This boat was found in the woods of a Sonora, California estate. Karen's late parents are always with her on this boat and this boat is a constant reminder of how wonderful her parents were and the fabulous childhood they gave her.ġ980 Millerick Brothers Boat Works Edwardian fantail motor launch - 'PINK HOUR' The boat was never named so Karen choose "Birchwood" in memory of her late parents. In May of 2010 the boat was transported by flatbed where it was completely restored. Since then the boat had been sitting on her orginal cradle and boat trailer in a machine shed on the family farm. The last time the boat was in the water was in the summer of 1978 on the Mississippi river. This boat spent most of its time on the Illinois River in central Illiniois where Karen has great family memories.
Karen uses one of the original canvas boat covers that had never been used and was being stored in her dad's attic. Her dad's captain hat sits so proudly on the boat's dash. This boat is all original and Karen has the boat's original order form, invoice, service manuals, prop, fenders, hand spot light, ladder and water skies that her dad used. Her dad became a Chris Craft dealer in 1956 and Karen has his original franchise certificate. This boat was purchased new in February of 1957 by Karen's late parents, Robert and Maxine Birch, of Griggsville, IL. Dick died while driving Boat #1, shortly after responding to a rescue call on Geneva Lake's north shore.ġ957 Chris Craft Continental - 'Birchwood' (Dick) Scherff, who was Operations Director for the Patrol for 22 years starting in the 1950's. Wooden boat enthusiasts have come from all over to see Boat #1, and most of them will tell you, "It's a masterpiece." It is by far the most asked about boat in the fleet.
The current set of engines is the third set since the boat was first built. The result was a very strong, durable boat with beautiful lines, but the ultimate in practicality.īoat #1 turns 45 years old in 2010, and is regarded by many as one of the best-built boats of its kind anywhere. The modifications included a beefed-up, double-hull design with 3/4" planking (instead of 1/4" or 1/2"), extra rib supports throughout the hull, reinforced ribs and joists at stress points, and twin-engine configuration. Often confused for a Hacker Craft, Boat #1 was custom designed by Budych who based the plans on a Hacker, but then modified them to meet the needs of the Patrol including the stresses and hard pounding that would be required for Patrol work.
This classic wooden boat is the perfect blend of tradition and modern practicality. General Information: Boat #1, known as the "Flagship of the Fleet," was custom built by local boat builder Bill Budych with assistance from Dude Assman, specifically for the Water Safety Patrol. 1965 John Hacker Design Custom Runabout - 'Richard W.
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