Classic Boat: Chris-Craft Runabout Has a Dual

Chris-Craft Runabout Has a Dual Personality as a Ski Boat

By Chris “Seabuddy” Brown

This ski boat was delivered in Chris-Craft’s Cadillac plant built 90 of with a double layer of planking on the 1964 to Deep Creek Lake in them for its 1964 model run, following bottom and a single layer on the sides Maryland from Chris-Craft’s 180 of these boats built the prior year. backed up by battens. plant in Cadillac, MI. Records show it This was just a fraction of Chris-Craft’s Red restored this boat over time was the fifth Custom Ski runabout built production, building boats between and then arranged for it to be judged by Chris-Craft that model year. She has 17 and 65 feet that year in a variety of under Antique and Classic Boat Socibeen in Maryland ever since, some 54 plants under the Chris-Craft division of ety (ACBS) criteria. The boat scored years. NAFI. Those plants occupied a total of 92 out of 100 points possible. With

The original purchase was arranged nearly two million square feet from the only eight points deducted, she is a in the fall of 1963 by George McGee, 11 locations that produced all the boats top-shelf, top-grade boat. who owned land on the lake at that for Chris Craft Corporation. Classic ski boats built by Christime. Bowman’s Craft, Correct Marina, the lo- Craft, Higgins, cal Chris-Craft Century, and dealer, delivered Master Craft (to George’s new name a few) are ski boat. George the theme of this owned the boat summer’s Antique until December & Classic Boat 1985, and then Show (ACBS), sold it to Reggie held at the Johnson of Cam- Chesapeake Bay bridge, MD. Maritime MuReggie owned it seum (CBMM) until 2000, when in St. Michaels “Red” Vaughn # The 1964 Chris-Craft Custom Ski on June 15-17. purchased it. Red and his son model is also a terrific runabout. Photo courtesy Chris Brown Cruisers will also be there. Both Gary share use wood and fiberand maintenance of the boat, which She is a pure straight-shaft, center- glass boats—new and classic—will be has now found a great home with Red’s of-the-boat mounted engine runabout. displayed on land and in the water. family for almost 18 years. The only engine offered in this model While you’re there, say “Hi” to Red

To date, this boat has enjoyed a rich was the overwhelmingly popu- and Gary. Cruise day is Friday. Ask history spent on Deep Creek Lake, the lar 283-cubic inch, 185-horsepower if they are going on the cruise, too. Magothy, Severn, and South Rivers, Chevy/ Chris-Craft V-8. In 1964 the Maybe, make fast friends and see if and on the Chesapeake Bay. She also price list showed $4125 for the boat and you can join them on a ride. enjoys a dual personality as a runabout motor combo. The catalog says it would In addition to the boats, food, gear, and ski boat. Although Red’s family achieve 41 mph in top speed. The demos, Friday boat rides, and music also uses her as a runabout, he often big brother, a 20-foot boat, could be you will find at the ACBS, there is displays her at boat shows as a ski boat, ordered with a larger engine, a 30/431 another show within the grounds of complete with water skis and other Lincoln. That delivered speeds to 47- the CBMM designated as The Arts at appropriate equipment, so show visitors mph in a Super Sport configuration. Navy Point, where more than 70 artcan envision the fun an inboard ski The price sheet showed that combo was ists, artisans, craftspeople, and vendors boat can provide. A book of notes of listed at $6195. And, it was the fastest will showcase their maritime-themed the boat’s history is often laid out in the offering for 1964 models. work. The “Best of the Best” of handcockpit when she is displayed. Chris-Craft put its quality con- crafted and original works of art will

She is a classic Chris-Craft run- struction into this boat. The wood was crowd the walkways and tents of these about, 17-foot Custom Ski model. Mahogany planking sides and bottom, craft people and artists. #