How's That is a smart 1938 pre war Chris Craft deluxe runabout and a good boat for those wishing to have a head turning classic which they can keep at home under its full cover or in the garage for occasional outings at classic boat events or simply for cruising with friends. The current owner bought the boat in Scotland and brought it down to Freebody on the Thames where the necessary work was done to complete the restoration and to ensure compliance with the Boat Safety Scheme. The boat is presented in excellent condition on a bespoke trailer and with two cockpit covers as well as a full length cover with side skirts to keep the sun off the varnished mahogany.

The deliciously growly engine below the hood is in fact a 1936 Chris Craft engine which was reconditioned in the USA and purchased to replace the original series A engine which was beyond repair. This one has a bit more grunt being a series B side valve 2.25 litre engine. The racing runabout had a direct drive configuration. All the necessary paperwork and invoices will be provided with the bill of sale when the boat changes hands.

According to the Chris Craft bible which I keep in my office the deluxe runabout was remodelled in 1937 but the Special Race version of the 16 footer was still retained. This offered the V windshield and 'airplane' type cockpits designed by Jay Smith one of the original founders of Chris Craft. If you are wondering why there was so little competition at that time one has to look back to the dreadful depression of the late twenties and early thirties which had wiped out many of their competitors. Dodge closed in 1936 in the wake of Dart, Dee-White, Ditchburn and others. Chris Craft hung on and was well placed to enjoy the resurgence of the leisure boat market in the late nineteen thirties and thereafter.

The boat is available for viewing at the vendor's home on its trailer. Please call the office for arrangements to view either in person if you live near Henley on Thames or alternatively by video link.