The Original Ace
Plans for the Original Ace.
The Boat Builder's Handbook was published
periodically by Science and Mechanics in the 1950s and 1960s. It offered
plans for all types of boats including one called the "Ace" in 1956. This design was created by William D. Jackson, a legendary naval architect who was famous for his many, many plans for the average boat builder. The Sandes improved on this design by making their Sande Ace wider and a foot longer.
Click the cover to find the original Ace plans.
The original Ace, shown on the cover, was a "speedy two-cockpit outboard runabout for towing water skiers and general family boating."
12' 4" long
5' 9" beam width
32 MPH with a 16 HP Evinrude
50 MPH with a 40 HP Mercury with a quickie lower unit
Its beveled chines - a William Jackson signature - allowed "safe turns at high speed."
The subassembly construction also lent itself to "mass production by the assembly line method."
Years later, EJ in Texas used those plans to make
an Ace, shown below in 2004 with a 25 HP
Wizard outboard motor.
This four-cylinder motor was made by Kiekhaefer and sold through Western Auto stores. Note: EJ's photo has been flipped horizontally to make a better comparison.
Paul's Original Ace!
Paul Gager found the plans for the original 12 foot Ace and is well underway to having the predecessor to the Sande version. Click here or on the photo for Paul's story.
Fred's 12-Footer!
Fred Droney is also using the original plans to build a 12 foot Ace. Click here or on the photo to see Fred's progress.
