THE FLEET

We cycle through our inventory of available boats to ensure appropriate maintenance and upkeep can be accomplished in a manageable order. At any given time we expect to have at least two runabouts and one larger motor-yacht available for touring. Among these vessels will be classic specimens from Gar Wood, Chris Craft, Stephens Brothers and Matthews.

Our current Tahoe flagship is the 1937 Gar Wood triple cockpit “SEMPER FI”. Our modest tribute to those who serve us in the United States Marine Corps, SEMPER FI is sure to get you to your Lake Tahoe destination at a speed and in a style which will enhance any scrapbook or YouTube video.

SEMPER FI is the only twenty foot triple cockpit built by Gar Wood in 1937.
Gar Wood boats are known the world over for their fine craftsmanship and sleek design. While they developed a reputation of being play things for the rich and famous, they were also known for their record-breaking speed. These days, they are prized by collectors and appreciated by virtually anyone with an affection for design, power, a cool beverage and lots of varnish.

In addition to the Gar Wood, we will have available the Chris Craft Riviera “ANESTHESIA”, a 1952 eighteen foot runabout which has considered Lake Tahoe home for decades.

While a boat builder of significance before World War II, the decade of the fifties marked the height of company prestige for Chris Craft and the brand became virtually synonymous with pleasure boating across the country. At one point the company offered 159 different models and was the sales leader in many categories of small civilian powerboats.

While many Hollywood stars like Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley were known for their Chris Crafts, the company built their reputation with high quality and the liberal use of the finest mahogany, teak and brass.

Chris Crafts were always easy to operate and reasonably priced. While not necessarily considered reasonably priced these days, they are still coveted by collectors all across the United States.

We will also on occasion make available an extremely rare 1941 Mercury barrelback, “GENTLEMAN JACK”. Believed to be only one of two left in existence, this vessel is known for its unusual patina, comfort and speed.

Now powered by a vintage small block V8, GENTLEMAN JACK, named after the celebrated whiskey purveyor from Lynchburg, Tennessee, is always an impressive sight as it travels between the taverns and restaurants which service the Tahoe shoreline.

In addition to the open boats, we have a vintage 1955 Stephens motor-yacht which is expected to arrive at the lake in mid- summer 2011.