumed everything, including boats, patterns, molds and records. It was shortly after the tragedy that Larson began implementing the new fiberglass technology that was promising smoother marine rides. This new innovation brought about watercrafts that were stronger and nearly maintenance-free.

The first molded fiberglass Flyer model was revealed in 1954. By shaping the internal structure of the original design these extraordinary Flyers were much lighter than that of the competition though only built until 1957.

By 1958, however, Larson had presented other novelties to the Flyer line: fins and probably the first all-black molded boats. The dorsal wings on either side of the motor transom, briefly popular on automobiles, never seemed to take off, and the Flyer line ended after 1960.
Only about 99 Flyers are still around today. Over half of those boats are the fiberglass model, according to Ross Pfund, editor of Flyer Fever. He also reported that some 31 wooden Flyers remain, including 19 outboards and 12 inboards.

1949 Larson 14’ Deluxe Speed Runabout, Double Cockpit, w/1959 Evinrude Big Twin Electric 25 HP

Scarce 1949 all-wood model in amazing restored condition. She is ready to hit the water with a running ‘59 Evinrude Big Twin 25hp. 18 gallon fuel tank.

B&M Haul Rite trailer included.

(1949 was a limited production year for Larson with their wood boat plant being destroyed by fire)

3” surface damage on hull under the bow shield.

From building his first boat as an 11-year-old in 1905 using salvaged materials, Paul Larson grew his passion into a thriving business, Larson Boat Works.

Starting with custom-built wooden boats in 1913, catering to local demand, Larson's business boomed in the 1920s with the rise of lakefront properties and resorts. Known for strong, valuable boats, Larson's reputation spread beyond his local area.

In 1939, he introduced the popular Falls Flyer, followed by a patent for an inboard version in 1941, which was met with high acclaim but hampered by World War II. Post-war, Larson collaborated on aluminum boats with Larson Watercraft, maintaining separate entities. Despite a devastating fire in 1949 that destroyed his wood boat plant, Larson persevered, focusing on the growing outboard market and eventually embracing fiberglass construction in the mid-1950s with the new Falls Flyer and Laker Line.

Recognizing the shift in the industry and the difficulty of finding skilled woodworkers, Larson transitioned fully to fiberglass by 1956. By 1957, having built a successful company over 44 years, Larson sold an interest to Earl Geiger, who, along with Chuck Gravelle, spearheaded a national expansion through licensee agreements, introducing stylish new models like the Thunderhawk and setting new standards for features and design.

1953 Thompson Bros. 14’ Cedar Strip Row Boat

Well cared for boat in great condition. Some scuffs and minor chips in paint but all of the wood is solid.

Includes trailer - (1-7/8” hitch)

While fiberglass boats gained popularity in the late 1950s and 1960s, established wooden boat builders like Thompson Brothers and Cruisers, Inc. initially resisted the shift.

Thompson, founded in 1904, enjoyed success with wooden boats and canoes, even briefly experimenting with fiberglass in 1955 through an agreement with an Ohio builder, which was quickly abandoned, possibly due to a factory fire.

They also explored molded plastic hulls through Thompson Royal-Craft in 1959, which saw limited success. It wasn't until the mid-1960s, facing declining wooden boat sales, that Thompson seriously entered the fiberglass market, partnering with Crownline Boats and eventually establishing Thompson Fiberglass Boat Company in 1965, producing lapstrake fiberglass models alongside their traditional wooden offerings. By 1966, Thompson embraced the changing market, advertising their diverse lineup of wooden, fiberglass, and plastic boats.

Professionally restored single cylinder, hand crank outboard manufactured by Evinrude Motor Corp. New decals, on a custom stand.

41” x 20” x 22”

This Evinrude outboard motor from 1909 with the number 394 is one of the earliest production models. Ole Evinrude’s first outboard motor, introduced in 1909, was revolutionary for its time as the first commercially successful gasoline-powered outboard motor.

This motor is lightweight and portable. With a single-cylinder, 1.5-horsepower engine, it is designed for primarily small boats and is ideal for recreational use. This model marked the beginning of the modern outboard motor industry.

Serial Number 394 — indicates that it is one of the earliest units manufactured during the first year of production. Production in 1909 was limited, therefore, a low serial number and the fact that it’s in excellent condition, makes this especially rare and valuable.

1924 Caille Liberty Twin Rowboat Motor

Very nice restoration with all original parts. Includes wooden display.

60” x 15” x 12”

The Caille Bros. Manufacturing Company, based in Detroit, was a prominent player in the U.S. coin-operated machine industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Founded by the Caille brothers in 1893, the company initially focused on slot machines but expanded to produce a variety of arcade games, scales, strength testers, gum machines, Bagatelle-style games, and even outboard motors. As penny arcades declined, Caille ventured into coin-operated "moving picture" machines, or nickelodeons. Following the death of A. Arthur Caille in 1916, the company continued to produce trade simulators and gambling machines but struggled to innovate and compete with newer players like A.B.T, Erie Machine, Chester Pollard, and Exhibit Supply. In 1932, Adolph A. Caille sold the business to Fuller Johnson.

The Caille Liberty Twin, 4 HP, represents the ingenuity of early American outboard motor manufacturing. Caille Perfection Motor Company operated from the early 1900s to the mid-1930s. This motor, featuring a straight shaft with direct drive, was specifically designed for durability and utility in shallow water applications. Its unique engineering and historical significance make it a valuable piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The Liberty Twin was part of their flagship line, known for robust construction and reliable performance. The Liberty Twin name references the patriotic sentiments surrounding World War I and the Liberty series of products common in the 1920s.

1914 Lockwood-Ash Rowboat Motor Model 231 w/Stand

Includes original wooden starter coil box.

A true survivor in exceptional condition.

Includes stand.

36” x 20” x 12”

The Jackson Michigan based Lockwood-Ash produced their first outboard in 1914. Single cylinder rowboat motors were “state of the art” in the teens and early twenties.

The 1914 Lockwood Ash Model 231 is a highly collectible and historically significant outboard motor, especially because it comes with its original starter coil and box.

The Lockwood Ash company, a competitor to Evinrude in the early 20th century, was known for its innovative designs and high-quality outboard motors. This model is a single-cylinder motor, which operated on a 6-volt ignition system, reflecting early outboard electrical systems of the era.

A distinguishing feature of this motor is its extended rudder design, which improved steering and control, a unique selling point for Lockwood Ash at the time.

Having the original box and starter coil adds significantly to its value and rarity. Early outboard motors were often sold with minimal packaging, so finding an original box intact is rare. The starter coil, part of the ignition system, is a critical component.

By 1914, the outboard motor industry was still in its infancy. Lockwood Ash was known for creating reliable motors that catered to both recreational and utility boat users. This period marked a shift toward more portable and user-friendly outboards, making models like the 231 popular among early adopters.

This motor, with its unique features and historical significance, is a remarkable piece of maritime history.

1928 Evinrude Fleetwin 6hp 1F1-59 w/Stand

Partial restoration. Driveshaft is bent but still turns. Includes stand.

39” x 16” x 12”

1941 Johnson Seahorse MS-15 1.5hp Outboard w/Stand

Restored, includes stand. #382041

30” x 9” x 11”

1938 Johnson Seahorse MS-38 1.1hp “Sausage Tank” Outboard w/Stand

#322526

Restored, has some scuffs on gas tank.

Includes stand.

32” x 10” x 12”

1916 Seeling Co. 1.5hp Single Cylinder Outboard Motor

Lacrosse Wisconsin, 1916, the Seeling Outboard Motor Co. tried to be a more affordable outboard than Evinrude.

Seeling used many parts directly manufactured by Evinrude. The company folded after a year and only a few of these motors are known to exist, none are close to the condition of this motor.

Stand included.

36” x 20” x 12”

Vintage 1939 Evinrude Elto Lightwin 5hp Model 4313 Outboard

Restored, Stand included.

#02235

1937 Evinrude Elto Handitwin 2.5hp Model 4212 Outboard

Nicely restored, includes stand.

29” x 12” x 9”

1939 Clarke “Troller” Electric Outboard Trolling Motor 1.3hp

24” x 12” x 4”

Stand included.

The Clark Troller Model E391458 is a vintage outboard motor that holds significant historical and collector value, particularly with its original propeller protector. This was a well-regarded brand in the early 20th century, known for producing rugged and reliable outboard motors.

A marvel of 1930s engineering, stands out as one of the most unique and innovative outboard motors ever created. Designed and manufactured by the visionary Toronto engineer, Douglas R. Clarke, this compact, lightweight marvel was perfect for backpacking into remote lakes or powering canoes and small crafts.

Advertised as having "50% Fewer Working Parts Than Any Other Gasoline Outboard," the Clarke Troller began production in late 1937, with the first models released in 1938. Clarke established the Clarke Engineering Co. in the U.S. to market the motor with a range of accessories, including a canvas carrying bag, tool kit, universal outboard bracket, and a unique ratchet-type starting device.

The original propeller protector is a particularly rare feature to find intact. These protectors were designed to shield the propeller from damage caused by underwater obstacles like rocks or logs. Its presence suggests the motor was either well- maintained or not heavily used.

Despite bearing the "Clarke Engine Co. Detroit, Mich" mark, the true innovation and engineering brilliance behind the Clarke Troller originated with Canadian inventor Douglas R. Clarke and his D. R. Clarke Engine Co. in Toronto. A distinctive feature of this iconic outboard is its underwater combustion chamber, housing the piston, sparkplug, and powerhead.

This particular Clarke Troller, a complete and original 1.3 horsepower model, in unrestored, working condition.

1939 Evinrude 22.5hp Speeditwin Outboard w/Stand

6039 Evinrude motors were produced from 1939 to 1951, featuring three distinct lower unit designs. This particular model, likely surplus military stock from the Stormboat era, is identifiable by its extra fins. Given the high production numbers, replacement parts are readily available. However, be warned: this isn't a lightweight motor.

Seized, new decals. Some scuffs in paint.

46” x 17” x 21”

1939 Speedifour 33.4hp Outboard w/Stand

48” x 18” x 22”