Runabout Reflections
What we refer to today as "the wooden runabout boat" did not exist prior to the early years of this century, and, for the most part, ceased to be built after its heyday of construction in the mid-1950's. Today, only small numbers of all-wood runabouts are built. The runabout is characterized by the all-wood construction of its hull (whether it is painted or stained and then varnished, and whether its deck is all-wood as well, or canvas-covered), and its inboard motor.
Several manufacturers have made names for themselves constructing wooden runabouts. Perhaps the best known, to the general public, are the big builders, the world-renouned Chris-Craft and Gar Wood companies. However, among boating enthusiasts especially, some smaller builders are very well-known and respected: Hacker Craft (whose boats have been referred to as the "Steinway" of runabouts), Century Boat Company (whose last wooden hull was offered in the 1966 models), and Dee-Wite, which built the famous line of "Lodge Torpedo" runabouts which were pointed on both ends (unfortunately, this small firm did not survive the Depression as the other manufacturers did).
In addition to these famous-name builders, there have been many small companies and private builders who constructed wooden speedboats during the first half of this century.
The development of boat designs that could be referred to as "runabouts" began in the early years of 1900, with the design of hulls that would plane on top of the water, instead of plowing through it. The major changes in design which this entailed changed the powerboats of the day from slow-moving inboards to smaller speedboats.
"Here is soft luxury, protected from sun, rain or sleet -- a craft that asks only open water and takes no heed of the season. To those who love the rush of the wind and the melody of ripping water this craft is dedicated by the world's largest builders of all-mahogany motor boats."
Whatever you need, whatever you ask of it, your wishes are exceeded. . . It delievers you to social gatherings with fine gowns and evening clothes unruffled." --original advertisement material, coutesty of Mariner's Museum, Newport News, VA
This drawing and text were part of the original newspaper and magazine advertisement for the 28-foot "Sedan Limousine" Chris-Craft built in 1929. It could seat up to 11 passengers, most of them inside the hard top cockpit (similar in design to the hard top of the Ford Model A automobile). Fully loaded, it would run at nearly 40 mph, with a 255 HP Chris-Craft marine motor.
After the stock market crash in October of 1929, the market for these luxury craft vanished shortly after the first of them were built. Records show that only three of these models were ever constructed and shipped to their new owners.
Of those three, only one is fully restored -- "Tuxedo Taxi," which appears on the Runabout Reflections homepage. To get the full story about "Tuxedo Taxi," you can read the truly amazing story of her restoration. Now fully restored, "Tuxedo Taxi" is once again a high-speed limousine, reaching 42 mph while fully loaded with 11 passengers. Those passengers ride on leather seats, eight of them inside the luxury cabin.
The real beauty of the wooden runabout boat is that it is not only a piece of history, or an object of art, but a fully drivable watercraft! Even very old boats, like "Tuxedo Taxi," a restored 1929 Sedan, can be driven for fun on any lake. Though it pays to keep a beautiful boat like this in top condition (especially when you plan to enter it in one of the many judged boat shows during the year), the real fun of owning one is getting out there on the lake and running it wide open -- there is nothing quite like the rumbling power of a big marine engine, or the complex wake thrown out behind by a big boat like this.
Here, Roy Domke sits at the helm of "Tuxedo Taxi," which he finished restoring to show quality in his shop, Runabout Reflections.