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!
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 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. 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.
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 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 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 water pump was completely rebuilt. 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 gentleman's
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!