Runabout, Triple-Cockpit
Footloose
Name/Title
Runabout, Triple-CockpitEntry/Object ID
1987.009Description
1987.009 Footloose & Fancy~Free Boat Type: Triple Cockpit Runabout Builder: Fitzgerald & Lee Designer: John Hacker Length: 28' Beam: 6' 8" Date Built: 1937 Original Power: Scripps V-12 300hp Current Power: Crusader 454, model C454RH, s/n 81702 -Entry from ABM collections Book 2006- The Fitzgerald & Lee Motor Boat Company of Alexandria Bay, New York started out as a boat and motor repair shop. Within two years they were marine engine dealers and producing their own boats. By 1929 they were producing their own version of John Hacker's 26-foot Dolphin runabout and were the sole Gar Wood dealer for the Thousand Islands. Frequently working with Hacker designs, Fitzgerald & Lee developed into fine custom boat builders employing the best boat carpenters in the area. In addition they offered high quality boat repairs and superb refinishing services. Their small shop produced wonderful custom boats for special customers from the drawing board of John Hacker. Recognizing their remarkable skill he provided designs with wonderfully rounded covering boards, barrel bows and barrel backs when these extreme features would challenge the ability of lesser craftsmen. . From the mid 1930s to the start of the Second World War their small shop built wonderful custom runabouts and exciting, fast commuters. One of their best-known runabouts of the period was Footloose & Fancy Free. She was a custom design by John Hacker with rounded covering boards, extreme barreling at the transom, mahogany windshield brackets and barreling of the bow. She was completed in 1937. Powered by a V-12 Scripps, Footloose would glide down the St. Lawrence River between 40 and 50MPH all day long with all three cockpits filled with delighted passengers. As a one-of-a-kind custom boat, Footloose is one of the great treasures of the Museum's permanent collection. She represents the design genius of John Hacker and the extraordinary craftsmanship of one of the finest custom builders of the time and a boat worthy of every visitor's careful study and appreciation. Footloose is in good condition, though her varnish is beginning to age and her hull is becoming uncomfortable on her cradle, which is too short. She could use new caulking in the bottom, new paint, fresh varnish and some time in the water. EVS 08Collection
BoatsAcquisition
Accession
1987.009Source or Donor
Taylor, Patrick F.Made/Created
Manufacturer
Fitzgerald & LeeDate made
1937Place
Location
Fishers Landing, NY, USAEdition
Model: Triple Cockpit RunaboutNotes
Early Date: 1937 Propulsion: inboard gasoline Engine: Chrysler Crown MPH: 50 0.0 Cylinders: 6 HP: 325Other Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
Number Type
Other NumberOther Number
NY 1481 ALDimensions
Width
6-1/2 ftLength
28 ftLocation
*Boat Building & Restoration Shop
*Cleveland E. Dodge Memorial Launch Building
Doebler Bay 5, East