1950 U22

[dholdmann]

Why do people think that these boats are worth a ton of money? I recently found a U22 that been tucked away in a boat house since 1972. I only had a few minutes to look at it but it looks all there, all hardware appears to be there, cut water has a bolt hole in it deck by the windshield has a radio cut in it and it does not have original appolstery. Varnish on the transom is really thin because of sun hitting it and the rest of the finish is starting to peel and flake. Chrome is pitted and green. Was unable to remove floorboards to see condition of frames. Was unable to try and turn the engine over, my quess is it could be serviceable with much routine maintenance. Befor I tell you what I offered, what do you thing it worth. Oh ha, she also thinks it would be cool to turn it into a bar, and she is crazy enough.

[Captain Nemo]

These utilities have become quite popular. They are practical and useful. Thus they seem to be bringing good money lately. Your prospect boat, by your description, sounds like it's a little rough. Without being there to look at it, or seeing some pictures, I wouldn't hazard a guess at the value. The truth of the matter is that old boats are really only worth what someone is willing to pay. That's why many end getting cut up and turned into bars.

[boat_art]

The whole "turning them into bars" thing is getting out of hand. It is so easy to build any boat you want as a replica that I cant see cutting up a boat! If the transom is good enough to turn into a bar, then the remainder of the boat is salvagable. This is a finite resource so why waste it?
If you dont think a boat is restorable, leave it there! Someone else will do it.
Tom

PS...done ranting

[dholdmann]

I think the boat is very restorable, I even think it could be cleaned up, maybe put a new bottom on it and use it. I offered $10000 which I felt was a strong offer.

[Bilge Rat]

Basing a dollar value only on your description, I think your offer was fair. I paid slightly more for a 1953 U22 which although was running, would need much work to be usable on the water. I am performing a full restoration on the otherwise fairly original but tired boat. All chrome is there, upholstery is good but a really wrong color, hull planks are too beaten up to salvage but will be patterns, original bottom.

Thanks to the On Golden Pond movie of 1981 where this model boat was showcased and was a major component of this poignant classic story line, and the fact that Chris Craft was known to keep this model in their boat house for Smith family and sales use has elevated the U22 to icon status. When you compare a similar 18 foot Sportsman of the same period and condition for pricing, the difference doesn't make sense for just 4 more feet of boat. With only 2082 examples of the U22 produced and how many still survive today, cutting one up to make a bar is a crime.

I cannot speak for everyone here, but in all of the boats I have owned and restored it was never my intention to make a killing on a restoration and subsequent sale. In fact I have only profited on 1 out of 7 projects. Obviously I don't do this as a business. Market values are what they are, but with no more of theses U22s being made, value can only go up.

[drrot]

I was contacted about the same boat. Probably by you and two others. She had 4 prospective buyers. Was sort of like a private auction. Also being a summer place she did not really NEED the money or space. Almost seemed like a game. If you are still looking for a U-22 see http://www.finewoodboats.com/1950%2022%20Sportsman.htm

[Bilge Rat]

That's a nice U22 example Jim. This might be a better way to go than playing the private auction game you described. Private "auctions" have been known to have a shill hiding in them. Not saying that's the case here, but sometimes a deal is not such a deal. Caveat Emptor.

[Tightline5]

22K for a complete new bottom if you don't do the work yourself, not counting restacking 65 year old sides. A 65 year old bottom needs replacing, so at your offer you are into the boat for say 32k if you don't do the work. And you will not be the first to say I can do that, and then 6 months later its in someones shop:) You can get a nice 22 FINISHED in tat range. We have not even discussed cost of fairing, stain, varnish, chrome, mechanical, and interior, oh and gauges. And the old "I just want a user boat" are everyone's words right before we all snowball the project into a 50 k end result. Not trying to deter, "The Facts" just "The Facts".

Plenty of U22's out there at very reasonable prices.

[dholdmann]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm new to the hobby and dream about finding that barn find and I never would have guessed that I would find one in a boat house on Pewaukee lake. I guess I'll pass on this one.

[steve bunda]

Welcome to the Club dholdmann, I happen to have a project in the shop that I will never get to . 1955 23 foot Continental with original 175 HP MBL , The Continentals are a bit rare and have the most chrome and bling Chris Craft ever offered in a utility. Nice ride with lots of room. Under 8K and in northern wisc,