Speedliner By General Marine Contessa

1957 SpeedLiner Contessa 14ft. Runabout manufactured by General Marine of Missouri in late 1956 as an early '57 model. The boat was purchased locally in January of 1957 and remained as part of that family until 2011, when I was allowed to purchase it from the original owner.This is a true survivor, and represents oneof the last boats produced from this era. It has manystyling cuesfrom the late 1950s art deco period. SpeedLiner boats werean integral partof Tommy Bartlett's Water Shows as performing boats, usedfor pulling multiple skiers and jumping stunts.It retains most of theoriginal features and accessoriesstill in working order.

This boat has NOT been restored. It has only been lovingly maintained and stored. It is structurally sound with only minor scratches and some delamination of the top layer of veneers ina fewlocations. The bottom of the hull is very sound withno signs of abuse or having been "beached" regularly. There are twoolder epoxy repairs made on the right side panels. I have not altered those and they seem to be sound. I have attempted to show these in the pictures. Theoverall condition is very good withsolid original wood and supporting structures. I did not useanything other than mild cleaning solutions inattempting to respect the wood and veneers. The bottom had been previously painted, so I didsome minor handsandingbefore re-painting and applyingmarine gradevarnish tothe entire exterior of the boat. Itcould usea freshcoat of varnishand/or sealing. Very little has been done on the interior. It remains largely as I found it, with only minor cleaning and caring for the soft parts that survived. The seat bottoms are included as found, withthe foam missing and wood inneed ofreplacement. The original art deco vinylseat backs are inremarkable condition considering their age. The electrical andcontrol cables are in top working condition.The boatcomes loaded on a fully functioning Sterling trailer with new tires and lights.

I have partial documentation from the familywhen purchased new.This, along with various articles and pictures from the family, support the originality. I have spoken with thegentlemanthat retains the rights to the General Marine legacy.He verified the hull number,build date and delivery date over the phone. I have purposely kept the boatoriginal as possible.I have only sympathetically cleaned and varnished the exterior, made only minor repairs, and performed atune-up to the engine. I have had the boat in the water once since I have owned it.REASON FOR SALE: I have realized that I simply do not have thetime,expertise or desireto perform a proper restoration. At some level,maybe it does not need to even be restored?"It's only original once"!

I have more pictures available upon request.I have tried to present the most pertinent facts, but will gladly answer any questions. My intention is to set the auction so that the boat will end with someone thatunderstands theopportunity that is presentedto own thispiece of history.

The successful bidder is responsible for all shipping and transportation concerns and costs. I will assist in any appropriate manner.