1948 Chris-Craft Utility 18

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

For more than a century after its founding by Christopher Columbus Smith in 1874, Chris-Craft was known for building beautiful, high-quality boats in a multitude of sizes. Under the leadership of Smith’s son, Jay Smith, who took the helm in 1927, Chris-Craft became known as the world’s largest builder of mahogany powerboats. 

By the late 1940s, the Michigan-based company offered more than 100 different varieties, ranging in length from 17 feet to 65 feet. Among those hand-built, wooden beauties was the the 18-foot 1948 Chris-Craft Utility, a closed-bow runabout that offered easy handling yet was large enough for a family of five to enjoy a day on the water. 

This 18-foot Utility (Hull Identification No. V18356) features mahogany construction, all of its original gauges and brightwork, and a running Chris-Craft Marine six-cylinder engine. As 1948 Chris-Craft advertising encouraged, “Make a date for ’48! Command a NEW Chris-Craft.” 

Highlights 

• Powered by original Chris-Craft Marine Model K six-cylinder inboard motor rated at 95 horsepower 

• Original steering wheel 

• Original Chris-Craft dashboard instrumentation: 

  • RPM 

  • Oil pressure 

  • Amps 

• Original Chris-Craft dashboard light knobs: 

  • Searchlight 

  • Navigation 

  • Instrumentation 

• Original hull plate 

• Original brightwork and step plates  

• Reupholstered seats and engine cover 

Features 

• Angled, two-piece windshield 

• Traditional right-hand drive 

• Seats five 

• Power is sent to a single, central-mounted propeller via direct-drive unit 

• Original dock/rope cleats  

• Storage space underneath rear bench seat  

• Horn

• American flag on stern 

• Chris-Craft flag on bow 

• No boat name on the transom 

• Michigan license expired in March 2010 

Known Imperfections 

• Hull is cracked below the water line in multiple places 

Included 

• Assembled single-axle trailer (Serial No. T30073) 

• Boat cover 

• Hand-crank drain plug  

• Fire extinguisher 

• Paddle 

• Ropes 

• Anchor 

• Original floatation seat cushion  

Ownership History 

This all-original 1948 Chris-Craft Utility 18 has been stored in a barn for almost 15 years. 

Additional Notes  

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. 

Contact: Craig Zimmerman Phone: 586.707.5811 email: cszimmerman@hagerty.com