1941 Chris-Craft

This 1941 Chris-Craft 17′ Deluxe (hull #71785) is a “Barrel Back” runabout with fewer than 120 operating hours on a mid-2000s restoration. Just 425 17′ barrel backs were produced from 1939-1942 before Chris-Craft production turned to the war effort, and they were replaced with boxier designs after war’s end. This example was acquired from a Pennsylvania barn in the early 1990s before undergoing a comprehensive overhaul of its hull, Hercules engine, interior, hardware and finishes. The seller has owned the boat for 12 years and describes it as a pampered, turnkey and usable boat. The boat was stripped to the keel and its hull was rebuilt with special attention to fit, finish and usability by Jim Murdock of Vintage Boat Restoration. All hardware was removed and exterior and interior wood was most recently prepped and given three coats of varnish and paint in 2010. Finishes remain smooth and glossy over the arched stern, sleek sides and curved decking thanks to limited use and climate-controlled indoor storage. Brightwork shines deeply including the late-1941 “high scoop” vents, gunwale strips and streamlined split-V windshield hardware. Striping and gold-leaf lettering are bright, straight and unbroken throughout. The boat’s interior shows few marks or other signs of use since restoration. Hardware and instruments were removed from the interior and restored, including the banjo-style steering wheel. Interior wood was sanded down and received three coats of varnish. Older blue vinyl was removed and replaced with new red seat covers and stitched inwale padding, while cushions received fresh seat springs and period-correct Kapok filling. Power is from a 1950s Chris-Craft Hercules KLC straight six which was removed, magnafluxed and overhauled in 2005. The block was bored over, porting and polishing were carried out, and the engine was balanced before reassembly and paint. Usability and performance modifications were performed and the motor is said to make roughly 130 horsepower in its current form. A restored generator supplies a stock six-volt electrical system including new period-correct wiring, a refurbished starter and a modern battery. A muffler was added to keep engine noise reasonable, and is noted as being the only other visual change from stock in the engine compartment. The boat has been serviced every year with oil changes and general maintenance. The sale includes a custom-built float-on/float-off trailer commissioned from Performance Trailers, Inc. in 2006, sized appropriately for the boat and painted in matching red. The boat comes with a new full waterline cover as well as flags and dock fenders, and has reportedly seen fewer than 120 hours of use on a private lake in northwest Connecticut. The sale includes service and storage records from 2004 onward and a bill of sale will be provided as Connecticut does not issue titles for boats. Filed under: boat