Hackercraft Heaven On Gull Lake, MN

IT’S NOT EVERY DAY YOU GET AN INVITATION to go for a ride in a 1930 30′ Hackercraft Triple. But when you’re in the right place at the right time, and the stars are aligned perfectly, when the opportunity arises – Don’t hesitate! Just say YES!

That’s what happened yesterday afternoon when Dane Anderson and I were at the Bar Harbor Supper Club on Gull Lake. We originally went there to meet up with the folks from the Bob Speltz Land-O-Lakes Chapter who are hosting the Woods and Water 2015 events in September. Our friend John Allen, wooden boat collector and owner of the Bar Harbor Supper Club, also attended the meeting.

John Allen greets everyone on the lake and on the shore during our boat ride – he loves being part of the Gull Lake area and it shows.

After the meeting John said “Would you guys like to go for a tour of Gull Lake?” We knew that John Arrived for the meeting in “Rebecca Paige” his immaculate 1930 30′ Hackercraft Triple – so when John he asked us if we wanted to go for a ride, Dane & I immediately made our way to the dock.

Dane brought his camera along for the ride and snapped some great photos of classic boats at the various cabins along the Gull Lake.

These big Hacker Triples are legendary for their ride quality. There was a stiff breeze from the north that was kicking up a good chop on the lake, but the 30 foot Hacker with her vintage Scripps V-12 simply glides over the chop with a smooth, effortless ride. A dry ride at that…

Approximately 15 – 30′ Hackercraft triples were originally built in 1930. Around 10 of those are known to exist today. Gull Lake is home to 3 – 1930 30′ Hackercrafts, “Tusk” (owned by Lee Anderson), “Charismatic” (owned by Brian Mark) and “Rebecca Paige” our ride boat today, owned by John Allen.

“Charismatic” is one of three 1930 30′ Hackercrafts that currently live on Gull Lake.

Gull Lake is home to a wide range of classic boats, and John noted that the number of classic boats on the lake continues to grow every year.

We spotted this nice looking 1955/56 Century Coronado on her lift.

Dane snapped this shot of what appears to be an early 1970s Chris-Craft (Lancer?) Tunnel drive boat named “Why Not”.

“Rebecca Paige” back at her dock at John’s cabin on Gull Lake.

So if you ever have the opportunity to go for a ride in a 30′ Hacker Triple, do it – you will never forget the experience.

Thanks to John Allen for the great boat ride today! We should remind everyone that “Rebecca Paige” will be featured at the 7th Annual Gull Lake Classic Boat Show at Bar Harbor on Saturday, August 29th, 2015 along with a over 80 classic boats in the water. For more information you can check out their website by Clicking Here.

Texx
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