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Tucker Houseboats - 1968, 45x15, all aluminum, twin diesels, perfect boat

by Ray Russell
(Martinsville, IN. (for now))

Tucker Houseboats - this is My TUCKER, 1968, 45x15

Tucker Houseboats - this is My TUCKER, 1968, 45x15

I chose my custom made TUCKER houseboat for several reasons. One, it was love at first sight. Never really heard of TUCKER until I seen this one.


A little research informed me that I have seen a few of them before but they were tow boats. If TUCKER made tow boats, then this one would surely serve my purpose. It is built like a tank. The lay out and floor plan are perfect for living aboard and getting around with ease.

Secondly, it is all aluminum so rust would not be an option as on previous steel boats I have had, so she is really low maintenance.

She is an older boat, (1968) but her lines are perfect. She looks like she just came off the showroom floor. Been well cared for. The length and beam, (45x15) provides all the room I need for living aboard with my critters.

Thirdly, it has twin Cummins diesels and a 12kw diesel Onan Gen set with low hours. These will give me many hours of trouble free cruising pleasure on the waters with just normal maintenance.

Fourthly, she is a boat that if I have too, I can handle by myself. Hopefully I will have at least one crew who knows and understands a little about boats.

I live on the Illinois River and am going to be a "snowfish" and go way south for the winters. Did I look at other boats after seeing this one? NO. This one was IT. The pic doesn't really do her justice.

Ray Russell, Martinsville IN.



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Reply - Answer
Well Ray, that's a great model that you have there, all aluminum, 45x15 is a great length, and twin diesels, sounds like a winning package.

Lastly, hopefully some of our readers and visitors will share and post comments about their Tucker houseboat experiences.

Feel free to use the "Click here to post comments." link found near the bottom of this page.

Thanks again for sharing, IAN from all-about-houseboats


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Comments for Tucker Houseboats - 1968, 45x15, all aluminum, twin diesels, perfect boat

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I know this boat
by: Steve Hood

This is the Tucker that lived ay Four Seasons Marina for many years. Had the name "Ditto" Might be the coolest boat that size I've seen. The only real Competition was Pluckebaum. Walked by the Ditto every weekend for years. Love to see her again
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Former owner of the boat
by: Anjim sadelfeld

Hi, I am former owner. Had the Imron paint job done at Washington marine. We still love the boat. We did most of the upgrades.

It says no telephone numbers, so if you want to contact us, I will be happy to give you our number. Contact Lynn at Washington marine and I will check in.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Best bottom paint for salt, brackish, and fresh water?
by: Ray

Have a question for those in the know. My boat currently does not have any bottom paint. During the winter months I could easily be in all three kinds of water.

Any suggestions as to whether I will need to paint her bottom or just let her ride bare? I have never had a boat in either brackish or salt water so I want to do what is best for her in protection.

If I do need to paint her, what are the suggestions for the best brand and type of paint? My MAID gets the best. Found out it is a lot cheaper in the long run. Many thanks for any help here.
Rating
starstarstar 		Aluminium hulls in Australia
by: Geoff

Aluminium hulls made in the sixties still corrode as the aluminium often was not marine grade or compromised when argon welded by the choice of filler rod.

Also any fittings such as bungs or water outlets are by marine design standards another metal which can cause electrolysis. Copper anti fowling is unacceptable in Australia on inland waters and does not go well with Aluminium.

New vinyls paints for hulls are the go and generally last 3 years between dry dock inspections. Replace all corroded outlets with stainless or plastic if above the water line.

We see aluminium on old hulls perforating after years of good service in the Murray river. They are expensive to rectify and recondition.

Geoff from Australia

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