Chris Craft Cobra, 18', 1955
(rare collector's vessel)
This is my 1955 Chris Craft Cobra No. BR-18-050, the Cobra model was
the first Chris Craft to use any fiberglass in its construction. The gold
engine hatch and the tail fin are fiberglass. Construction of the rest of the
boat was standard in most Chris Craft boats of the day, consisting of oak,
mahogany framing, and mahogany bottom, side and deck planking. The bottom is
double planked and sides are seam battened. Cobras were only in production
for about 9 months, as they did not sell very well. Production was halted in
August 1955. They have now become one the most sought after boats in the
world. \"Sneaky Snake\" was purchased in 1981 and restored for her first
show in 1983. The original restoration took over 2000 man hours, over a 2
year time; this Cobra was stripped down to bare wood and had won numerous
awards. The boat is very unique in that the gauges, steering wheel, etc are
all original; they have not needed to have been restored due to their
remarkable condition. She has been kept in show condition ever since.
Restoration included the following:
-New sheer planks on both sides
-New covering boards -New transom and spray rail -New chrome
-Upholstery is the same as the original pattern and color -Steering wheel and
gauges restored -New bottom plank -Hull sides and deck have approx 20
coats of Zspar Captain\'s varnish -Fuel tank was removed, cleaned and
coated inside -Bottom finish is black Teflon anti-fouling in the normal Cobra
pattern with proper color - just recoated in 09' -Gold anti-fouling up to
water line -New windshield panels -New bilge pump -New fuel pump and
new engine mounts Specs: Beam: 6\' 1 3/8\" Draft:
1\' 6 1/4\" Weight: 2100 lbs Engine: 6 CYL. Chris Craft (Hercules)
model KBL racing engine 131 H.P. 3800 RPM 236
Cubic inch displacement 6-volt electric system
Sneaky
Snake was chosen to be displayed at the booth of the Lake George Antique Boat
and Auto Museum in the 1998 New York City National Boat Show. We have files
of documentation on the boat noting, pictures, past owners, build data,
letters from the original owners, manuals, and newspaper articles of the boat
being capsized on Lake St Clair in 1956! This boat has significant providence
making it very valuable. Although not the very last hull number it is
believed to be the last hull to leave the plant thus the last Cobra! I looked
a long time before I stumbled across this one from a private collector out of
Milwaukee who was aging and selling down his collection. I have sold off most
of my own collection other than the Hackercraft and a 1941 Ferrari Hydroplane
replica.
Boat can viewed in Kalamazoo, MI. Please feel free to email me
with any questions or requests for specific pictures.
PRICE: $98,000.
For further information, please contact Ed at 269-381 0776 or email
eouellette@mavconusa.com
