Posted by Paul (in NY) on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at 10:34:53 :
In Reply to: We need Paul to weigh in on this... posted by Doc Dave on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at 06:58:55 :
After the Atomic Bomb was dropped, Atomic was a buz word showing power/speed. Chris Craft took one of their Mahogany hulls and painted it blue. On the sides was a Rocket Ship in Red with the Atomic Rings around it. I had a friend who owned one, it was very ugly. Chris also painted some of the other hulls in the line trying to change the traditional Varnish over stained Mahogany. Most of them never caught on and to this day dont command high prices.
One exception was the 16 foot Racing Runabout. She was available in either Varnish over stained Mahogany or Red/White/Blue Paint. They were powered with a 121HP tri carb, 6 cyl
Hercules. They were cramped and had one front seat, the entire rear was decked over. For the 1941 model year only, Chris added a step in the hull to make the Racing Runabout a true Hydroplane. My 1941 was a sister ship to the boat in the picture, Mine sported Red/White/Blue paint. In 2006, a 1941 Racing Runabout sold for $75K. I need serious medications when I think about selling mine as well as my other Chris's. They would look great behind any of my Dodges.
Paul