Vehicle Description
Very rare 1934 Hutchinson 28' Triple Cockpit Gentleman's Runabout
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 Gentlemans 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. Its 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. This 1934 Hutchinson 28' Triple Cockpit Gentleman's Runabout
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 surveyors 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 1934 Hutchinson 28' Triple Cockpit
Gentleman's Runabout presents a unique opportunity to own what is
believed to be one of only seven Hacker-designed gentlemans
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!