Flatacraft - any ideas?!

Digs · 22 June 2020, 23:19

Evening all,

Keen to get this retro Flatacraft rib that's been sat in my uncle's shed for the best part of 20 years back on the water. Hoping someone might help me identify the model.

From what little I can find online, I'm thinking it's a Force 4 GT - but the 'Magnum' patch on the side is throwing me. Was Magnum a model? If so, what size outboard am I going to get away with sticking on the back?! The Force 4 GT has a max of 60hp...

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers

spartacus · 23 June 2020, 08:15

Like buses.

https://www.adverts.ie/boats/14fft-f...-boat/10046513

Nasher · 23 June 2020, 08:18

I'm not sure it's a GT

Tubes around the Bow distinguish it from the Force 4 which has a flat fibreglass Bow and two separate tubes.
But the GT had a pointy Bow

I believe Tony tried a few different layouts along the line.

It looks very original, and in great condition, I hope you're not considering ripping the seats out and fitting a jockey seat.

I'll say it again, I miss my Force 4

Nasher.

Nasher · 23 June 2020, 08:24

As it doesn't have the additional length of the GT I think I'd stick with F4 recommendations on the engine size.

My F4 flew with a 55, but was tail heavy.

Nasher.

Digs · 23 June 2020, 08:49

Thanks for the advice - I'll keep it as original as possible! I was thinking 30-50hp (price/weight dependant), so will keep an eye out. Hopefully back on the water soon

jeffstevens763@g · 23 June 2020, 09:33

i had a forty mariner on mine and it flew performed well with two adults and two teens

Nasher · 23 June 2020, 10:01

This appears to be another excuse for me to post a link to my gallery of boats from my youth, purely so Digs can see a flat front F4 of course

https://www.rib.net/forum/members/1181-albums290.html

Nasher.

jeffstevens763@g · 23 June 2020, 10:10

ha ha looking at those divers it looks like the wets suits were made from kits you could buy, the neoprene wasn't lined so it pulled your hairs out when taking them off, good old days eh

Nasher · 23 June 2020, 10:52

Yep, my Mother used to make the wetsuits from kits supplied by a company in St Albans. I think it was Dolphin, using Black Witch Glue.

Cut them out, glue together, then glue tape over the seams.

And of course my older Brothers were re-cut taking out the worn bits to make them smaller for me!

I remember I was a teenager when I had my very first pre-made wetsuit, I felt like a God.

Nasher

Digs · 23 June 2020, 10:57

Interesting - thanks! I agree, it does look more like a F4 without the nose sliced off. I can only hope to look as cool! Will have to have a go at kit-bashing some wetsuits

Coastie · 29 June 2020, 11:51

I really like the look of the Flatacraft.