Grand Craft Triple Cockpit Runabout

LITTLE BEAR is the English translation, according to the owner, of the name Bernadette.

This boat was completed in 1987 by the Grand Craft Corporation. It was built to operate on Lake Tahoe for Mr. Grant Deary of West Sacramento, California. The hull is a replica of a 1930 Chris Craft model 103 mahogany runabout, commonly referred to as an upswept deck design. It was built to specifications developed by Chris Smith (grandson of Christopher Columbus Smith, founder of Chris Craft) by Macatawa Bay Boat Works in the 1980s, precisely duplicating the structural features and design details of early Chris Craft runabouts. The engine, however, is vastly more powerful than anything available in 1930. It is a 340 cubic inch Chrysler Marine V-8 specified by Mr. Deary for unimpaired performance at Lake Tahoe's high elevation.

Mr. Deary enjoyed the boat on Lake Tahoe for only a short time before it sank while unattended at a mooring. The boat was promptly raised the next day. Its engine was immediately pickled by Sierra Boat Co., Inc. to arrest any incipient deterioration from immersion in the lake's pristine water. The boat then went into dry enclosed storage for approximately ten years pending settlement of the insurance claim and a decision on its ultimate disposition. During that time Mr. Deary passed away and the boat came into the custody of his heirs. The present owner, Jim Sweeney, discovered the boat for sale at Dana Phillips' Classic Marine facility in Sacramento in January of 2002. A deal was closed for purchase and restoration. Classic Marine proceeded to reconstruct the bottom using the WEST system of epoxy bonded and encapsulated marine plywood in order to preclude repetition of the sinking incident.

The hull underwent a five-month keel-up restoration. The engine, shafting, and all other equipment were removed and the hull was inverted for replacement of the original antiquated planked bottom with a WEST marine plywood/epoxy structure below the waterline. The standard Chris Craft plank and batten on frame mahogany structure above the waterline was thoroughly inspected and determined to be in excellent condition (no split wood, loose fasteners, or dry rot), and so it was retained intact.

During reconstruction it was decided to upgrade the boat's underwater lines to improve safety and performance. The 1930 Chris Craft design features a keel that is completely straight in profile. This shape was faithfully duplicated during construction of the 1987 replica. However, it proved to be unsuited to the powerful modern V-8 engine. The hull was susceptible to instability (it could porpoise) at speed. Grand Craft attempted to protect itself from the resulting liability by installing a warning plate stating that the boat should not be operated below altitudes of 6,000 feet. This was unacceptable to Jim Sweeney and so it was decided to correct the fundamental deficiency by altering the bottom configuration. The original straight keel shape was modified to a graduated curve in order to develop a rocker profile. The revised bottom shape effectively updated the hull to a modern high performance design. In addition, a reverse chine was added along the forward portion of the hull to assist in deflecting spray. Both of these features were proven during full speed trials on Folsom Lake and subsequent full speed operations under a wide variety of wind and wave conditions on Lake Tahoe, Bass Lake, Clear Lake, and the California Delta. The boat is highly stable and dry. It will not porpoise under any condition, and all but the most persistent spray is deflected away from passengers.

A new mahogany transom was installed to replace the damaged original. The bottom and the boat's trailer were painted traditional forest green with white boot topping. The deck seams were painted white and the entire deck and transom were sanded and finished in high gloss.

A new electric horn was purchased and installed on a new mahogany pad on the fore deck. The original Ivalite searchlight, navigation lights, flagstaffs, tilting windshield, deck and interior chrome plated hardware were cleaned and reinstalled. The steering system, ignition, and all dash instrumentation were tested and verified operational. A new manual/automatic bilge pump was installed. All three cockpits were given new black rubber deck matting. All upholstery was replaced with new foam rubber cushions and forest green vinyl in a classic period tuck and roll pattern. Original ground tackle was reinstalled below the fore deck hatch. Art deco Broadway font gold and black registration numbers and transom lettering were purchased and applied for the boat's new name LITTLE BEAR. A pair of stainless steel handrails were added over the engine compartment to increase personnel safety while passing across a potentially wet, slippery deck. The forward cockpit mahogany roll top console was refurbished to restore operation of the AM/FM radio and stereo tape deck. All four sound speakers in the hull were replaced.

The boat's 340 cubic inch Chrysler Marine V-8 engine and 40 gallon stainless steel fuel tank were inspected and found in excellent condition. The engine ignition system was tuned up, fluid levels refilled, and everything verified operational. All engine and hull piping and wiring systems were checked out, a new Morse forward/reverse throttle control installed, new batteries and a spare propeller purchased, and the propeller shaft, coupling, stern tube/gland packing, strut bearing, rudder and rudder stuffing box were reinstalled to fit the modified bottom. A new fuel filter, hull valve for engine raw water intake, engine compartment fume detector, and exhaust fan were purchased and installed.

The complete restoration/reconstruction project was finished in June of 2002 and the owner took possession of the boat following successful performance trials. Initial operations established that the Chrysler Marine V-8 engine had barely been broken in.

LITTLE BEAR was home ported at Tahoe Keys and dry-stored off season at Sierra Boat Co., Inc. Sierra Boat has provided ongoing maintenance and repair services to the engine, hull, and propeller as required.

LITTLE BEAR has performed flawlessly, and is a frequent participant in Antique and Classic Boat Society, Tahoe Yacht Club, and Classic Yacht Association events, notably the Tahoe Keys Wooden Boat Show, Tahoe Yacht Club Concours d'Elegance, Clear Lake Wood and Glory, Bass Lake Rendezvous, the California Delta Champagne Classic, and the Marin Yacht Club Classic Yacht and Car Show.

LITTLE BEAR successfully combines classic runabout design details and workmanship with modern reliable power, hull construction techniques, and hydrodynamics.