Vehicle Description
Very rare and one of only seven Hacker-Craft designed Hutchinsons
ever built! SAMS surveyed and recently treated to a complete engine
rebuild and resealing.� Powered with a powerful Chrysler marine
318ci V8.� Upgraded no-soak bottom means immediate enjoyment with
all leather seating surfaces! Just gorgeous! Hutchinson Brothers
Boat Works, Inc. was founded in Alexandria Bay, New York in a
rented building in 1902. A true family business, all four
Hutchinson brothers (James Herbert, George, Thomas and Joseph) as
well as eleven to sixteen other men worked day after day to build
exceptionally crafted mahogany planked boats ranging from 19'
utility boats to 48' runabouts. From 1902 to 1964, it is said that
Hutchinson built over 250 boats including houseboats, racing boats,
launches, utilities, sedans , cruisers, runabouts and even boats
for the war effort, many of their own design but some based off the
designs of other famous manufacturers. They remain very tasteful
and more exclusive alternatives to some of the more common Hacker
and Chris Craft brands, but arguably just as stylish and with
craftsmanship second-to-none! We are very excited to present Saving
Grace, a 1934 Hutchinson 28' Triple Cockpit Gentleman's Runabout!
The boat was professionally restored and fitted with a no-soak
bottom! Finished in Mahogany with Ash inserts, this John Hacker
designed modified vee is capable of taking your breath away before
it even hits the water! In the spirit of the original, it is
powered by a recently rebuilt 318ci Chrysler V8 gasoline engine
(dated 1984) producing 235 horsepower! Power is transferred to the
water via a Velvet Drive Hydraulic Marine transmission with
reduction. The motor has less than an hour of run time. All of the
three cockpits are finished in an attractive nautical scheme of
green vinyl with wood floors. The main cockpit has a triple
windshield that gives the captain an outstanding view ahead! Other
options include a banjo steering wheel, machine turned dash,
electric horn, lots of storage compartments, fire extinguisher,
polished stainless steel trim, rear grab handles, copper exhaust
tips, Sawyer oar, buoys, small anchor, plenty of rope, and a boat
cover! This Runabout was fully restored while with its Maryland
owner of 16 years and completed in 2001. Having purchased the boat
in 1997, the owner interviewed a number of possible wood boat
specialists to assist in the restoration.� It was carefully treated
to a 2500 hour restoration with the help of expert boat restorer,
Doug Nichols, of Nichols Marina & Restoration in Branchport, NY.
The results remain quite marvelous, having been used regularly in a
number of shows and various lakes in the American Northeast and
Canada.� It's been in Lake Erie, NY; Erie Canal; Lake Ontario,
Canada; Potomac River, VI; Deep Creek Lake, MD; Fourth Lake Fulton
Chain Lakes- Adirondack Park, NY; and others. Shows include the
Niagra Boat Show (3rd Place award) and Antique Wooden Boat Show in
Old Forge, NY (two 1st Place awards).� It was also photographed for
a book- Antique & Classic Boats.� With use came regular maintenance
with Nichols freshening it in 2006 and again in 2011.� It was put
on the market for sale in 2013. It was the recipient of a Society
of American Marine Surveyors (SAMS) survey in mid-May of 2013 while
stored in New York. It was found that there were no safety
deficiencies and that the boat is ready for immediate service! �In
the opinion of the surveyor, this translates into Above Average
Condition with a replacement cost of $125,000. In conclusion, the
summary reads like this: "The vessel, Saving Grace, is a
well-appointed and well powered vessel with sharp lines and
profile. It is the surveyor's opinion that the vessel is suitable
for its intended use as a recreation vessel." Recent service since
the report included a compression test in December of 2013, as well
as a full rebuild of the 318ci engine including valves, pushrods,
valve seats, pistons, camshaft, bearings, lifters, gaskets, oil
pump and all hardware. Also done was a new Chrysler CBE5 ignition
module, fuel pump, battery cables, overhaul of all gauges and
lights, new CNC machined 3-blade propeller and carburetor rebuild.
This service totaled $4,417. In August of 2014, the boat was
treated to engine starting, resealing of shaft log and any cracks
and a lake test, before cleaning and putting back on the trailer,
then received new wheels and tires in May of 2014. All said and
done, over $10,900 was spent ensuring that the boat was in tip-top
seaworthy condition since the survey. This beautifully sculpted
Hutchinson presents a unique opportunity to own what is believed to
be one of only seven Hacker-designed gentleman's runabouts! With
sea trials last completed in 2014, it was reported by GPS accuracy
to achieve 42 mph with 4 occupants and a half tank of fuel.�� Not
too shabby! �We would invite any interested parties to call with
additional questions! Thanks for looking!
