Semi-Enclosed/Open/Sportsman 1958-1959
only 15 built, 25’, 9’ Beam, 27” Draft, 48’' Freeboard- forward with 6’2” Headroom. More room than any similar CC
36” Freeboard aft. 6,600 +- lbs. Welded Steel, Twin K’s (original 620+ hours). Model RSE 25-512
We had just come off Priest Lake in our 20’ 1957 CC Sportsman after suffering a rainy, stormy, bruising Poker Run with my wife saying “No more of those”. She wanted something more comfortable and out of the weather- I wanted something more sea worthy, headroom, walk around room, trailer able, less maintenance and worry than a wood boat. So we looked for a larger “enclosed” Sportsman.
On a very obscure boats for sale ad, I found the ideal boat, not only did it answer all our needs, but it was low hours, steel and VERY UNIQUE as it was the last one and possibly one of the rarest Chris Crafts. Bill Blaser of CCABC was helpful in getting me info on the boat, several brokers in the area had “deals” on it, but I was able to get right to the owner. After been given a somewhat high price, I said I would think about it. A few months later he got back to me saying he was having marital problems and as it was stored in his soon to be his ex-father-in-law’s shop, it had to go. We made the deal,- sight unseen.
My family or myself have owned many boats, earliest - a Ditchburn, runabouts, utilities, canoes, Grand Banks, to a Puget Trawler. This Roamer was to be the most enjoyable of ALL the boats (except my own canoe when I WAS 10).
The boat is rare, in all my research and all pages devoted to Roamers, there is not another to be seen.
The Roamer is stronger and more seaworthy than all other boats of its time, in fact this RSE model was designed and used as Police and Fire patrol boats and broke ice on Lake St Clair
I do not want to sell it, BUT- not to tell a sad story, - medically I have to.
I will entertain as part payment a smaller Boston Whaler or antique auto.
The Good
Excellent Strong hull- I can’t see any damage or even scuffing on the rails. DOES NOT NEED SWELLING. The hardware looks re chromedbut is original, only the spotlight shell has very small pitting. Twin K engines are original with 620 and 621 low hours with NEW or re-manufacturedregulators, starters and generators.
Trailer was new in 2009, has been used to store boat. Has never been used over the road with the boat. Electric brakes on all wheels Twin axlesrated at 5400# ea. Quality Rolco Trailer value $4,5-5,400
The Bad.
2 holes were left when the shaft logs were removed, I have materials, need welding. upholstery, varnishing, headliner. and linoleum finished. Wiring for engine controls are in place and need hooked up.
Seller may pay 50% of travel and inspection for buyer