1956 26-foot Chris-Craft Continental
Gary and Susan Rechcygl, Glacier Lakes Chapter
“That’s my boat!”
Not necessarily words you want to hear when backing out of a dock. Gary Rechcygl thought he was about to hit another boat so he put Double Trouble in neutral. Standing on the docks at the Lake Geneva boat show that day in 2003 was a gentleman waving his hands. He yelled again “That’s my boat!”
Turns out it was Chris Smith, grandson of Christopher Columbus Smith, who recognized the rumble of the twin 175 HP Hercules MLC 6 cylinder engines instantly, their larger cross pipes giving a louder, distinctive sound. Smith had built the boat for himself back in 1956.
The Rechcygls are the fourth owners of Double Trouble, having purchased her in 1990. She was restored by Larry Lang, receiving a new 5200 bottom and bedding of the topside planks to prevent seams from opening. Her topsides where then finished with 30 coats of varnish by Tim Rohs. The teak floors, custom windshield and “Chrisamatic” transmission were now show-ready. But, they always had a question about two holes near the deck on the engine box. What could they have possibly been for?
Chris Smith was able to answer their question. “It was for a punt paddle,” says Gary. “Smith used it to test water depth and to push off when he ran up on the beach.” So, the Rechcygls had a new punt paddle made and slid it into the holes just as Smith had originally designed.
Double Trouble has won Captain’s Choice and Best in Show at Geneva Lakes and gold in Petosky, Michigan.
Great story, Chris was a really special gentleman. You are very fortunate to have one of his own boats he built for himself.
A beautiful boat with a wonderful legacy!
Please elaborate on the punt paddle holes, any fittings and location. I get the paddle use but show us the storage and paddle. I own a 1955 25’ Continental and might want to carry a “punt paddle”.
Great story! As I mentioned previously I grew up in Algonac, Michigan. One Saturday we had a car wash near the factory. An older man dressed in Khaki and a boat captains hat came by with his Cadillac. I did not realize it was Mr Smith even though my father knew Chris and water skied with the St John’s.
At 79 I realize the beauty of growing up near the factory and all the wood boats of the era.
Don’t ask I never was a fan of pictures and most have been lost in the many moves over the years.