Was The Model 99 The Unsung Hero Of Pleasure Boating?
Blue print
As I’ve been obsessing over the Model 99, it’s clear as day that it was an afterthought—or maybe a mid-year design. The 1930 catalog doesn’t list it, not even on the price sheet. I swear I saw one version where it was squeezed in at the top, maybe from a later print run.
Brocks Hull card of the prototype
When you look closely at Brock’s prototype, it was built in April 1930. That’s interesting, because most “1930” boats actually began production in 1929. So it kind of checks out. But why the shift? The Crash. The Great Depression, 1929 to 1939. You can see it play out in real time: the factory’s still cranking out beautiful boats, but they’re just sitting there. Dealers are screaming—nothing’s selling.
Brocks Prototype – note no vent hole on the side of the engine area
That’s what makes the Model 99 so fascinating. It’s basically a larger triple that’s been scaled down. They look incredible especially empty, or with a small child at the helm. You can almost picture the design team under pressure, trying to build something smaller, lighter, and faster, something people might actually buy. Maybe that was Chris-Craft’s saving grace.
Very little info available
I’ll admit, I’m speculating here. I wasn’t there, and it’s not something you’ll find in a history book—but maybe in a psychology one. It just feels like a natural human response. Why mid-year? Why smaller? Why more affordable?
One could surmise—and I will—that the Model 99 may have saved Chris-Craft. After that, 17-foot speedboats became the norm. Chris-Craft shifted from a luxury brand to something for the everyman, and the whole industry followed. Then came the war, which brought military production and, ironically, another boost.
She is one little tough varnish sucker
May 1930 – 1,295 in todays numbers is. – $25,186.59
So maybe that little Model 99 carried more than its weight. Maybe it helped hold up not just Chris-Craft—but the entire idea of pleasure boating itself.
Does Betty agree with your historical summary?
Looking through the “Bible” the 17′ Runabout (1930 – 1931) does appear to be the start of the under 20′ boats. It seems to grow into the 18′ Runabout (1932 – 1935) and kind of morphs into the 18′ Double Cockpit Forward (1934 – 1936). It does seem that you theory may have legs to stand on.
On another note Sandi and I were driving from Alex Bay, NY to our son’s home in Hartland, VT. When we passed through Bridgeport, VT on Rt 125 I noticed Snake Mountain Rd. going off to the left. Well I had to look it up only to find out that Snake Mountain Boatworks is just on the other side of the mountain. We may have to stop in if we ever take that route again. I wonder how Baby Chic is coming along?
My first inboard was a Model 99.
Purchased for $50 back in 1971 on the installment plan of $5 per week at a local marina just north of us.
I say installment plan because I was working at Stroh’s Ice Cream parlor in Bay View for the princely sum of fifty-cents an hour. No driver’s license, so Mom took me back and forth.
On payday, I’d cash my check, then jump in my 12’ StarCraft outboard and head up to Hay Lake Marine.
My Dad found out about the whole thing in late July and he spotted me the balance due and the $25 for the trailer.
Long story short, it became a neighborhood project and three weeks later, it was launched.
Not pretty, painted not varnished but it was MY Chris-Craft! Just like Dad’s and Grandpa’s!
It leaked like a sieve (thank heavens for the self-bailer!), the Gray Phantom 4-62 used 60 weight old Gulfpride aircraft oil and the bilge looked like the Exxon Valdez had hit another reef, but it ran and floated enough to keep me happy for a number of years.
Great memories? No, GRAND memories.
Great story Murdock!
Any idea what happened to it? Where it is now? Did you ever see a hull ID number? I know of 21 of them still around.
I sold it to George Crook from Nashville, TN in 1974 if ai recall. He had a home on Lake Charlevoix and lived in Nashville.
I lost track of him but through a Packard restoration, met and worked with Mark Lambert there in Nashville.
He knew George and was going to reach out to him. Sadly, both passed before it could all come together. George’s kids are still around I think and last I knew, the boat may still reside in one of the family barns.
If by chance I can put it all together, that will become another piece of the puzzle from my past to redo.
Of course, Harvey Dockbanger 1 was replaced for $200 and HD 2 found its way back into our family a few years ago through another branch of my family.
Murdock! What grand memories! I remember when I pulled a 1936 Chris Craft 16′ Racer home and cleaned it in the front yard while in High School. It was owned by an employee of my father. He was none to pleased to see it in the yard. Ten year later he changed his tune! I still have it and it is sporting a new bottom and getting ready for engine installation!
Love hearing about everyone’s childhood!
Royce
I believe everything Matt said especially since his great grandfather was apparently there with the Smith family and top administrators of Chris Craft back in 1930 when they were pushing this assembly line through
yup. I was there.