Rum Runner is a 1982 Roosevelt model Grand Craft.  The Grand Craft was a small company which started production in 1979 under the guidance of founders Steve Northuis and Christopher Smith, grandson of Christopher Columbus Smith the founder of Chris-Craft. You might notice that rum runner looks very much like a traditional triple cockpit Chris-Crafts of the late 1920s. That’s because she was designed to be a near perfect replica of those same boats. Unfortunately, Grand Craft ceased production of classic wooden boats in 2024.

Rum runner has a Chris-Craft 350 motor which allows her to achieve speeds close to 45 mph. Her sleek long design allows her to slice through the heaviest chop while achieving these speeds. You must be forewarned though that riding in the third seat is often a very wet ride.

I’m the third owner of rum runner having purchased her in August 2023 from a listing that appeared in the ACBS classifieds.  I’ve never intended to use Rum Runner as a Showboat instead she is a well-maintained user boat. Rum Runner can often be seen running around the Cape May Harbor and up to Stone Harbor for dinner. Oftentimes I’ll bring her to the Delaware River for a run with our friends from the Mid Atlantic Chapter. Rum Runners the kind of boat you don’t even need to be in the water to get the thumbs up for, her classic lines and 24 foot length are visually outstanding. 

Submitted by owner Edwin Andrews