Hacker Craft Dual Cockpit Custom Order

1953 HACKER-CRAFT

TAHOE TORPEDO

History & Background

The Tahoe Torpedo is presented with well-documented history and restoration. The boat was custom ordered from the Hacker Boat Company by Phil Seagraves, in late 1953 and delivered to his marina named the South Lake Tahoe Marina in early 1954, Located at the foot of Ski Run Blvd, and Hwy 50 in Lake Tahoe, CA. The vessel was based upon a 20-ft utility design and custom built at the factory as a dual cockpit runabout. Since delivery, the boat was named the Tahoe Torpedo and employed as an excursion/observation boat for sightseeing tours around Lake Tahoe. The Tahoe Torpedo was legendary in Lake Tahoe, known for the rumble of her Chrysler Hemi engine, smooth ride and speed over rough Tahoe waters and her varnished beauty.

In 1957 the South Lake Tahoe Marina and the Tahoe Torpedo was sold to San Francisco Forty-Niner quarterback Billy Martin, his brother Glenn Hank Wilson and Y.A. Tittle. The Tahoe Torpedo remained a popular Tahoe attraction and meticulously cared for during the time Billy Wilson and partners owned the marina before selling the operation in 1962.

According to Gareth Danielson who worked for Billy Wilson at the South Lake Tahoe Marina from 1959-1964 rides were $1.85 per person for 15 minutes, 30 minute ride to Zephyr Cove (near Bill Harrahs home) was $2.75 per person and 1 hour trip to Emerald Bay was $3.85 per person. The Tahoe Torpedo was decommissioned and placed into storage at Sierra Boat Works circa 1962 and remained in storage until purchased in late 1985 and re-commissioned in 1986 by Dr. Claude Rowe of Fresno, California. After using the Tahoe Torpedo during the summer of 1986 on Lake Tahoe, Dr. Rowe began a meticulous restoration of the boat during 1986-87. The documented restoration included a new bottom built with Kevlar coating, planking, replacement of key framing, deck, upholstery, wiring, gauges and other systems. The restoration was completed in the summer of 1987 and was entered in the prestigious Lake Tahoe Concours dElegance where it won First Place in its category of Post War Two Cockpit Runabouts.

In the nearly 30 years since its Tahoe Concours win, the Tahoe Torpedo was carefully enjoyed on Lake Tahoe and kept at Dr. Rowes Meeks Bay residence before recently deciding the sell her to the next caretaker. The boat is currently winterized and stored indoors and remains in good user condition. The Tahoe Torpedo would benefit from fresh stain and varnish to return the boat to its former Bristol condition. Additionally, upholstery is nicely done, but exceeds original specifications. Extensive vessel documentation and pictures are available upon request. The Tahoe Torpedo also comes with a customer trailer in excellent condition.