Woody Boater Asks. Why Are U22’s Going Up In Value, When Chris Craft Made Over 2,000 Of Them?
“Encore” Lake Tahoe – photo Don Ayers
Thanks to fellow Woody Boater Alex Watson for asking the question on top of folks minds.. OK, maybe its just me. But Alex asks it in a fun way. Why? Just Because I suppose. Take it away Alex.
Alex Watsons “Lush Life” very sweet U22 with special windshield. There is a story that these were made this way up in Michigan for the canals and low bridges so they could fold down..
Because probably well under 1/2 of those survived. Maybe a 1/4. Maybe even less. These were born users. Get it? Born users. Not born losers. Users. Ok ok…
In Idaho! Savable?
Because we have 320,000,000 people in the US and 35,000,000 in Canada, a total of 355,000,000-ish, and a good portion of those people have access to boating water.
Long time fellow Woody Boater Bob Rice and “Lieutenant”, this amazing U22 has only left Lake Hopatcong once in its life. Photo Bob Kays
Because even if 1,000 U22’s survived, that’s very limited supply in a population base that high.
Like a painting of sadness and no hope.
Because they can hold quite a few people (a family and a couple guests), making them practical.
Because they work on big water as well as small.
Don Ayers captured “Encore” out on Lake Tahoe!
Because they are varnish (when not painted) making them pretty.
White sided cedar U22 Sportsman – Torch lake
Because Billy drove one in On Golden Pond!
Billy out on Thayer IV U-22-1460
Because of the publicity of U22-Gate, the WoodyBoater / Pat Curtain jaw dropping barn find
Fellow Woody Boater pat Curtin and Thayer IV found in the barn. The film boat!
Because of advertising, like Katz’s Marina one showing Thayer IV.
Ad for katzs marina once thayer IV was restored in record time. Photo Alex Watson. On board are Pat Curtin and the family that had owned her for 30 years
Because they are affordable and parts remain plentiful.
Jim Staib’s “Lucky 7” Jim ownes lots o parts with his company Fine Wood Boats
And certainly there are other reasons I’ve missed.”
What do you think? Thats what the comment section is there for.
U22s are great but I love my U17. The little sisters always are overlooked, but that’s for another day.
They make a U-17?
😛
The U-22 is the Marque boat for the Michigan Chapter Port Huron show this year. Come to Port Huron on Sept. 5 – 6 for a great U-22 party!
Greg, there’s similar news in Hessel as well. From the Les Cheneaux Historical Association’s website:
“This year for the first time we will be showcasing a specific marque and/or model. In keeping with our Les Cheneaux history of having the first Chris-Craft dealership and also being an early fishing resort community; the Chris-Craft Sportsman will be featured.
Chris-Craft built their first Sportsman models in 1937 and 1938 when the 15.5 foot Deluxe Runabout and the 24 foot Utility could be ordered without a stern seat for improved movement around the engine box when fishing. This model designation was eventually used with over 40 different boats in the Chris-Craft fleet. Three Sportsman models: a 14 foot Kit Boat, the 17 foot and 22 foot Post War Utilities had production figures in excess of 2000 each.
We will have a special award for these boats; so if you have a Chris-craft Sportsman, please consider bringing it to Hessel this year.”
Our Show, is always the second Saturday of August. This year, that date is August 9th.
Beacuse U-22’s are like Ford F150’s…You can haul just about anything in them…
They made the most U-17’s but a U-22 is the largest one that is easy to trailer. U-24, 25 and 29 are all harder to come by also. I love My u-22 so much I have a spare.
Most practical, comfortable and easiest to work on
All those reasons and more!
Just think of all the Bikini clad gals you could fit in a U-22!
(I will not post a picture for that comment as I am sure your imagination is far better)
🙂
In my case, it would be a lot, they would all be between 8 and 11, and they would want to go tubing all day long yet not a penny of gas money between ’em.
U22: right style, right size, right versatility; they’re just- RIGHT. Everybody will fit and can come along for a thrill ride (or to spend a peaceful afternoon trying to catch ‘Walter’ in Purgatory Cove)!
Sold to Wil Vidal a little to soon, very nice U-22
If I ever see my kids driving like this, I’ll I’ll… Well, I don’t know what I’ll do, because it’s what I do / did. But that doesn’t make it right kids!
Atleast he is waving with all 5 fingers.
The Woody Connection saved a U-22 from the chain saw just in time!
No mention of the U-18? hmmmmm…
The Sportsmen models are popular because they are practical. Plain and simple.
And that’s all I have to say about that.
If only my boathouse had been five feet longer.
I think Billy is telling that blow boat to STOP! I’m coming through….
Alex,
We are bringing our Sportsman up to see you at Hessel.
U-22’s ROCK!
U22’s are definitely sexy and versatile. However, they can’t touch the ride of the 22 foot sea skiff.
AMEN, brother…PREACH that SK-22 gospel!!
U-22s are going up in price because they’re Moma’s boat! Gail McMahan riding in Torch Song on Lake Tahoe on her fifth Wedding Anny.
oops! that’s 50th anniversery above.
Amazing boat, just bought my 1st one and my boys (14 & 11) are still grinning. My wife and I are looking forward to building a decade of memories before they’re ‘grown & gone’.
I found mine (white sided) in Tom Flood’s back yard in Cedarville, MI. Brought her to FL to restore. Customized her with walk-through front seat and permanent second. VIKING is a great boat.