1931 Dodge 21’6” split cockpit runabout - one of 2 survivors that we know of with a numbers matching Lycoming Straight Eight engine. Dodge boats are sought after by collectors for their beautiful late 1920's early 30's styling and use of top quality hardware and controls. The Lycoming engine was the marinized version of the engine used in the Cords & Auburns of the day. We could go on and on about the detailing and special features found in these boats compared to the more production line boats like Chris Crafts, but to name a few, it has both forward and rear folding windshields, a Duesenberg steering wheel, a cigar lighter, and a “Mermaid’ figure on the upper stem.
This boat was purchased by the Family in the 1960's in a farm auction of all things and was stored in a barn for over 45 years. The sons decided to have it restored for their Father who dreamed of hearing the engine run and enjoy a ride in the boat on Okanagan Lake. We restored the boat over a 3 year period and were able to grant the Father his wish as he approached his 90th Birthday. With this bucket list item crossed off, he passed away a few years back, leaving a wonderful legacy in his wake.
The boat was restored through our restoration division, Boathouse Bay Classics which is a multi award winning classic boat restoration shop with over 30 years experience. The full frame out restoration on this boat took thousands of hours and involved replacement to factory specs of virtually all the original mahogany planking. Dodge boat planking was done in a unique way. Planks were screwed to the frames/deck beams, but fastened to the batons from the inside. Thus no plugs were required on the outside with exception of the frames and deck beam screws. While attention to detail was the key in this restoration the owners decided to take some liberties with some unseen details. This included adding electronic ignition, using the correct color/pattern upholstery but in hi grade vinyl vs leather and using a foam under instead of the kapok, horsehair and coils for the seats. The whole hull was skinned with an inner layer of 3 or 4mm marine mahogany plywood which makes it totally 'leak proof' no longer needing to soak up plus means the planks on the hull sides and deck do not move as much reducing upkeep. All of the wiring in the boat was done as per factory in wire mimicking the cloth covered style of the 30's and the boat was converted to 12 volt. So it can not be claimed to be in Concours condition but definitely could be deemed near Bristol.