1957 Chris Craft Sportsman for sale by Macatawa Bay Boat Works 269-857-4556

New Listing!

1955 Chris Craft Customized 18' Riviera with Chrysler 318 cu. inch V-8 engine

Here is an opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind, custom designed Chris-Craft. This boat started it life as a factory Chris Craft Riviera 18' (and is titled as such) a previous owner has the boat professionally redesigned to make it a single cockpit with an elegant sloping aft deck and stern. Its styling may have been inspired by the Chris Craft Cobra just without the fin! It has a newer no-soak epoxy bottom and custom red marine leather upholstery, black ribbed rubber flooring, new Classic Instrument gauges on the dash. Comes with a single axle trailer.

Below is some interesting history about the boat and additional information provided by the current owner:

"Isabel is a 17-foot Chris Craft runabout. She began life as a 1955 Riviera, but was reincarnated as a carbon copy of the renowned 1955 Cobra, minus the golden fin. Her creator had worked on the Cobra line at the Algonac factory in Michigan. Using the exact plans, he fashioned Isabel from the water-line up to match the Cobra exactly. Powered by a 318cc Chrysler Marine V-8, she completed his vision of a sleek mahogany "Hot Rod". Having never left the fresh waters of Michigan, she garners attention wherever she travels, including a trip to the Hessel Boat Show, according to the builder's son, where she was well received.

Isabel is the last of three similar vessels, which I purchased from the builder's son in March of 1993. I enjoyed her pretty much as is (with minor upkeep) until the Spring of 2004 when began a major refurbishing by the Macatawa Bay Boat Works.

Completed in August of 2005, a "museum quality restoration was accomplished. At this time she was given the name Isabel, after my granddaughter. At this time a completely new 318 Chrysler marine engine was fitted with stainless steel valves, performance camshaft, and modern carburation.

Isabel provided much enjoyment for me and my family for the next ten years but inevitably another revamp was necessary. At this time Classic and Antique Boat Company of Hessel, Michigan was contracted for the project. A new stem and bottom, using the West system was completed in 2015.

I have had the honor and privilege of being Isabel's steward and caretaker for 30 gratifying years. The time has come to pass her onto another generation."

***Currently at the Macatawa Bay Boat Works storage facility for viewing by appointment***

Price is $34,900

Call Jon at 269-857-4556 for more information. Please reference listing number 173 and the year make and length when inquiring. check out compete web site at www.mbbw.com