By Brian Robinson, Southern California Chapter

Finding the oldest Hacker boat is a bit like playing darts, since the first 10 years or so of Hacker construction were all of bespoke boats…one or two, or maybe five of a particular design were built, mostly one-off race boats for particular clients without hull numbers. 

A few of the really early bespoke boats exist – I’m working on a 1919 28-foot race boat for a customer right now. But I do have what is considered the first of the regular Hackercraft production boats, the “Dolphin” models of which the moniker was used from 1923-1929.

The first ‘Dolphin’ model was called the “23” –  which, fittingly was 23-feet long and built for the 1923 model year. My boat is hull #3, the earliest number known Dolphin… and the only known model 23. It had been stored in south Chicago most of its life and was brought out west to my shop in southern California in 2016. It is unrestored, and enjoys life on our upper barn until a client comes along that can’t live without it. 

It is remarkebly straight for a 101 year old boat that is of such lightweight construction. It has a small two passenger forward cockpit, 6-foot beam, rivited construction, and a larger aft cockpit for a couple wicker chairs. It was offered with three engine options: 50hp Kermath, 60hp Scripps, and a 125hp Packard.

3 Comments

  1. I have a 1923 Hackercraft knockoff built by the Morin Brothers of Greenwood Lake NY.
    If possible I would like to speak with you. I’m in Mt Holly, NJ. I can send pictures if you get me your email address or a cell number.I am a member of ACBS MidAtlantic Chapter and you may find me in the ACBS member directory. George Hulse.

  2. I had hull #6, 24′ 1924 Hacker Dolphin with Scripps 100hp 6 cylinder and riveted hull. Sold and last I heard,it was around the Lake George, NY area and had been hauled there from Georgia during the winter 2 years ago?

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