By Gail Pisa member of the Niagara Frontier chapter
“Classic ll” is a 19′ 1957 Chris Craft Capri, it was built at the Chris Craft Plant in Cadillac, Michigan and delivered to Quad City Marine in Davenport, Iowa. It was powered by a 6cyl 131 hp Chris Craft engine. From 1968-1973 this boat was in dry storage. John Klocau of Rock Island, Illinois purchased the boat.He later sold it to Gene Allen of Cincinnati, Ohio who owned the boat from 1988-1989. Harry Winter (my dad) of Key Largo, Florida purchased the boat in 1989 and has entered many shows. I am now the current owner since Dad’s passing in 2010.
When Dad bought “Classic ll” in 1989 he had a new bottom and new plugs put into the top deck. Since it was our families second classic boat, it seemed only natural to name it “Classic ll”. In 1994, Fred Mayer was appointed the job “chief restoration specialist” under Dad’s supervision.
My dad and I participated in many shows with “Classic ll” including Hammondsport, Skaneatles, Grand Island and Clayton. Over the years we won many awards including, Best in Show preserved, best Chris Craft, best engine and best interior.
As an after note I have not shown the boat after my Dads passing except a few times…this was something we enjoyed doing together….The boat has always been kept in dry storage…I did show it as a land display last year at the Grand Island show. I just cannot bring myself to sell the boat yet.
