CF1466JR, 1949, Custom Built, Gentleman's Racer, 24', Twin Chrysler Hemi's, $225,000
A very unique boat with an great history. Bob Speltz has a chapter on this boat in his Real Runabouts V volume, but here is some of the story. The boat was custom built in Detroit for a mystery owner. It was built in great secrecy to compete against his friend Gar Wood and was reputed to attain a speed of 93.5 mph before bottom modifications tamed her a bit. The Chrysler Hemi engines were custom built by Danny Foster and are based on WWII surplus engines. They are rated at 350 hp each. Apparently after a brief racing career , the owner took the boat to Al D'Eath's marina, paid 10 years worth of storage and never returned. Sierra Boat's Dick Clarke purchased the boat in the early 80's and sold the boat to its current owner in the mid 90's. Although the boat has been completely restored, the boat was in very good condition when it arrived here. It was evident that it had seen very little original use. The boat is constructed of diagonally double planked, Honduras mahogany, riveted together with canvas between the planks. It has P-38 super charger controls and has a forward placed rudder which was designed for faster turns when rounding the racing buoys. The photos shown are from the Sept/ Oct 2000 issue of Classic Boating. You can read additional information here if you have a copy.
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