Duracraft boats
Duracraft builds affordable aluminum fishing boats, primarily in the 14 to 17 foot range, with over 2,300 hulls registered in the US. Most Duracraft boats on the used market date from the late 1970s through mid 1980s, with a median length of 15 feet. These are no frills utility boats suited for budget buyers targeting small lakes, ponds, and protected waters.
Are Duracraft boats reliable?
Aluminum construction offers good corrosion resistance and durability, but age is the primary reliability factor for Duracraft boats given that most are 40 to 45 years old. The brand has 3 USCG recalls on record, a modest number relative to the fleet size. Main ownership costs stem from wear on floors, transoms, rivets, and electrical systems as the boats age.
Common problems to inspect on a used Duracraft
- Rivet leaks at seams and along the keel
- Transom wood rot or degradation from water intrusion
- Floor rot where plywood or wood stringers are used
- Corrosion at dissimilar metal junctions and fasteners
Registry footprint
Sample = US state open-data vessel registries (currently Texas + New York, ~875k vessels). Treat as a representative slice of recreational US inventory.
Recalls (3)
- ⚠ Recall
971841997-09-04Humidifiers Recalled by Duracraft NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:Ken Giles September 4, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-184 CPSC, Duracraft Announce Recall of Humidifiers WASHINGTON,D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Duracraft Corp. of Southborough, Mass., is recalling about 1 million humidifiers. The humidifiers can overheat, posing a fire hazard. Duracraft has received approximately 85 reports of these humidifiers overheating and catching on fire or producing smoke. There are no confirmed reports of injuries or deaths, but there have been reports of minor and major property damage. Duracraft model DH-901 through DH-904 humidifier
- ⚠ Recall
971771997-08-27Portable Baseboard Heaters Recall by Duracraft NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles August 27, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-177 CPSC, Duracraft Announce Recall of Portable Baseboard Heaters WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Duracraft Corp. of Southborough, Mass., is recalling about 50,000 portable baseboard heaters. The fan of the model CZ-520 heater could become stuck causing it to overheat, posing a fire hazard. Duracraft has received 20 reports of these units overheating, producing smoke or causing fire, and resulting in minor property damage. Duracraft is not aware of any injuries involving the heater. The
- ⚠ Recall
920771992-04-28April 28, 1992 Release # 92-077 PRODUCT: Duracraft Corporation's 16" brass-plated fans, model numbers DP-161, DP-1601 and DP-1602 manufactured before February 1991. The affected models can be identified by the stamped date-of-manufacture code at the bottom of the fan base. The first two digits of the code represent the month, the last two, the year. PROBLEM: Fans' blades may fracture and fly from the fan grill, possibly striking someone nearby. Additionally, grill clips may not adequately hold fan grills together. WHAT TO DO: Call Duracraft at 508-490-7000 for a free modification kit containing replacement blades, stronger grill clips and installation instructions. DISCONTINUE USE UNTIL FAN HAS BEEN MODIFIED. WASHINGTON, DC -- Duracraft Corporation, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Pr
USCG MIC entries (2)
Frequently asked questions
Are Duracraft boats reliable?
Duracraft boats are generally reliable for their age and price point, with welded or riveted aluminum hulls that resist corrosion. However, most used models are 40 plus years old, so reliability depends heavily on how well the previous owner maintained the floor, transom, and electrical systems.
What is the resale value of a Duracraft boat?
Duracraft boats are budget oriented, so resale values are typically low, often in the $500 to $3,000 range depending on condition, length, and included trailer or motor. Age and the brand's positioning as an entry level builder limit appreciation.
What problems do Duracraft boats have?
Common issues include rivet leaks at hull seams, transom wood rot from water intrusion, and floor degradation where plywood is used. Corrosion at fasteners and dissimilar metal junctions is also typical on older aluminum boats.
Are Duracraft boats good for fishing?
Duracraft boats are purpose built for fishing on small to medium waters, offering stable, lightweight aluminum platforms with simple layouts. They work well for pond, lake, and river fishing where portability and low cost matter more than features or speed.
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