by Paul Graham member of the Pacific Northwest chapter
In 2016 I was restoring a 1958 Dorsett Monterey and was not looking for another boat. But when I was on the water watching the Blue Angels fly during the Seafair festivities on Lake Washington, I saw a boat I would love to have. I wasn’t sure of the make but I took pictures of it so I could do some research on it later.
I found that it was a 1950’s 27 Grandy Express Cruiser, built by the Grandy Boat Co. in Seattle on Lake Union. The Grandy Boat Company was in operation from 1922 until it burned down in the summer of 1967.
I went back on to work on my Dorsett and lost track of the Grandy until 2017 when I was browsing online ads for boat parts. I was surprised to see the exact same boat as I had taken pictures of for sale. The owner had purchased the boat as a live-aboard and found that his girlfriend was not “on board.”
The boat was priced a little high, but I followed the ad. The price kept dropping weekly, so I guessed the owner was motivated to sell. I made contact and arranged for a meeting to view the boat and talk about money.
The boat had been surveyed recently and had been well taken care of and only needed some minor repairs to be in cruising shape. The engine was a Gray Marine Fireball 225, velvet drive, with a 16” prop. I broke the first rule of negotiating and just told him what I had in the bank. To my surprise he agreed to sell the boat for what I had to offer.
I was not expecting to come home with another boat, but it seemed meant to be as this boat had come back into my life a couple times. The boat needed a name and after much thought, “Unexpected Pleasure” was re-christened on May 6, 2017 – opening day of boating season in Seattle. Our favorite cruise is from the moorage in Lake Union west to the Ballard Locks, back to Lake Washington via ship canal, Portage Bay and the Montlake Cut and back to Lake Union. Evening cruises are spectacular seeing city lights from south Lake Union. The trip always includes a “drive-by” of the Center for Wooden Boats, a mecca for lovers of all things wood.
Beautiful boat and great story. The Seattle area is lovely. I have been to Kenmore Air Harbor on Lake Washington years ago.
Great story, thanks!
You have to just loves these classics.
This is a little larger one that I restored from the ground up 2008 thru 2014. It has since been sold.
and know resides in Poulsbo Wa
http://www.boatersresources.com/boat-for-sale/1963–Used-371907
That sure is a good looking boat ! congrats !
Great story and your Grandy looks awesome! I have a 27’ 1958 sister ship, that I recently purchased for her second career on land. The boat was purchased from her Lake Union moorage and is now receiving several minor cosmetic upgrades. I would love to see any interior images of Unexpected that you would like to share.
I’d love to see ANY 27 Grandy Photos inside or out. I have a 1959 and am amazed at how spacious it feels. Also have a 1955 33′ Chris-Craft Commander and Rare Naval Architect Larry Drake 33′ DrakeCraft. While I love them…I must admit the 27 Grandy “Feels” very similar functionally. Texts are fine too: 503 253 7252
Scott,
I have the interior of my Grandy stripped-down getting a facelift. The boat was purchased for a gathering spot and grandkid hang-out at my home. My simple project boat is bordering on a mini restoration. The boat, when purchased was visually satisfactory, not running (no motor), and in need of a professional to bring it up to speed for safety. I’m using it as training for a real restoration project when I retire.
I just acquired a 1953 Grandy Seafarer 16 runabout. Fully restored! I love it. Can’t wait to put it in the water next spring. Also would be fun to meet other small wood boat owners. Besides the Grandy I have 3 more local puget sound boats. 1957 Hollywood. 1954 Mansfield and a 1960 Norseman