This 1946 Chris-Craft Deluxe: More Than Just a Boat
Step back in time with this exquisite 1946 Chris-Craft Deluxe, a 17-foot wood runabout that’s all about style and grace. Under that polished wooden hood lies a robust 230ci inline-six engine, eagerly churning power through a forward-reverse transmission to a single prop. Imagine this: the seller brought this timeless piece home in 2021 and breathed new life into it with a restoration that included a “no-soak” bottom installation, an engine overhaul, and a brand-new fuel tank.
Aesthetic Redesign: Shine and Sparkle
This beauty comes kitted out with a two-piece windscreen, all-important navigation lights, and dual rows of snazzy bench seats, now making a statement in red vinyl. As the cherry on top, it’s christened Nauti Principessa and comes complete with a cover, a Chris-Craft burgee, and a single-axle trailer. Oh, and don’t fret about ownership—everything’s under the seller’s name, including the Michigan title for the boat and trailer registration.
Hull Craftsmanship: Reinforced for the Future
In 2022, the hull got a much-needed makeover, swapping the old planking for 3M 5200 epoxy-treated planks to make it “no-soak”—meaning no watery surprises. Alongside, both the fuel tank and its lines saw replacements. Want evidence? Scroll to the gallery below for a peek at the hull work receipts and extra photos.
Did you know? Back in the 1940s, Chris-Craft was one of the prime manufacturers of wooden boats, influencing countless designs across the globe.
Deck Details: Shining Finish and Features
The boat’s deck wears a two-tone finish, with white caulking and eye-catching stainless-steel hardware. Features abound, from the two-piece windscreen to polished cutwater and other brightwork—each gleaming under layers of varnish, lovingly reapplied in 2024.
Interior Chic: Comfort Meets Class
Inside the cockpit, you’re greeted with double rows of those striking red vinyl benches. Redone in 2022, they contrast beautifully against a classic wooden dash, chromed gear selector, rubber flooring, and pragmatic step plates.
Steering Wheel: Command Center
The white two-spoke steering wheel is not just for show; it sports a central throttle lever and is accompanied by dials that deliver your boat’s vital stats: a reverse-sweep tachometer, oil pressure, amperage, and coolant temperature. However, keep in mind that, much like a Porsche 718 Boxster, this classic doesn’t bother with hourly meters—leaving total mileage a mystery.
Mechanical Marvel: Engine Excellence
Heart of this vessel is the 230ci K inline-six engine, sipping through a Zenith updraft carburetor, dishing out a 95-horsepower rating straight from the factory floor. Come 2021, the engine saw some TLC, adjusting the carburetor and refreshing the spark plugs, distributor cap, and rotor.
Propulsion Power: Propeller Precision
Tidal precision comes from its three-blade prop, driven by that smooth-shifting forward-reverse transmission. Flash forward to 2021, and yes, the propeller got swapped out, ensuring this classic stays contemporary.
Trailer Tales: Safe and Secure
This classic ride rests on a single-axle trailer crowning 13-inch wheels, fortified with a bow stop, manual winch, guide-ons, carpeted bunks, lighting, and a smooth rolling and folding tongue jack. Think of it as the perfect match, just like you’d pair a Nissan X-Trail for rugged off-road explorations.
So, what do you think? Ready to make some waves with classic style?