Correct year for my boat - 20 Custom

[Mholland]

I really like the recent summer issue of the Brass Bell. In it the CC Custom was highlighted. I was interesting reading the hull card data base. My boat R-20-334 was shipped 9/9/1948 however is listed as a 1949 model. Does this mean it was built in 1948 but was a 1949 model? I had her listed as a 48 but after reading the article it appears I should change to 1949. I want to make sure I am correct.

[Bill Basler]

Michael, good to hear from you and we are pleased you enjoyed the Custom feature. This is the most extensive database of one specific model published to date. It is wonderful to see all of that information laid out in one view.

Brian Robinson wrote this feature article. I should also note that the 20-foot Custom has also been researched extensively over the years by member Neal Satterly, and ongoing by member Kerry Price.

Also, thank you for adding your information on #334 to the Hull Registry. This is a very important tool as others go to research their boat.

Given your ship date, your hull would fall into the part of the calendar year when Chris-Craft was working on, and delivering hulls for the next model year. Some of these went to shows. Other went to dealer stock. Others went to private parties who missed the cutoff for the prior year, and thus the order was fulfilled as a next model year build.

My assumption would be that your boat is actually a 1949. Perhaps some of the 20-foot Custom guys can determine based on one specific detail that differentiates the 1948s from the the 1949s.

Your boat looks like an excellent largely original boat.

[Brian Robinson]

Hi Michael, thanks for the compliment on the 20 Custom feature.

When deciphering model years there are typically two things to look at - and fortunately 1948/49 is pretty cut and dry. Notice that R-20-193 up until R-20-324, all of the 1948 boats are spec'd with a "48-17" model number. Then there is a short period of no shipments, then in 1949 Chris-Craft began just calling it a "20 Custom" and did away with model numbers. Your boat is definintly a 1949 model.

There is a pretty major typo in that article that somehow slipped through the cracks of editing. In the data section, notice the far righthand column labeled "Extra Equipment." This column of data should have been marked "Backordered." All of the extra equipment was noted in the "Notes" section.

[Mholland]

Thanks Brian and Bill for your response. I really enjoyed reading the article!

Michael