Utility

From ClassicBoatWiki

Prior to the mid 1920s, most pleasure boats were cockpit-styled boats, also referred to as runabouts. Runabouts were often lavishly appointed with leather seating, deluxe steering wheels, a full compliment of gauges, and chrome embellishments. Runabouts were the quintessential cruising boat with passengers treated to car like luxury.

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. 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.

By design, early utilities were basic—almost plain in comparison to the high-styled runabouts. But utilities quickly grew in popularity. Chris-Craft's depression-era strategy of producing inexpensive, basically appointed boats was a success. The early utilities had another faithful following, as sportsmen—hunters, trappers, and fishermen found them to be the perfect work boat.

Gar Wood started building Utility boats beginning in 1935 with the 20-footer. In 1936, an 18' version was added as well as a cabin version of the 20-footer. In 1937 a 24' version, in bothe cabin and open styles were added and was available with twin-screw power. In 1938 all of the Utility boats grew 6" in length and all were available with cabin tops.