Jonathan L. Britton


My 1955 Chris-Craft 29' Semi-enclosed Cruiser
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Campus Crusade for Christ @ UT

  • Anticipated Graduation Term: Spring 2006 MS
  • Interests: Analog/Mixed-signal IC design, Low-power Electronics for Medical Applications
  • Hobbies: Golf, Wooden Boats, Basketball
  • Address: Knoxville, TN 37909
  • E-Mail: jbritton@utk.edu
  • Telephone: 865.659.8381
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    If you have any information about this boat, please contact me at fiestabowl98@utk.edu It was originally delivered to Cleverdale, NY (Lake George area) in 1955
    I recently talked to Jim Shotwell, who is restoring a 29' Semi - said that he talked to Chris Smith III (Chris Smith's grandson) and a good number of the 29' Semi's were built specifically for friends of Chris Smith Jr as either fishing boats or commuters.
    Offered for Sale: 1955 29' Semi-enclosed Cruiser (For complete restoration only)


    #23 of only 36
    Twin (original matching counter-rotating) Hercules ML engines (ML & MLO)
    2 x 145hp ML's = 290hp for a top speed of 37mph
    Engines will need a rebuild
    All hardware (except flags)
    Triple-axle Mobile Home trailer included - more than sufficient
    Foredeck and rails were painted over by previous owner - when restored they should be varnished.
    Spotlight
    Horn
    Windshield wipers/Glass foredeck hatch/etc.
    Most hardware will need to be rechromed
    I do have the bow light fixture, even though it is not shown in the pictures.
    Originally delivered to Cleverdale, NY (Lake George area) in 1955

    I have had it covered and drying out all through last summer and this winter. There are a few obviously bad planks at the bow directly under the deck/toe rails and at the bottom of the transom, which were sometimes common trouble spots on the Freedom Fleet cruisers.

    The 29' Semi-enclosed is the hardtop version of the 29' Sportsman (see links below). Both of these configurations are very rare. It is estimated that only 5 of these boats are in existance. It is the ultimate lake or river boat, with superb handling in rough waters. I have copies of the original equipment list from the Chris Craft Archives at the Mariner's Museum, and this boat was ordered with the most powerful engine configuration offered. The twin-ML's push the Semi-enclosed to a top speed of 37 mph.

    This boat is a rare marquee model and deserves a great restoration. Over a year of research I have found only two other examples of this model - one being a great example of a quality restoration by The St. Paul Shipwrights. This boat is shown with the optional dinette. Also note the impressive gauge cluster.

    Below are links to some examples of 29' Sportsmans (Open version of the 29' Cruiser), but I have never been able to find any 29' Semi-enclosed's for sale.