Runabout, Split Cockpit
Name/Title
Runabout, Split CockpitEntry/Object ID
1993.021Description
When Dodge opened their new boat building facility in 1930, it was proclaimed to be the "largest boat factory in the world." In order to successfully merchandise their anticipated production volume, a substantial dealer network was required. The 16-foot runabout was designed to be their price leader and help dealers attract first time boat buyers by offering a quality mahogany runabout for less than one thousand dollars. This sporty runabout was the all-time volume leader for Dodge and remained in production, virtually unchanged, for five years. The Museum's example of the Dodge 16-foot runabout, Peanut, is very original and in excellent overall condition with its original 4-cylinder engine. In a very innovative publicity campaign, Horace Dodge secured exclusive rights to conduct a special race for owners of standardized, unmodified Dodge 16-foot runabouts prior to the 1930 Harmsworth Trophy Race on the Detroit River. Offering a cash purse of $6,000 for the first three finishers, the race drew national interest and served as a highly anticipated preliminary event to the international Harmsworth Race with nearly thirty boats entered. The result of the special race was that the Dodge 16-foot runabout received instant attention and the well-publicized event helped maintain Dodge production during the awful Depression years. One of the noteworthy features of the Dodge 16-foot runabout is the rather spacious aft cockpit in a boat of modest size. Another feature is the attractive Sea Nymph that adorned the top of the cutwater much like the hood ornaments on automobiles of the era. This runabout also was designed with less freeboard providing a more modern look and avoiding the boxy look of other small runabouts of the same period. It was a well-designed craft with many fine attributes. However, Dodge was forced to keep lowering the list price during the Depression. By 1934 the 16-footer carried a list price of just $695 in order to keep some measure of production in place. Within two years Dodge would end production and close the factory. During World War II, Dodge reopened their huge Newport News factory and produced several types of military craft on government defense contracts. Their war effort was outstanding and the Newport News factory received the coveted Army/Navy "E" for excellence from the United States Government in 1944. NOTE: Flag pole is on haxall third floor artifact storage 7/14/11Collection
BoatsAcquisition
Accession
1993.021Source or Donor
Feikert, WilliamMade/Created
Manufacturer
Horace E. Dodge Boat and Plane CorporationDate made
1930Place
Location
Newport News, VA, USAEdition
Model: WatercarNotes
Early Date: 1930 Propulsion: Inboard Engine: Lycoming MPH: 25 0.0 Cylinders: 4 HP: 40Dimensions
Width
5-1/4 ftLength
16 ftLocation
Wall
WestRoom
Bay 8Building
*Don Doebler Collections Storage Facility*Cleveland E. Dodge Memorial Launch Building