Ariel 157

Hello, I'm new here and looking at A 157 in Northport MI. I've put a deposit down and now need to qualify the boat. If anyone has any info on the boat please chime in. I've owned a few boats including an Ensign. The Ensign is why I'm looking at the Ariel. The size is right for what I would like to do. A 157 is supposed to have been on the Great Lakes area for the last 26 years and has also been owned by the same guy for that time. Those two things appeal to me and I hope the boat looks as good in person as in the photos. The interior does not have the hanging locker on starboard like most boats or the cabinet on port. Anybody ever see that type of set up? The icebox is gone and I'm assuming that the owner took it out because it does have the access hatch to where the ice box would be. The boat has been painted on the topsides (sides of hull) and the deck has been painted except for the blue part and I think that is the original gel coat. The broker is a real nice guy and is sending me dozens of photos. Another question, does anyone make a fiberglass replacement rudder? Thanks for input, Best Regards Craig

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Originally Posted by captcraig

Another question, does anyone make a fiberglass replacement rudder? Thanks for input, Best Regards Craig

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Please search the rudder discussion thread in the Technical forum for answers. IMCO, the original hardwood rudder is likely the best alternative, unless it's missing. Owner's manual does have a drawing.

Congrats! It sounds like you may have lucked into a well-loved gem. Pics please...

Some pics sent by the broker ofAttachment 8751 Attachment 8750AAttachment 8749 Attachment 8748157

Sorry, not sure how to add more pics to the other Attachment 8756pAttachment 8755oAttachment 8754sAttachment 8753tAttachment 8752

Attachment 8764Attachment 8763Attachment 8762

Captain Craig

Looks like your Ariel is in above average condition. You found one that was cared for much better than most. Congrats!!!!!!

By the way I will soon have a rudder from my Commander that was built as a replacement to the original rudder. However I am not convinced they are the same on the commander and the Ariel. The one I have has a continuous shaft and I'm converting to inboard electric drive so I need to start all over. I tried using the drawing for the rudder shaft from the manual but things were not coming out correctly so I had to start all over to get what I really wanted. That is why I'm not convinced they are the same. But when I'm done using this one for a template if you want to pay shipping i could send it to you to see if it will work for you.

Thank you Jerry for your response, not sure if the rudder needs to be replaced or not, thank you for the offer and if it needs to be replaced I may take you up on the offer. I'm pretty sure this A 157 will work out for me. These old Pearsons seem to be pretty stiff.

Wow. A157 looks exceptionally clean. Seems that often when an A/C hits the market it is either in near-death OR sparkling condition. 157 seems the latter. It is only 3 hours into your haul, but if the sale closes and you need a pit stop, I'm buying beers in Spring Lake, MI.

Luck Dawg should be their mascot sailboat!

Thanks for the offer Kyle, If I can stop by on the way home I'll let you know. Just sent the check for the boat so it should be mine before too long. The broker said April 15th is about the earliest that I can pick the boat up due to the marina equipment being winterized and snow. The storage is paid for through May so I have about a six week window for pick up.

Attachment 8770 Wonder is a fish like that can be had anywhere or maybe it needs to be shaved off.

Looks like a knotmeter impeller.

Yes, a knotmeter impeller but pretty much obsolete. Can't find one anywhere. Actually drives a cable all the way up to the bulkhead.

One with a mechanical cable came with A-76 in 1978. Had it replaced about five years later, even though it was still working just fine. The original was one of those with an arm rather than a propeller that moved the needle.

This one still works I believe but one of the fins is broken on the prop so it will read a little slow if it does work. VDO is the brand name. I would think the cable is much the same as an automotive speedometer cable but that part of it is ok for now. A used prop may be my best bet. I've heard some say that they foul pretty easy so maybe removal is the best bet. How do like yours?

Attachment 8771 The other end, one of the blades is broken on the prop. Not sure if one can be had anywhere. I've heard these foul pretty easy. How do you like yours? I do like the idea of a log.

My 2 cents. Get your "new" boat in the water and get to know her before you make any big decisions. She worked pretty good for 26 years for the PO. Oh, and congrats again and welcome aboard!

I agree with Mike. If it's working, just use it. Besides, you'll never find another 1960's instrument gauge like that :)

I suppose if it works and reads a little off there is no harm in that. Maybe I'll get lucky and it'll read at 2/3 of actual speed making the math easy (LOL)

Here is Commander 212 in OKC. The boat was refitted about 12 years ago. VC17 bottom that is very smooth.Attachment 8784 Attachment 8783

C-212 TINTAGEL is in the registry. Her skipper is listed as Rudy Neves of Oklahoma City.

Hi Bill, As you can tell I'm not very good at forum stuff, sorry I'm keeping you so busy with my blunders. Where is the link showing the registry?

Registry is not available on line, but if you click on the "Community" tab at the top of this page, then on "members list" you'll find an alpha list. Click on "J" and then scroll down to "Jon" to find links for his Email and private messages.

Well "Middle Age Crazy" A157 has been transported from Northport MI to Oklahoma City and is now in the water. It is a very well preserved original boat. Haven't sailed yet but the maiden voyage will be soon.

Ariel 157 was ordered from the factory without the standard ice box, bureau and hanging locker. I found the original build sheet in the boats paperwork. I'll post some more pics soon. Attachment 8903

Attachment 8908 David, the previous owner of A 157 was one of the kindest men I had ever met, I couldn't help but love him like he was my father. He helped prepare for my journey home and even followed me for a few miles to make sure I was ok. The trailer was a standard flat bed with rails and a cradle bolted down to it. I would use a heavier truck and trailer if I ever hauled it 1100 miles again.

Hey Craig. Hope you and yours are well after the storm. Check in when things settle down, eh?

Thanks for asking, we are safe and sound. Shopping for a storm shelter this weekend.

I might be burying one of these in the back yard...

Attachment 8909

After seeing the destruction from May 3, 99 and now this one, there is no doubt that you have to be below ground or in a bank vault. Cars that are all rolled up in a ball flying through the air over 200mph are not easily deflected by anything. Wind speeds in May of 99 reached 317 mph.(highest wind speeds ever recorded) Entire slabs were taken off the ground.

Attachment 9123 The original build sheet for A 157. If you guys would like to see a lot more 1963 original paperwork that came with the boat let me know and I'll post it. Original blue prints, warranty, purchase agreement, ect

Attachment 9125Attachment 9124 Original Warranty Certificate for A 157. Ed Abel ordered the boat without the standard equipment. He raced the boat MORC and must of had some wieght concerns.

Attachment 9127Attachment 9126 He may have wanted two full length births in the main cabin and that may be why he didn't get the bureau, locker set up

Attachment 9170 Note that the bureau, hanging locker, ice box and teak floor were not installed per buyers request

Attachment 9171 A 157s icebox with vintage ice tongs

Attachment 9173Attachment 9172 Vintage Marine Grade Ice Tongs

Attachment 9176Attachment 9175Attachment 9174 The table stowed, table in place, time period correct world map.

Attachment 9177 The boat came with the original LaFrance fire extenguisher, 13s Danforth Anchor and Windetector (shown)

Attachment 9178 1963 model Anchor

Attachment 9179 Removable stocks in place

Attachment 9181Attachment 9180 Stowing and stowedAttachment 9182

Attachment 9183 His and Hers stowaway bags

Attachment 9184 original brochure

Attachment 9189Attachment 9188 Vintage auto pilot from Burbank Ca.

Attachment 9192Attachment 9192Attachment 9191Attachment 9190 Spin pole end, whisker pole end, winch handle