Can You Help Find Scott’s 1956 17’ Chris Craft Sportsman. Hull # CC-17-2508?
Scotts mom back in the day!
Meet Scott Knowlton from Natick, MA. Scott is looking for a very special Sportsman that has huge meaning. He has tried all the usual places, But maybe just maybe here on Woody Boater we are able to help him out!
Back in 1956, my grandfather purchased a new 1956 17’ Chris Craft Sportsman. Hull # CC-17-2508. The boat was named “At Last”.
May family had the boat for almost 4 years. My father and my mother basically got together because of the boat.
Original photo
My grandfather sold the boat in 1959 in NH. I am trying to track down this boat. My parents 60th anniversary is coming up. Nothing would make me happier than to surprise them with the boat for this anniversary.
Not that it helps, but here is the boat closer!
I have spoken to 4 people who owned the boat after my grandfather. The last person who I know had the boat passed away last year, and he had it in Hudson NH. I was in contact with his ex-wife and she remembered the boat and said it was given away in the late 1980’s, but she thought she later saw it had been restored.
If you have any tips / suggestions on turther tracking down the boat, I’d love some help.
I have tried the MA and NH registries. Coast Guard. ACBS. Chris-Craft.org. No luck.
The Bill of sale
I have the original bill of sale and a pic of the boat attached, taken in 1957 with my parents on Lake Waramaug in CT.
I currently have an ad on the New Hampshire Craigslist saying I am looking for the boat. Actually a guy replied to the ad and suggested I contact you.
Scott’s Mom says Hi! Or Speed up, Or Slow Down?
snake mountain boat works is currently doing videos of a late 50’s 17′ sportman. they are in vermont and do a lot of resto work in new england.
Sure hope you find it in a timely manner. The picture of your mom is a classic, she’s got the Marilyn Monroe classic look going from the 50-60’s.
Scott,
You may want to contact the Mariners Museum and see if anyone ordered a hull card for the boat.
I’d rather have the Penn Yan
I’d touch base with Irwin Marine on lake Winnepesaukee. They were longtime Chris Craft dealer and Jack Irwin, if he is still there, still keeps up with a lot of the old Chris Crafts. There is a museum there on the lake, at Wolfboro and the curator might have an idea and then Mark Mason who restores old boats keeps up with a lot of comings and going on the lake might be another source. Where is George Johnson when we need him ?…I know gone to the great marina in the sky….But that reminds me, his ole sidekick, Mike McSwain seems to keep up with boats on the lake even tho he lives in Myrtle Beach. …and if there is a chance the boat made it’s way to Maine, there is Troy.
Wilson, I think the Bill Of Sale came from Jack Irwin
… a truly worthy endeavor, really hope you find it!
I have often thought about some of the old boats and cars that I have owned over my ‘formative’ years and where they are now.
Happy 2017 Woody Boating, and don’t forget to keep track of the days with an appropriate calendar (this one available through MATTHEWS Boat Owners Assoc. for you cruisers)!
One way to eliminate most boats is to check engines. This boat had a four cylinder model B. Most 17′ Sportsman’s have a larger engine.
jim, thats a fantastic point
Scott – missed this yesterday. I am nearby in Attleboro. You should try and attend the show on LakeWinnepesaukee in late July. You may find someone who has seen it.
Scott – also try contacting Jim Murdock in Connecticut at his restoration business – Vintage Boat Restoration. He may have seen it in his shop.
Wow – thank you for all the replies and ideas. I will follow up on all of this. I actually had a big hit on Friday, as a guy in MA has one matching the exact description, and he things the hull numbers match, he is double checking for me. It is one town from where it was last scene. He replied to my Craigslist ad. fingers crossed…..
FOUND !!
In an amazing chain of events, I have found the 1956 Chris Craft. Hull ID matches my bill of sale. It sat in a guys back yard for 40+ years. Now it is at my house. I really can’t believe it. Needs a ton of work – but its the actual one .
WOW