Classic 1960's Sea Skiff, Cuddy Cabin with Head, Original 283 Inboard

After 50 years of ownership and too many cruises to count, it has come time for the owners to say goodbye to this much loved Chris-Craft Sea Skiff.  Built at Chris-Craft's dedicated Sea Skiff plant in Salisbury, Maryland, she was originally sold out of Dawson's Marina, Keswick, Ontario, initially serving as a launch for a much larger yacht in Port Dover on Lake Erie.  Chris-Craft built 56 of the 23' hulls in 1961, and this one, hull number SUD-23-0056, was the last Ranger produced that year.  In total, 180 Rangers were built between 1960 and 1962, and many have survived to this day as a result of the sealed lapstrake hull construction common to all Sea Skiffs.

Ranger models were a step up from the more common "Open" model Sea Skiffs that were designed primarily for fishing and utility use.  Rangers were finished to a higher degree to accommodate recreational cruising as well.  They featured twin bunks in the cuddy cabin, "no sag" automobile style upholstered seats and the iconic Chris-Craft hatch cover.  Optional features available included a marine head with holding tank and a galley option with sink, ice box, and a small pantry cabinet.  

"My Girl" was ordered with all the options and has been thoroughly spoiled with 50-years of covered slip sun protection, 30-years of climate-controlled winter storage and plenty of loving care and maintenance by the owners.  Interior and exterior brightwork is in very good condition, the original white vinyl decks are near perfect.  All upholstery has been updated, and the rebuilt Chris Craft 283 flywheel-forward engine starts and runs like a dream.

There may be a nicer 23 Ranger out there somewhere, but we highly doubt it, and sadly, they just aren't making any more of these timeless classics.