Is this an Alden or Archer?

[Vela]

I am looking at an about 40' LOA cutter reputed to be an Alden design built in 1939. However, I just received the documentation paperwork from USCG that nowhere mentions Alden, and in one section of the paperwork refers to "ar/colin," or something similar. My apologies, however, I do not have the paper in front of me.

My question is, has anyone familiarity with any Colin Archer design that is NOT double-ender that might have been built as 40' cutter? My internet search has not turned up any candidates.

Thanks in advance

[skaraborgcraft]

I dont have my History of Colin Archer in front of me,but he did design more than one transom sterned yacht of around 40ft and larger.

[dutchpp]

Vela,

check out this one http://home.online.no/~jeppejul/ColinArcherPlans.html perhaps he can help you.

Peter

[Vela]

Thanks, Peter. I have seen that website but not yet contacted them; looks promising.

[Vela]

Thank you skara - I will keep looking. In case you remember any more details from those designs I would be most grateful for the information.

[skaraborgcraft]

Vela, no problem. Im working offshore at present,but if someone has John Leathers book of Colin Archer,there are some line drawings and details in there if someone else has a copy.

[Ian McColgin]

Alden's Boston office has all the original plans. Send them a note with pictures and see if they can either help or at least let you go through the archives.

G'luck

[gilberj]

I certainly remember seeing photos of a transom stern vessel alleged to be Colin Archer's

[Vela]

right ... photos. gotta get some of those. I check with them. Thanks.

[Tom3]

I am looking at an about 40' LOA cutter reputed to be an Alden design built in 1939. However, I just received the documentation paperwork from USCG that nowhere mentions Alden, and in one section of the paperwork refers to "ar/colin," or something similar. My apologies, however, I do not have the paper in front of me.

My question is, has anyone familiarity with any Colin Archer design that is NOT double-ender that might have been built as 40' cutter? My internet search has not turned up any candidates.

Thanks in advance

Alden officially closed up shop in 2008. The principal designer, Neils Hellerberg still has access to all the Alden designs. He also has a great website for finding and uloading info on Alden boats. With a little more info on the boat(All Alden designs had a #) you may be able to find it here if it was an Alden design. http://www.aldendesigns.com/

[Vela]

Thanks, Tom3.

I've been in touch with Neils and he could not confirm the design based on the info I have. The builders plate is absent and the only number I've got is a USCG doc number that is the same as a welded number located on a single metal frame. That number was meaningless ti Neils. The USCG paperwork, as I mentioned above, has a reference that made me this possibly Colin Archer design. However, from the Alden website this looks very much like an Off Sounding Cutter.

Thanks again for your advice.

[johngsandusky]

I had a similar problem when I bought my boat as an Alden. I got a certified copy of the builder's certificate from the USCG document office. That form identified the builder and first owner. From there and other documentation records I located the designer (WD Knott).

[Vela]

Thanks, John.
I am now inspired to break from design research and just get down to rebuilding this sailboat. At this point it's probably more useful for me to find an boatwright to consult. Thank again for all of your insights.