Runabouts
Runabouts, the antique and classic boats typically characterized as a “runabouts” are boats that have individual cockpits for their seating areas. typically boats less than 20 feet will have two cockpits. They may be together, forward of the engine compartment, or split, one ahead of and one behind the engine compartment. Boats over 20 feet often have thee cockpits and are referred to as “triple cockpit” runabouts. They also have full decks with the engine compartment under hatches. These type of boats were produced in smaller quantities than other types, such as utilities. They were generally more expensive to buy and often had higher quality than lesser models. They also have better aesthetics due to the cockpit design. As a result, they command higher prices than utility models.
Showing all 14 results
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1940 Chris Craft 19ft Custom Runabout “Barrel Back”
$95,000.00Get More Info.
1940 Chris Craft 19ft Custom Runabout “Barrel Back”
$95,000.001940 Chris Craft 19ft Custom Runabout Barrel Back.
The iconic custom runabout, also known as the Barrel Back, was produced from 1939 to 1942, with a total of 433 hulls produced. They represented the highest level of craftsmanship Chris Craft ever offered because it required skilled craftsmen to produce the full half circle transom shape. These boats were the inspiration for Carlo Riva and his legendary Ariston and Aquarama models.
This 1940 Custom Barrel Back was fully restored and is in excellent condition. It features the two-piece coverboards and the fold down Bugatti style windshields as used in 1939 and 1940.
This 1940 Chris Craft has a west system bottom for “no soaking” usability. Power is by a Chris Craft M engine with 130 hp that was rebuilt in 2016 by Sierra Boat. The rebuilt engine has extremely low hours on it. The deck and hull sides were fully restored in the winter of 2016/2017 by Sierra Boat as well.
This 1940 Chris Craft is protected by a custom waterline sunbrella cover that was made in 2016.
Don’t miss out on one of the most iconic boats of all time!
- ID: VIXEN II
- Year: 1940
- Builder: Chris Craft
- Model: Custom Barrel Back
- Length: 19ft
- Engine: Chris Craft M, 130 hp
- Trailer: None
- Price: $95,000.00
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1940 Gar Wood 19ft Custom Runabout
$98,500.00Get More Info.
1940 Gar Wood 19ft Custom Runabout
$98,500.001940 Gar Wood 19ft Custom Runabout.
Gar Wood Boats’ success was directly tied to owner Garfield Wood’s dominance in winning almost every race he ever entered. His hands-on designs and special engine configurations were considered the leading technology of the era. Gar Wood’s are among the most sought-after and valuable boats on today’s classic wooden boat market.
This 1940 Gar Wood Custom Runabout is powered by a Chris Craft 283 V8 with 185 hp. The engine has 234.3 fresh water only hours on it. In 2015 the boat received a brand-new Sierra Boat Co. membrane bottom. The membrane bottom performs and appears like a traditional bottom but requires no soaking. The deck, hull sides and transom varnish are in excellent condition. The upholstery has been meticulously maintained and is original in styling. The boat is protected by a custom full waterline cover.
This Gar Wood has been stored and service by Sierra Boat Co. with all the records for many years!
For more information about the bottom replacement, please click on this link that takes you to an article and pictures of how the bottom replacement was done. https://sierraboat.com/blog/2016/03/02/roki-ii-1940-19-garwood-bottom-restoration/
https://www.garwood.com/index.php/gar-wood-history/
- ID: ROKI II
- Year: 1940
- Builder: Gar Wood
- Model: Custom Runabout
- Length: 19’
- Engine: Chris Craft 283 V8, 185 hp
- Trailer: None
- Price: $98,500.00
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1942 Chris Craft 17ft Deluxe Runabout “Barrel Back”
$48,500.00Get More Info.
1942 Chris Craft 17ft Deluxe Runabout “Barrel Back”
$48,500.001942 Chris Craft 17ft Deluxe Runabout “Barrel Back”
From 1940 to 1942, Chris Craft only produced 425 17ft Chris Craft Deluxe Runabouts or better know as “Barrel Back” runabouts. The iconic “Barrel Back” name comes from the almost perfect semi-circle transom that looks from the rear like a floating barrel when it is in the water. Beautifully appointed, these mahogany-hulled runabouts were built to the highest standards and the graceful lines made them popular with generations of collectors and wooden boat enthusiasts.
This 1942 Chris Craft 17ft Deluxe Runabout was found in LA where it was used on fresh water lakes in that area. The original restoration was completed in 2001 and later the boat received new coats of varnish and mirror work at Northwest Classic Boats in Grass Valley, CA.
This boat features a no-soak west system bottom for easy use. It is powered by an upgraded Chris Craft KL engine with 121 hp which helps it move along at Lake Tahoe’s high altitude. There is no engine hour meter, but the seller has stated that the engine has less than 200 hours on it. The boat has its original 6V electrical system.
This “Barrel Back” has been featured in magazines and books as well as been shown at Nationals, Wood & Glory, and Lake Tahoe’s Concours d’Elegance a number of times where it won third place in the “user” class. Always lovingly cared for by the seller in its custom built, insulated, ventilated, concrete floored boat barn.
The boat comes on a 1991 DHL tandem axle trailer with new tires and bearings. This “Barrel Back” at 17ft allows for easy storage and trailering.
- ID: LAHONTAN
- Year: 1942
- Builder: Chris Craft
- Model: Deluxe Runabout “Barrel Back”
- Length: 17ft
- Engine: Chris Craft KL, 121 hp
- Trailer: 1991 DHL Tandem Axle Trailer
- Price: $48,500.00
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2005 Comitti 25ft Portofino
$125,000.00Get More Info.
2005 Comitti 25ft Portofino
$125,000.002005 Comitti 25ft Portofino
In business since 1956, Comitti is a small company in northern Italy nestled in the foothills beside the beautiful waters of Lake Como. It is the sole remaining Italian shipyard with a modern production facility and a growing business building wooden runabouts. The Italian tradition of fine craftsmanship and classically modern design is evident in each boat.
Thanks to the finest materials and traditional construction methods, Comitti runabouts are produced for connoisseurs and represent the pinnacle of Italian boat-building tradition.
Founded by Mario Comitti, the company was later managed by Mario’s son Elia, until 2003 when a new management took over the ownership of the yard. In the last 15 years it has introduced several new models. Today, Comitti builds semi-custom 100% wood construction runabouts in two lengths – SANREMO 22’ and PORTOFINO 25’ – plus the VENEZIA wood-fiberglass composite runabouts of 22, 25, 28, 31 and 34 feet. For more information on Comitti Boats, see: www.turnermarinegroup.com
This 2005 Comitti 25ft Portofino was delivered new to Lake Tahoe in the summer of 2005. It is being sold by the original owner and has always been stored and maintained by Sierra Boat. Comitti boats, while crafted in wood, are as modern as any fiberglass boat. It features a MerCruiser 6.2L MPI fuel injected V-8 engine mated to a Bravo 3 duo-prop drive, which gives it enhanced maneuverability. The construction is laminated wood and epoxy for exceptional durability. It is finished with a high UV acrylic urethane finish, which is long lasting and can be polished. This boat has been re-spayed with new finish since new.
With a style that is typical of Italian boats, the Portofino has a comfortable stern lounge for sunbathing. A built-in stern platform with ladder is ideal for swimming and watersports.
- ID: ZELDA
- Year: 2005
- Builder: Comitti
- Model: Portofino
- Length: 25ft
- Engine: MerCruiser 6.2L MPI, 300 hp
- Trailer: None
- Price: $125,000.00
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1941 Chris Craft 19ft Custom Runabout “Barrel Back”
$75,000.00Get More Info.
1941 Chris Craft 19ft Custom Runabout “Barrel Back”
$75,000.001941 Chris Craft 19ft Custom Runabout.
The pre-war Chris Craft Custom Runabouts are the most iconic and collectible of all of the vintage runabouts. The 19’ version was built from 1939 to 1942. The vintage boat hobby refers to these boats as barrel backs. This is a hobby term and was never a factory name, the correct model name for the 19’ being a “custom”. In the first two years this model had a more pointed bow and fold down small windshields, often termed Bugatti windshields. For the model year 1941 and later, the hull received a more rounded bow and a four panel, folding windshield. Collectors have their preferences and the style is a matter of taste more than function. In the water they are essentially the same boat.
The boat featured here is an older restoration with little use. It was purchased by the current owner at the Tahoe Concours d’Elegance boat show and has primarily been used on Lake Tahoe. A key feature on this boat is a glued West System bottom which is the ultimate bottom for durability. This boat can be dry launched without soaking. It also features a later series M type engine from the late 50’s. The MCL engine makes 175 hp which is 45 hp more than the original 130 hp model M. This means that the boat will really perform, especially in Tahoe’s higher altitude. It also features a 12V electrical system.
This is not a Concours boat show winner due to the upgraded West System bottom and engine, but if you want a reliable boat you can really use, this is the one for you!
https://www.chriscraft.com/our-story/timeline/
- ID: MISS BEVERLY
- Year: 1941
- Builder: Chris Craft
- Model: Custom Runabout
- Length: 19ft
- Engine: Chris Craft MCL, 175 hp
- Trailer: 2008 Instigator Tandem
- Price: $75,000.00
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1938 Chris Craft 19ft Custom Runabout
$42,000.00Get More Info.
1938 Chris Craft 19ft Custom Runabout
$42,000.001938 Chris Craft 19ft Custom Runabout.
This is the last of the early 19ft Custom runabouts. The model evolved into the barrel back models in 1939 and those boats are based on these earlier models. They were built from 1935 to 1938 and only 328 examples were produced. In my opinion, this model captures the essence of what a classic Chris Craft should look like. It has the appealing vee-shaped windshield and excellent proportions. This is an older restoration but has been used little and is still in very good condition. The engine is a period correct Model “K” engine with 85 hp, but the serial number does not match the one on the hull plaque. The bottom has been replaced but is an original type bottom and will have to be soaked.
- ID: SIERRA SUNRISE
- Year: 1938
- Builder: Chris Craft
- Model: Custom Runabout
- Length: 19ft
- Engine: Model K, 85 hp
- Trailer: None
- Price: $42,000.00
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1939 Chris Craft 19ft Custom Runabout “Barrel Back”
$70,000.00Get More Info.
1939 Chris Craft 19ft Custom Runabout “Barrel Back”
$70,000.001939 Chris Craft 19ft Custom Runabout Barrel Back.
The iconic custom runabout, also known as the Barrel Back, was produced from 1939 to 1942, with a total of 433 hulls produced. They represented the highest level of craftsmanship Chris Craft ever offered because it required skilled craftsmen to produce the full half circle transom shape. These boats were the inspiration for Carlo Riva and his legendary Ariston and Aquarama models.
This 1939 Custom Barrel Back was fully restored in 1994 and was used up until 2005 when it went into storage at Sierra Boat and has not been in service until now. It represents a late 1939 build with two-piece coverboards. Unique to this year is the one-piece instrument panel. This boat has the fold down Bugatti style windshields as used in 1939 and 1940.
It has a west system bottom, for no leak usability. Power is by a Chris Craft KFL engine with 130 hp. The upholstery is not period correct but is in good condition. The deck and hull side varnish are in good condition.
Don’t miss out on one of the most iconic boats of all time!
- ID: MI ELEANORA
- Year: 1939
- Builder: Chris Craft
- Model: Custom Barrel Back
- Length: 19ft
- Engine: Chris Craft KFL, 130 hp
- Trailer: None
- Price: $70,000.00
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1928 Custom Hacker 17ft
$75,000.00Get More Info.
1928 Custom Hacker 17ft
$75,000.00“Houston Girl” is a 1928 17ft Custom Hacker 151 Class Pelican single step racing hydroplane.
This boat is a John Hacker design which ran in the limited 151 cu.in. displacement class in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s, a support class running with the APBA Gold Cup race series.
Commodore Henry Faulk of the Houston Yacht Club and President of the Mississippi Valley Power Boat Association had her built. She was campaigned from Havana, Cuba to San Diego, California.
The Peerless 151 motor was restored by John Allen of Allen’s Marine Engines. John Allen is considered to be one of the top vintage marine engine restorers on the west coast. But not only did John Allen restore the motor for “Houston Girl”, he completed the restoration of the boat and the original vintage trailer too. This Custom Hacker was completed in 2010 in time for the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance in June. “Houston Girl” was awarded the Most Unique Boat of Show and Best Hacker Craft of Show at the prestigious 2010 Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance.
- ID: HOUSTON GIRL
- Year: 1928
- Builder: Hacker
- Model: Custom Single Step Racing Hydroplane
- Length: 17ft
- Engine: Peerless 151
- Trailer: Custom
- Price: $75,000.00
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1929 Chris Craft 38ft Custom Commuter
$250,000.00Get More Info.
1929 Chris Craft 38ft Custom Commuter
$250,000.001929 Chris Craft 38ft Custom Commuter.
The Custom Commuter was Chris Craft’s first cruiser type boat. The Commuter name comes from the use of this type of boat to “commute” from Long Island sound to Manhattan. At the time the only boats available were custom built boats and Chris Craft saw an opportunity to build a production boat to fill the demand. 65 examples were built from hull no. 5001 to no. 5065, most of them built in 1929 before the depression killed the demand. Dat-So-La-Lee is number 15 in the series.
This 1929 Chris Craft 38ft Custom Commuter was fully restored in 1991 and has received additional work in later years. Most notably, the bottom was fully replaced with the 5200 style bottom. The engine was changed out to a modern Mercruiser 496, giving the power needed in Lake Tahoe’s altitude. The boat comes with a fully re-built Chris Craft A-120, which was the original engine used before the restoration, but is not the original engine to the boat. The original engines in 1929 were the A-70 engine of a similar design.
The boat is very original and still has the correct head with a pull-down pull man style sink. The main modification was the conversion of double bunks to a table and benches. Otherwise, every attempt was made to retain originality throughout using the original factory drawings as a guide.
https://www.chriscraft.com/our-story/timeline/
- ID: DAT-SO-LA-LEE
- Year: 1929
- Builder: Chris Craft
- Model: Custom Commuter
- Length: 38ft
- Engine: Mercruiser 496 8.1L, 385 hp
- Trailer: None
- Price: $250,000.00
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1937 Gar Wood 25ft Triple Cockpit
$298,000.00Get More Info.
1937 Gar Wood 25ft Triple Cockpit
$298,000.001937 Gar Wood 25ft Triple Cockpit.
In 1937 Gar Wood built 267 boats, about 100 more than any other year in the 1930s. Midnight Thunder, formerly Triple Time, is one of only nine 25ft runabouts built in 1937, and one of only three 25-footers equipped with the largest engine option, the Scripps 302 V-12. The favored formula for making speedboats go fast in the 1920s and ’30s included a large displacement and low rpm power plant spinning a large propeller. The Scripps V-12 engine, model 302, original to this boat, is no exception to that formula. With a cylinder bore of 4.25 inches and a stroke of 5.25 inches, the displacement totals 894 cubic inches. The engine was said to produce 316 hp at 2,600 rpm.
Midnight Thunder is in excellent condition. From the original Scripps V-12 engine to the period correct original pattern and color leather upholstery. A restoration was completed from 2002-2003 with wood work by Armstrong Boat Works, of Skaneateles, New York, and the engine restoration was completed by noted Scripps specialist George Shinn. The entire bottom of the boat was replaced at this time, including keel, chines, frames, and bottom planking, following Gar Wood specifications. In order to insure reliability and durability, the Scripps engine and transmission were tuned by the experts at Freedom Engine Service in the summer of 2010.
This boat then arrived at Sierra Boat in January of 2013 and has been stored and serviced here ever since. The boat was inspected by Sierra Boat from stem to stern for the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elgance Boat Show judging. From that inspection a few items were address for the shows with the largest item being new flooring. The engine was set up and tuned for Lake Tahoe’s high-altitude boating and a custom full waterline cover was made. In 2014 the boat was fully restored including deck, hull sides and transom. At this time the name was changed from “Triple Time” to “Midnight Thunder” in gold leaf. Miscellaneous mechanical items from the judging sheet were addressed as well.
At the Concours d’Elgance Boat Show in Lake Tahoe, this 1937 Gar Wood 25ft Triple Cockpit won 2014 Best Gar Wood of Show, 2014 Best of Show Over 23ft, 2017 Best in Show, and 2017 Best Engine.
- ID: MIDNIGHT THUNDER
- Year: 1937
- Builder: Gar Wood
- Model: Triple Cockpit
- Length: 25ft
- Engine: Scripps 302 V-12
- Trailer: Custom Dual Axle
- Price: $298,000.00
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1941 Gar Wood 25’6” Triple Cockpit Custom Runabout
$275,000.00Get More Info.
1941 Gar Wood 25’6” Triple Cockpit Custom Runabout
$275,000.00This is a very rare 1941 Gar Wood 25’6’’ Triple Cockpit Custom Runabout.
Only 35 25-foot Custom Runabouts were ever built by Gar Wood during its 10-year production run from 1932-41. A mere sixteen are known to exist today. Considered by most to be the pinnacle of Gar Wood design, the 1941 models had the most bow flare, the barreled-cutwater design, high-crowned decks and the aft-raked transom, which added 6 inches of length and completed the radical streamlining of the 1941 lineup.
One of only two 25-foot 6-inch hulls built—both for 1941—it is the last of only five with the huge 316 HP, 894 CI Scripps model 302 V-12 engine. This engine was the top-of-the-line option for the 25-footers, and it pushed the boats to 50 MPH, making it what Gar Wood claimed to be the fastest stock runabout available at the time. It’s price when new in 1941 was a staggering $7,550.
The 1941 Gar Wood 25-foot 6-inch Custom Runabout featured rich heavy-grained pleated burgundy leather upholstery throughout, with comfortable seating for eight to 10 adult passengers. An abundance of the most beautiful streamlined chromed-brass hardware—which was a Gar Wood trademark—helped make the big, triple–cockpit Gar Woods the boat to own on Lake Tahoe. Though “Hae Dae III”—the name given to the boat by its original owner Herbert Day—was actually delivered new to Newport Beach, California, just after New Years in January 1941, by that summer, it was home at Tahoe, where it was raced in several of the Tahoe Yacht Club events. It won first place in the “Bang and Go Back” race and third place in the Lake Championship Free-For-All Race in both July and August 1941. Hae Dae III was the last 25’6’’ Custom Runabout shipped by Gar Wood.
Hae Dae III has only had four owners in its lifetime on Lake Tahoe. Tony Brown of Western Runabouts completed a significant preservation restoration in 2002. It has been awarded “Best Gar Wood of Show” at the prestigious Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance twice, in 2002 and 2004.
https://www.thatoldboat.com/Garwood/25-6-1941-Hae-Dae-III/
https://www.garwood.com/index.php/gar-wood-history/
- ID: HAE DAE III
- Year: 1941
- Builder: Gar Wood
- Model: Triple Cockpit Custom Runabout
- Length: 25’6’’
- Engine: Rebuilt Original Scripps 302 CI V-12
- Trailer: None
- Price: $275,000.00
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1949 Chris Craft 20ft Custom
$85,000.00Get More Info.
1949 Chris Craft 20ft Custom
$85,000.001949 Chris Craft 20ft Custom.
This is hands down one of the finest boats we have listed for sale at Sierra Boat. It was fully re-constructed in 2013 by esteemed restorer Dan Nelson in Minnesota. It is essentially all new, using the correct Honduran mahogany. The boat is entirely glued construction, bottom sides and decks. In four years in California it does not have a single crack!
20 Customs were notoriously under built and the methods used, while not traditional, are the only way to enjoy this model without the durability problems of the original. Correct color and pattern leather upholstery was done by Rod Souza. The original 158 hp Chris Craft MBL has been fully re-built.
This 1949 Chris Craft 20ft Custom comes on a custom fitted trailer and has a full waterline cover to protect it and a custom bimini top.
https://www.chriscraft.com/our-story/timeline/
- ID: HUNGRY BLONDE
- Year: 1949
- Builder: Chris Craft
- Model: 20 Custom
- Length: 20ft
- Engine: Chris Craft MBL, 158 hp
- Trailer: 2012 Trail Rite Tandem Axle
- Price: $85,000.00
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1957 Century 18ft Arabian
$55,000.00Get More Info.
1957 Century 18ft Arabian
$55,000.001957 Century 18ft Arabian.
The 1957 Arabian is perhaps one of the best-looking Arabian’s ever built. It is estimated that 41 were produced and we have only accounted for 10 over the last 25 years. These are very rare largely because the buying public was finding utility boats, like the Resorter and Coronado, to be more usable than the traditional cockpit designs. This boat was designed to go head to head with the Chris Craft Capri. The Arabian had a great advantage over the Capri in that it was available with far more horsepower.
This example comes with the 215 hp Ford Interceptor engine that performs well at high altitude here at Lake Tahoe. Sierra Boat did a complete restoration on this boat in the fall of 2004 and the boat has not been used since. The project started with a west system bottom for no soaking and fresh varnish all around. This boat has stunning blond Avidore decks offset by red African mahogany. The yellow and brown upholstery is the original styling and in excellent condition.
This is a great opportunity to buy a fully restored boat at a fraction of the cost of the restoration.
- ID: CF5455JX
- Year: 1957
- Builder: Century
- Model: Arabian
- Length: 18ft
- Engine: Ford Interceptor, 215 hp
- Trailer: None
- Price: $55,000.00
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2015 Pedrazzini 34ft Special
$525,000.00Get More Info.
2015 Pedrazzini 34ft Special
$525,000.00This is a very rare 2015 Pedrazzini 34ft Special.
Pedrazzini makes boats that harmoniously blend Mediterranean allure and Swiss precision with the elegant design of the 1950s. They are crafted from the most exquisite materials with great skill and extreme patience. Pedrazzini has been committed to the art of boatbuilding for over 100 years. As in the good old days, the company’s mahogany runabouts are crafted by hand. Step by step, the individual elements are meticulously finished and assembled. It can take up to nine months to complete a single runabout. Each boat that leaves the yard reflects Pedrazzini’s dedication to quality, attention to detail, and flair for timelessly elegant styling.
The Special runabout is the most elegant way for mahogany to caress water. With its 34ft in length, the Special is Pedrazzini’s largest runabout. It is a majestic craft that accelerates with power and poise. The Special V-shaped hull assures sensational handling. This runabout tracks true even at high speeds and in the tightest of turns. A rich complement of appealing and carefully crafted amenities creates an exclusive on-board ambiance.
The Pedrazzini featured here was purchased new by the owner and was shipped from Switzerland. It has only been used on Lake Tahoe and has only been serviced by Sierra Boat Company. Like the more famous Riva Aquarama, the Pedrazzini Special is a highly crafted mahogany boat that is perfectly suited for Lake Tahoe.
A video from Pedrazzini showing their boats in action!
http://www.pedrazziniboat.com/video.html
Pedrazzini Special brochure:
http://www.pedrazziniboat.com/fileadmin/dateien/pdf/special_broschuere_2008.pdf
- ID: ENCHANTED
- Year: 2015
- Builder: Pedrazzini
- Model: Special
- Length: 34ft
- Engine: Twin MerCrusier 8.2L DTS
- Trailer: None
- Price: $525,000.00
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Hey Mac . Congratulations.
I would like more info on Chris craft if you get a chance .Also are there any Chris Craft boat shows coming soon
Hi James,
Thanks for reaching out to us at Sierra Boat. What kind of Chris Craft info are you looking for, company history or specific boat model? You can reach me at mac@sierraboat.com.
Thank you,
Mac Scott