The Bees Knees is an original restored John Hacker Gentlemen’s Racer, custom built in the 1920’s by a yacht builder in Maine. She was discovered in a barn near Lake Sebago, in the early 1990’s. Photos show her as found, built from plans off the drawing board of John L. Hacker, famous Naval Architect of Gold Cup Racers Copies of the original drawings are shown.
As expected for a boat of that age, her planking was weathered and tired, so the old girl was ready for a facelift. A painstaking restoration was undertaken, preserving the structural framework of the hull which was in excellent condition. Her facelift was completed in 1995. The hull was re-planked as the original with book-matched Honduras Mahogany. The decks are flush fastened with the brass screws reflective in the surface, slots aligned fore and aft. She was repowered with an antique marine conversion of an early Chevrolet V8. When launched she was sensational and a great joy for the owner and all who rode in her. She won prestigious awards when shown at Antique Boat Shows on Lake Winnipesaukee and Squam Lake in New Hampshire.
A few years ago she had an accident and her bottom was badly damaged. She took on water and went down, but was raised immediately. She was taken to New England Boat & Motor (www.newenglandboatandmotor.com) where a triple planked, vacuum bag, epoxy cold molded bottom was laid up. With the knowledge of a bulletproof bottom, her engine was sent to Robert Mishko, one of the finest marine engine builders in the country. He rebuilt the motor to a very mild 383 cid so it idles like a Swiss watch and exceeds 50MPH at a moment’s notice. The motor is still equipped with the venerable flywheel forward Chris-Craft marine conversion, incorporating a manual transmission which experienced boaters prefer. Also available is a vintage Dual Carburetor 6 cylinder Scripps Marine engine which would be nice vintage power for the boat. The Bees Knees is being sold with a custom fitted trailer and can be easily transported anywhere.
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Designer /year: | John L. Hacker |
| Original Builder: | Custom Yacht Builder in Maine |
| Hull Style: | Gentleman’s Racer |
| Colors: | Mahogany |
| Length: | 20 Ft |
| Beam: | 5 1/2 Ft |
| Engine: | V8 383 cid |
| Performance: | 50 mph |
| Materials: | Mahogany |
| Construction Details: | Sides and Decks; Mahogany Single Planked Bottom; Triple Planked Vacuum Cold Molded |
| Hardware: | Brass |
| Dashboard: | Ribbon Striped Curly Maple |
| Instrumentation: | Polished Brass, Classic Instrument Co. |
| Steering Wheel: | Original 1920’s |
| Upholstery: | Green |
| Price: | $89,000 |
For more information, Mark Mason at 603-369-0042 or email info@newenglandboatandmotor.com.