1973 Chris-Craft 23-foot Lancer

Description

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 1950s, the Michigan-based company offered more than 130 different varieties, ranging in length from 17 feet to 65 feet. The Chris-Craft Lancer series, introduced in the late 1960s, was particularly popular due to its spacious interior and advanced hull design, which provided a smooth and stable ride even in rough waters. The Lancer featured a deep-V hull, a design that was revolutionary at the time and contributed to its excellent handling. Chris-Craft switched to a fiberglass hull in 1968. 

With the Lancer’s powerful engine and plenty of passenger room, Chris-Craft's 1973 brochure spoke of its larger-than-life personality.  "Anyone who thinks of a 23-footer as a small craft just hasn't seen the Lancer. On occasion we've referred to her as the Lancer Offshore. Owners write and suggest 'Lancer Overnighter' would be better. Or 'Lancer Fisherman.' So, we simply and affectionately call her the Lancer, and you can enjoy her superb comfort and high-performance." 

Highlights 

• One of approximately 1,135 fiberglass Chris-Craft Lancers built from 1968-78, according to fiberglassics.com 

• Powered by a GM 350 cu-in short-block V8 with electronic ignition and rebuilt carburetor, rated at 235 hp

• Custom Loadmaster double-axle trailer (No. 1L9CB2620NC237003), purchased new for $9,100 in July 2023, registered in Michigan through 31 March 2027 

• Boat upgrades/restoration from 2021-2023 (totaling $38,000, not including labor): 

  • Pulled motor and painted bilge, top deck, and hull with Awl Grip 

  • Stripped and painted bottom with barrier coat 

  • New Sunbrella canvas: Bimini top, side curtains, and back drop, and full canvas from windshield to transom  

  • New steering, shifter, wiring, and fuse box  

  • New Garmin with Active Captain 

  • New Stewart Warner gauges 

  • HHS (Henry H. Smith Co.) shaft and propellor  returned to specs

  • New Lenco trim tabs  

  • New mufflers   

  • New fuel tank  

  • New bilge pump  

  • New chrome parts  

  • New Motor Box helm seats, upholstery, and floor matting   

  • New teak swim platform with ladder  

  • New rub rail  

Features 

• Deja Blue on the transom   

• Small cuddy in the bow  

• Traditional right-hand drive  

• Horn and lights 

Known Imperfections 

• Engine hours unknown 

• Small paint chips and scuffs 

Included 

• Manuals 

• Trailer and new parts information 

• Receipts 

• Lifejackets 

• Lifelines 

Ownership History 

The Michigan seller of this 1973 Chris-Craft 23-foot Lancer bought it in October 2024, but he is selling it due to an illness in the family. 

Additional Notes  

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty. 

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