Runabout

From ClassicBoatWiki

By dictionary definition, a runabout is a small motorboat.

Historically, however, manufacturers like Chris-Craft, Hackercraft, and Gar Wood, defined a runabout as a powerboat with an enclosed engine compartment with defined passenger spaces called cockpits. Early runabouts were often described in terms of how many cockpits (defined seating areas) they had, and whether the cockpits were positioned forward or aft of the engine compartment. Early runabouts were offered in many configurations such as single cockpit aft, single cockpit forward, dual split cockpit, and dual cockpit forward.

Cockpit style runabouts evolved from very basic to very opulent. Many models of the mid to late 1920s featured button tufted leather upholstery, ornate nickel hardware, automotive style dashboards, and very ornamental steering wheels and windshield assemblies. As pleasure boat manufacturing evolved in the late 1920s, and particularly with the dawn of the Great Depression in 1929, manufacturers set their sights on producing more affordable watercraft. A simple to manufacture and less expensive hull type referred to as a "Utility" was born. Chris-Craft was the first use the term utility to describe these mass produced, spartan, open floor plan boats in 1934. See Utility A utility boat is typically characterized by an open floor plan with rows of bench-type seating. A centrally positioned engine, enclosed by a small engine box, allows passengers to move freely in the boat.

As small boat design evolved into the 1950s, new models tended to be categorized as either "runabouts" or a "utilities." For many years these two styles were considered opposites, one being a high-styled cockpit boat, and the other being a more basic open-styled boat. Utilities continued to grow in popularity as they were typically cheaper, and often more practical than runabouts. As utilities grew in popularity, they too became more detailed and more opulent, often rivaling their runabout counterparts in terms of finish and creature comforts. As utilities evolved to having more detailing and features, the differentiation between runabouts and utilities began to become less apparent.

In the 50s and 60s the differences between runabouts and utilities continued to bur. Some runabouts had notched seatbacks allowing a bit more movement from one cockpit to another. And utilities started to be more styled, often with engine boxes that were integrated into seatbacks and cockpit coamings, creating a more fluid, and unified design. By the early 60s, the typical runabout design had all but died off.

Today, the runabout versus utility classification is important to the antique and classic boater, as many judged boat shows are aligned along the two classifications. As for modern day boats, with the advent of V-Drive inboards, and stern drive IOs, the term Utility has essentially been dropped in favor of the generic term, runabout—a small motorboat.