December 4, 5, & 6, 2025 General Antiques & Advertising Featuring The Ray Claridge Collection
Lot #3207:
1951 AERO-CRAFT JCC DELUXE 18’6” ALUMINUM BOAT WITH PERIOD CORRECT MOTOR
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2025
Offered here is an exceptionally rare 1951 Aero-Craft JCC Deluxe 18’6”, a lightweight aluminum craft with a fascinating history. Built by Aero-Craft of St. Charles, Michigan, this model was introduced at the 1951 Detroit Marine and Boat Show. Only a handful were ever produced, and just seven examples are known to exist today.
The Aero-Craft JCC Deluxe was a unique experimental design, blending lightweight aluminum construction with speed and maneuverability at a time when most recreational boats were still wood. It represented Aero-Craft’s ambition to push boundaries in the postwar marine market.
A remarkable survivor of postwar American innovation, this 1951 Aero-Craft JCC Deluxe 18’6” is one of the rarest vintage aluminum boats in existence. Aero-Craft, based in St. Charles, Michigan, was known for building lightweight, durable watercraft in the early 1950s, combining aircraft-style construction techniques with sleek mid-century styling.
This boat was purchased new at the 1951 Detroit Marine & Boat Show by its original owner.
It is believed to be the only JCC Deluxe sold to a private individual, as the remainder of production was sold directly to various states for use as patrol boats along the Mississippi River.
Of the seven known survivors, this example is considered the nicest and most original in existence.
Rarely does such a scarce postwar American aluminum boat come to market. As the finest known surviving JCC Deluxe, this Aero-Craft is not only an important piece of marine history but also a showpiece for any collector of vintage boats, Americana, or early aluminum design.
Condition; Wonderful overall restored conditions, no rips, or tears in upholstery, no cracks or breakage to wooden panels on interior or exterior of vessel. Some paint loss and surface staining to the Sky craft trailer witch is equipped with new tires. Some slight scuffing, and scraping to the front right hand aluminum bow, barely noticeable. Original paint and labeling to the super thunderbolt mercury engine. No cracks, chips, or brakes to any of the castings on the period, correct Marc 58 mercury, outboard motor.
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.
Condition: (RESTORED).
Item Dimensions: 253" x 75" x 83"