Runabout, Double-Cockpit
Baccala
Name/Title
Runabout, Double-CockpitEntry/Object ID
1984.026Description
1984.026 Baccala Boat Type: Runabout Builder: Gar Wood Length: 18' Beam: 6' Date Built:1936 (Following by Jessica Hougan 2006) In 1932 when the full impact of the national Depression was growing steadily, Gar Wood was forced to introduce a smaller runabout that would be more affordable than their fleet of triple cockpit models. The decision was to build an 18-foot runabout with a forward and aft cockpit with a modest engine. The new boat would sell for half the price of their 22-foot runabout. It was a wise decision that was well received and forty-three 18-foot runabouts were sold in 1932. This may seem like a modest production, however it was twice as many boats as the rest of their production combined. By 1936 Gar Wood offered a second version of the popular 18-foot runabout with both cockpits forward of the engine as well as the original split cockpit version. The new design was displayed at the National Boat Show in New York and caught on with buyers immediately. As a result only three of the split-cockpit models were produced in 1936. Thus, after five years of production the split-cockpit 18-footer was finally discontinued. Baccala is one of the three that were built in 1936 and the last known surviving example of the boat that helped Gar Wood survive the Depression era. With the success of the 18-foot runabout, Gar Wood decided to produce a 16-foot split-cockpit runabout in 1934. This too was also successful for them and would later provide the hull that Gar Wood used to create the famous 16-foot Speedsters. Baccala is in excellent original condition and a fine example of this model. All together there were 137 18-foot split-cockpit Gar Woods built from 1932 to 1936 and they have become very popular with collectors because of their excellent performance, quality construction and modest size. Many restorers have come to the Museum to study Baccala's originality in order to guide decisions on their boat. (following addition to existing file, Emmett Smith 2008) Of Gar wood's 1936 Trophy Fleet, Baccala is a fine memoriam. Her 'modest' power, considered such only in comparison to Gar Wood's other boats, is a Chrysler Ace straight six, a flathead with a single updraft carburetor, induction coil ignition, electric start, and a motor generator. Baccala is all mahogany, frame and batten construction, hull number 5584. EVS 2008 (Notes from Chris Johnson, ACBS judge) Aside from the obvious flaws in the condition of the finish, this is an excellent original boat. The upholstery and flooring are correct. The deck and hull hardware are correct except for a missing thumbscrew on the stern pole socket. The instruments, dashboard, wheel and controls are all correct. The engine is the correct original 73hp Chrysler Ace. The engine color should be grey, similar to the bilge paint just a little darker. From what I can see standing on the floor, all the wiring, clamps and accessories look correct.Collection
BoatsAcquisition
Accession
1984.026Source or Donor
Sordoni, Jr., Andrew J.Made/Created
Manufacturer
Gar Wood Boat DivisionDate made
1936Place
Location
Marysville, MI, USANotes
Propulsion: inboard gasoline Engine: Chrysler Ace MPH: 35 0.0 Cylinders: 6 HP: 70Other Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
Number Type
Other NumberOther Number
PA 88 RRNumber Type
Old NumberOther Number
675Dimensions
Width
6 ftLength
18 ftLocation
Wall
EastRoom
Bay 7Building
*Don Doebler Collections Storage Facility*Cleveland E. Dodge Memorial Launch Building