Runabout
Name/Title
RunaboutEntry/Object ID
1972.034Description
1972.034 Snark II Boat Type: Triple Cockpit Runabout Builder: Hackercraft Model: 30' Length: 30' Beam: 6' 8" Date Built: 1930 John L. Hacker was one of the most famous and successful designers of power boats in the early 20th century, including many of the fastest raceboats of the time and some of the most popular pleasure boats. Hacker built his own company, buying his first boat shop in 1909. By 1930, when this boat was built, Hackercraft was a major producer of runabouts and a few larger yachts. The company folded in 1933, reopening again some time later under new ownership. The company closed for good in 1948. Snark II is a 30' triple cockpit runabout, made to carry eleven passengers on a thrilling ride. She is constructed of Honduras mahogany over a white-oak frame-and-batten skeleton. Her planking is riveted and plugged, a method unique to Hacker Craft. Her power would have originally been a 200 hp 6-cylinder Sterling, but it has been replaced with a 300 hp Palmer V-8, model 1H-V-549. This motor is an overhead cam V8 with a single downdraft carburetor, a more modern motor than the boat. S/n 4039261. Snark II is in beautiful shape, her varnish is good, bottom is tight. Seemingly ready to run. EVS 08 1930 was a milestone year for designer/builder John Hacker. His company delivered ninety new boats in June of that year and his magnificent 40-page catalog had over 100 photographs and illustrations. Everything looked bright in spite of the stock market crash some eight months before. Hacker was particularly proud of his 30-foot runabout from that year that he enthusiastically proclaimed as his "masterpiece." This testimonial from the man who is considered one of the finest naval architects of his era speaks volumes for Snark II, our 30-foot 1930 Hackercraft runabout. This magnificent boat is in wonderful condition and is an outstanding example of the best Hacker runabouts. Hacker said that this boat "provides the supreme thrill of motor boating - entirely free from such discordant elements as pounding, vibration and noisy engine equipment." Planked entirely of selected Honduras mahogany over a clear white oak frame, Snark II is a strikingly beautiful craft. The seats are deep pleated, hand-buffed genuine leather providing luxurious water transportation for as many as eleven passengers at speeds of 40 miles per hour. Snark II is one of John Hacker's finest designs and a superb example of one of the great triple cockpit runabouts built at the height of their popularity. The hardware, trim and windshields are magnificent examples of Hacker's attention to all the details that contributed to his work being so universally respected.Collection
BoatsAcquisition
Accession
1972.034Source or Donor
Hoopes, SamMade/Created
Artist
John HackerManufacturer
HackercraftDate made
1930Place
Location
Mt. Clemens, MI, USANotes
Early Date: 1930 Propulsion: Inboard, Gasoline Engine: Palmer MPH: 40 0.0 HP: 300Other Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
Number Type
Old NumberOther Number
617Dimensions
Width
80 inLength
360 inLocation
*Don Doebler Collections Storage Facility
*Cleveland E. Dodge Memorial Launch Building
Doebler Bay 5, East