Runabout, Triple-Cockpit

Object/Artifact

Antique Boat Museum

Name/Title

Runabout, Triple-Cockpit

Entry/Object ID

1992.010

Description

1992.010 Minken II Boat Type: Runabout Builder: Chris Craft Model: 30' Custom Runabout Original Power: Chris Craft A-70, V-8 200 Hp Length: 30' Beam: 7'1" Date Built: 1928 This is a rare Chris Craft from the late 1920s, when the larger and more expensive models were not selling well due to the Depression. Despite its unusual size it is a typical Chris Craft runabout in design and construction, with a convertible top forward and the convenient addition of a swimming ladder mounted on the hull by the aft cockpit. Minken II was powered with a Chris Craft Model A-70, a 200hp 90 degree V8, built in blocks of two, with a single dual-stack carburetor. This motor is on display in the Launch Building. This boat was owned by the Schoellkopf family from the time it was purchased until it was donated to the Museum in 1991. At one time a fire damaged the engine compartment and part of the cockpit, and the cockpit was redesigned when the damage was repaired. She was in need of some minor repair upon arriving at the boat museum. In the summer of 1991, she was undergoing restoration in the stone building by ABM boat builder Bill Smithers, Mike Mahoney, and Olga Cherevko, paid for by Paul Shoellkopf. She is currently in good shape, though her varnish is turning dull. The boat has no proper step pads; NOS Chris Craft step pads are currently stuck on the covering boards with carpet tape. EVS 08 Although Chris-Craft made more runabouts than any other boat builder, Minken II is one of just three 30' Custom Runabout models built in 1928. Four more 30-foot models were built in 1929 and 1930. By 1930, the growing economic depression was so widespread that large $7,000 runabouts were becoming impossible to market. Minken II remained in the ownership of the Schoellkoph family for 64 years from the time it was purchased as a new boat until it was donated to the Museum in 1991. The forward cockpit area was redesigned to suit the owner's wishes after a fire damaged the engine compartment and a portion of the cockpit. Other than the damage from the fire it has received wonderful care through out its life by its owners. It was always stored in a boathouse and only put in the water when it was to be used. This model was Chris-Craft's largest runabout. It was also offered as a high speed Custom Commuter with a handsome sedan enclosure. This version of the same hull was one of Chris-Craft's feature exhibits at the 1928 National Motor Boat Show.

Collection

Boats

Acquisition

Accession

1992.010

Source or Donor

Schoellkopf, Paul A.

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Chris-Craft

Date made

1928

Place

Location

Algonac, MI, USA

Edition

Model: 30' Custom Runabout

Notes

Early Date: 1928 Propulsion: Inboard, Gasoline Engine: Chris-Craft A-70 MPH: 38 Cylinders: 8 HP: 250

Dimensions

Width

7-1/16 ft

Length

30 ft

Weight

3075 lb

Location

Wall

East

Room

Bay 5

Building

*Don Doebler Collections Storage Facility

*Cleveland E. Dodge Memorial Launch Building

Doebler Bay 5, East

*Cleveland E. Dodge Memorial Launch Building