Name/Title
UtilityEntry/Object ID
2005.022Description
2005.022
Purr-r
Boat Type: Utility
Builder: Chris Craft
Model: 17' De Luxe Utility (901)
Hull Number: 17271
Original Power: Chris Craft BA 60 Hp s/n 4356
Current Power: Original
Length: 17' Beam: 6' 4" Draft: 15"
Date Built: 1938
The 17-foot Utility, available 'Standard' and 'De Luxe' was only produced in 1938-9. 131 hulls were built in that year. The 17' Utlilty was shipped with one of three different Chris Craft engines (the BA, B, and K), each of 60 Hp, pushing the boat 29 mph. It is a small, open utility, the De Luxe model was fitted with a windshield, a cutwater, and given a coat of bottom paint and boot-top.
"Purr-r" was shipped to the Merrick Family of Murray Island in the St. Lawrence on July 27, 1938. The Merrick's named the boat "Purr-r," and had a portrait of one of their cats painted next to the name. The boat stayed in the family until it was sold in 1963, and changed owners several times. In the early 1990s she was neglected outside, until Don Babcock purchased it in 1992. Mr. Babcock brought her to Tennessee and had her completely restored by Travis Hickman of Hickman Wood Products, including a new keel, bottom, new lower frame members, and some complete new frames.
Since her restoration, "Purr-r" has won many awards, including Best of Class (Utility under 22') at the ABM Boat Show in 1994. She remains in very nice shape. EVS 08Collection
BoatsAcquisition
Accession
2005.022Source or Donor
Don BabcockAcquisition Method
GiftMade/Created
Manufacturer
Chris-CraftDate made
1939Edition
Model: 17' Deluxe UtilityNotes
Propulsion: Inboard
Engine: Chris-Craft BA
Cylinders: 4
HP: 60Other Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
Number Type
Other NumberOther Number
NY0099AULocation
Wall
EastRoom
Bay 4Building
*Don Doebler Collections Storage Facility
