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! View full video test drive here
>> https://youtu.be/6J4_7HXV7v0 1934 Hutchinson 28' Triple
Cockpit Gentleman's Runabout Background: 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! 1934 Hutchinson 28' Triple Cockpit
Gentleman's Runabout Info: 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 1934
Hutchinson 28' Triple Cockpit Gentleman's 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 spring of 2019, we asked Bloch Marine to perform a full hull
inspection and treat areas as needed to ensure the West System
epoxy coating was ready for water use. They also realigned the prop
shaft with a new cutlass bearing and repacked the shaft stuffing
box with Teflon packing. The engine fuel tank would be drained,
along with the engine oil & filter replaced for new. Fresh high
octane fuel was added, along with a new fuel filter, a completely
rebuilt carburetor with new braided fuel lines. It was water tested
and run in May 2019, as seen in the video provided. All systems,
both bilge pumps, gauges, transmission, horn, etc were all tested
and found to be fully functional. A remarkable boat without
question and immediately ready for its next owner! 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-Craft designed gentlemans runabouts! With sea
trials last completed in 2019, 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!