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Carri-Craft Catamaran Houseboat?

by Yani
(Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Is this a Carri Craft Catamaran Houseboat?

Is this a Carri Craft Catamaran Houseboat?

The catamaran houseboat picture above is very appealing. It looks like a catamaran house boat, and the hull looks great.


Can you please tell me who is the houseboat builder?

Regards, yani



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Reply - Answer
Yes Yani, that houseboat is a great looking catamaran. From my knowledge, it is a Carri-Craft Catamaran Houseboat, and I would presume from the late 60's.

I think it's a 57 foot Carri Craft with a fiberglass hull, and twin engines. They look very nice with the raised pilothouse, and have plenty of living area.

Hopefully some of our readers who have more experience with the Carri-Craft can share and post comments.

IAN from all-about-houseboats


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Comments for Carri-Craft Catamaran Houseboat?

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		44' Carri Craft Powering with 300HP Outboards?
by: Rob Rice

I have a 44' Carri Craft that was stripped down and converted into a work boat. The entire cabin, inboards, and generator were removed. A custom pilothouse was built at the bow. 3/4 of the hull (from the pilothouse back) is open deck space. The previous owners added outboard brackets and installed 150HP outboards but it sank and was sold.
No reliable information from previous owners.
We bought it and are stripping all of their old components and rebuilding the pilothouse to suit our needs and planning to add 300HP Suzuki 4 stroke outboards.

Anyone here converted to outboards and can attest to hull speeds after their conversion? Hoping to get at least 20mph.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		25 ft Carrie Craft
by: Ray

Joshua
Left you a message about your 45 ft Carri Craft. My phone has a Hawaii prefix but I am in Texas.
Give me a call at your convenience.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I have one 4 sale
by: Joshua

1968
Twin 318 Chrysler marine
45 ft.
2/3 bed 1 bath
Open floor plan
Really nice boat
15k
727 851 2596
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Looking for a Carrie Craft
by: Ray

I looking for a late 60s early 70s Carrie Craft in the 40 to 45 ft range.
Anyone know who has one for sale in the US?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Kiddyup
by: Anonymous

Well I got what you been looking for 1969 carry craft 54' that needs very little work, with it's own trailer 8702040561
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Interested in CarriCraft Catamaran houseboat
by: rj

Hello I found a 57 foot 1971 Carricraft Catamaran Houseboat for sale Drydocked and it was too much of a project. But I have kind of fallen in love with this design. I am in Northern California and looking for Carricraft Catamaran houseboats that might be out there looking to be taken someone's hands. I am planning on living aboard and using it as my home office as well. I am completely okay with a project as long as it is able to float of her own accord, the engine runs and I can safely stay on it and repair it as I go. If you have a carricraft and are trying to get it off your hands please contact me!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Message to Don Timm
by: Hummie

Hello everybody. New to this post and love it very much. I’m actually looking at purchasing a newer Carri-Craft. I saw there was a gentleman that posted by the name of Don Timm. If anybody has any information on this gentleman I would be very interested to communicate with him. Don if you read this feel free to reach out to me at six one nine two four seven one two eight six.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		To Jimmy D. with the Flying Carpet
by: Anonymous

I am interested in some of your parts. rwerner43 AT endlesssummer.us

Thanks!

We have a 1969 45 foot Carri Craft and love it!!!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Lynne
by: Brendon

Well Lynne you want to retire in the Bahamas settle down there huh, and you want to buy a carry craft well hey you might want to give me a call or send me an email at brendoncoss7@gmail.com I think I got what you want
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Making a correction
by: Brendon

Sorry people I wasn't paying much attention I said that my carry craft catamaran houseboat was a 50-footer it's 54-footer I apologize
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cary craft catamaran houseboats
by: Brendon

When I bought this one day I decided I want to see if these people still have a phone number or office, so I called up information for Wisconsin looked it up on the internet and I got a number and I called it up when it when it picked up on the other end it was the Wisconsin historical society, I started talking with the society and they said that they had went out of business but they were very helpful and a lot of things for me because they are on historical marker in the state of Wisconsin and they're interested in talking to anybody that has a Cary craft catamaran houseboat or anything from Cary craft and they also have just about every piece information that a person could want on specs and the whole nine yards because I guess they ended up with all the information about caricraft, so a person might want to check them out if you need some ins and outs on your wonderful houseboat that these people made so long ago, another piece of interesting information about this company that are vessels were made from, they didn't want to go out of business they were forced out of business it was a hostile takeover.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		1969 50-ft carry craft
by: Brendon

Well by the title I guess you seen that I had a 1969 50-ft carry craft and it's in good shape and I'm just going to take the winner and do a little bit of work on it it's got a soft spot by the motor deck right above the generator where you enter into the houseboat from the back or the aft her Stern I should say and one above where the pilot sits on the outside trim where you buy the ladder that goes on the upper deck or I should say goes up to the upper deck, I don't know how long it's been since it's been water but the inside looks great but I'm going to give the outside a little bit of a facelift this winter and I've been working on the engine compartment because it was pretty much a mass service no good builds pumps in there so I replaced build pumps and straightened up the wiring nightmare that was in there cleaned it up and fixing to paint it Navy gray on the inside there well I was looking at the engines and their Mercury engines but they're in line sixes six cylinders, well I figured that mercury didn't make their own motors like that in line 6 and I was wondering if there's anybody out there that knew what kind of motors they were I was thinking that they might be Chryslers, the reason why is because the motors are still original right down to the points in the distributor and that's what I was going to do replace the points with an Exciter so I get away from the points well then what I'm really after is I want to leave the boat as original as I possibly can and I know the interior the owner that before that I had it has changed it around a little bit but not much and I'm going to be leaving the engines just like they are if they need to be rebuilt I will but I haven't gotten to where I want to start them yet I'm just checking out all systems before I start it up and there's plenty wrong in there there's house wiring in there so I've replaced it with the proper wire that was marine grade and I've put a new panel in there for the shore power but if anybody knows where I can get specs on this boat and what kind of motors you know those sixes are I sure would be appreciative for any information I could get thank you very much
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Turkey Point Marina Maryland
by: Todd

My Friend and I bought a 1994 48 Carri-Craft that was a bank sale for 10k and it needed TLC. it’s a great boat for the price. We are working on it, to return it to like new. I was impressed with the boat and the refit is going well. Im guessing 20k invested in refit, as a marina owner I have a good team to do the work. Im hoping we will sail her to south Florida for the winter. If your interested in chatting, my phone is 410-798-1369 Todd Annapolis Maryland.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Trailer for Carrie craft
by: Brandon coss

Hello Tom I have a 1969 54-ft carry craft Continental and I do have the original trailer to go with it and it's underneath of it right now my front yard and I am working on the Continental myself the time of this email is 9/17 2020 my email is brendoncoss7@gmail.com and if I can help you anyway in your quest for a trailer let me know you can come to my yard and take the measurements and all the pictures that you like or you can have me do it and we could trade this for that I'm not asking money I'm just asking for knowledge or parts
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Have experience on 3 57 footers
by: Jim W

First, I have so enjoyed reading the posts on Carri- Craft.

My first experience on a Carri Craft was in the mid 1960s. My father was in advertising and had the Johnson Motors account, and he was introduced to the Brooks bothers - Dick, Ray and Glen.

We vacationed on a 50 ft steel hulled Carri Craft on Green Lake in Wisconsin, and spent time with them. By the early 70's, Carri Craft was into its second generation of "cruiser" trying to move out of the houseboat lane.

The one pictured is first generation, with a smaller pilot house, where the second generation (CrusAder) had an expanded pilot house and a fly bridge. My dad and Dick Brooks connected, and my fathers advertising agency took on Carri Craft as an account.

Somewhere along the line, my Dad decided he wanted to take on a distributorship -- for IL, IN and FL. We took delivery our first 57 footer in 1971 (I think) in Oshkosh, WI.

Along with Ray Brooks, we navigated the Fox River to Lake Michigan and down to Burnham Harbor in Chicago. Eventually, we piloted that boat all the way to St Petersburg, FL and delivered it to a dealer.

Along the way, we met up with another 57 footer that we ordered, and piloted that as well to FL and delivered it to Ft. Lauderdale. Both boats and a long run down the Mississippi and a gulf crossing. I have fond memories of the trip, having taken 3 weeks off from school.

But after you seen a few days of industrial riverfront, then doing homework was exciting! The following year, we took delivery of the third 57 footer and kept it in Chicago for a couple of seasons.

By this time, the Brooks' had sold to another company, and that company was having financial trouble and eventually exited the boat business. My Dad wound down our business and moved on.
I've seen some posts from a few others that were certainly in our orbit back then.

A little bit of history that I haven't seen covered. The Brooks brothers got into the boat business somewhat by accident.

They were running a business manufacturing steel tanks. They decided to weld some tanks together into pontoons and built a house boat out of them.

A few of their friend around Berlin asked them to make them one, so they did. On a lark, they took one to the Chicago Boat show and came home with a dozen orders -- now they were in the boat business.

The first houseboats were definitely steel, with the catamaran configuration. Then they built the molds, and started using fiberglass with a balsa wood core -- which remained the technique into the 70's.

Thanks for making my day .. hope there is some new news in here that you will enjoy.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		want a Carri-craft
by: Lynne

After 50+ years of world cruising sailing, we are ready to "retire" to the Bahamas on one of these marvellous Carri-Crafts.
We would love to hear from anyone interested in selling theirs.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fiberglassing soft spots
by: Bob Holt

Looking at a 57’ 1972 carri-craft. It has a few soft spots on the upper deck. Has anyone dealt with this repair? Wondering on potential costs and ease of repair. Also wondering what the load limit is for the upper deck. Happy cruising!
staceybob8@gmail.com
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fiberglassing soft spots
by: Bob Holt

Looking at a 57’ 1972 carri-craft. It has a few soft spots on the upper deck. Has anyone dealt with this repair? Wondering on potential costs and ease of repair. Also wondering what the load limit is for the upper deck. Happy cruising!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Raise roof 1971 Carri-Craft
by: Tamob

March 2020. Just bought a 1971 Carri-Craft as a project and eventual live-aboard. Interior cabin height is 6'3" and I want to raise the ceiling 2 feet. Is this possible or will it destroy the integrity of the boat? I plan to reinforce the ceiling so it still be used as an upper deck.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		57" Carri Craft Free
by: Anonymous

I have a 57' Carri Craft project boat free to good home. I'm going to have back surgery and can't repair it. It is a 1969 in rough condition. Has 2 Perkins turbo diesels that don't run and the upper deck is sagging. Anyone interested should text me at 757-719-2628.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		45' Carri-craft
by: Jiimmy D.

1/27/2019. I'm in the process of refitting a 45' Carri-Craft Rio y Mar up in Shadyside Maryland. Original owners called it the "Flying Carpet". Hasn't been in the water for maybe 13 years. It's got a single helm up in the enclosed pilothouse. I am modifying it extensively....twin 250hp outboards, self-bailing rear deck area, complete interior gut/ remodel. Hoping to eek out a few more inches of headroom in the interior. I intend to motor it down to NC coast this summer (2019). I've got some parts available....V-drives, a pair of 318 Chryslers, pair of rudders, pair of props, 6.5 onan genset. Anywho…...love to hear from other Carri-Craft folks. JIM
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Recent posts and interest
by: Coffeematt

Hi. It’s january 2019 I love this forum on Carri craft boats and am looking to connect with other owners. Since these posts aren’t dated I can’t tell when they were written. I’m on the west coast of Florida in Sarasota. If it’s ok with the moderator please feel free to email me at coffeematt@rocketmail.com.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Trailer for Carri Craft
by: Tom

Do you have contact information for the original maker of Carri Craft? Would like to see if there are plans/information on what is required to build a trailer and haul the boat.

I have one and would like the convenience of moving this large, wonderful vessel. Thanks. Tom
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Looking for Carri Craft plans documents
by: Sweeney

I have have become somewhat of a Carri Craft but. I've seen several posts here by some who stated they have plans, documentation, photos, etc.

I am looking for any of these items that I can obtain from this group. Also, I am looking for advice & information related to transport over land as I am looking to purchase an older 57' Carri to bring to Florida. All the boats I am finding that meet my specifications are in UT, CA & WA.

Please feel free to contact me, Thanks, Sweeney
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Carri Craft redesign with computer
by: Anonymous

I redesigned a Carri Craft with a program on my computer I intend on redoing one soon. What are your thoughts?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Have video of factory building last models
by: Anonymous

In 1990 I bought a Carri Craft Bass boat from a gentlemen that worked for Carri Craft. It was a left over boat from when they closed in 1976 I believe.

The boat was never assembled or in the water. I put it all together and put a motor on it and made it's maiden voyage a year later. I believe it was in 1991 that I went back to Berlin Wi to find out more about the boat when I went to the factory and saw these large catamarans being assembled.

I had my video camera with me and filmed one being built. I even climbed on board to take some video. I still have the video!

Joe Wanie
Juneau Wi
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Carri Craft with twin Perkins diesel engine
by: Anonymous

1983 Carri Craft 57ft with 2 turbo diesel engines. it's located in Knoxville TN, and on Tennessee River. I forgot to mention it was diesel and not the earlier gas models.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		More info and a good deal
by: Anonymous

Carri Craft went out of business in late 70s, Scott Craft then bought all the hulls and built the insides.

I own a 1987 57ft just like the one in the picture. I'm selling it.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Adding Gunnel to 57' Carri Craft
by: Anonymous

I would like to add a wrap around gunnel to my 1971 57' Carri Craft, anyone have any pictures or plans ? Thanks Jon
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Hi Don
by: Capt. Jeramiah Shastid

I would really appreciate seeing the pictures of the boats you worked on.

I am trying to find a 57 to 60 footer for sale.

Thanks
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Carri-Craft project
by: Timmy

I received a pretty much derelict 69 carri-craft 56' in 2006, and have been rebuilding this vessel every weekend since.

I could really use some information on if the GMC engines, 427's,are original, and if they're crusaders,and where to find owners manuals and such.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Carri Craft - Scottie Craft
by: c.r.carter

I have purchased a Scottie Craft catamaran houseboat and can't find any information about it. Though, it is marked Scottie Craft, it is definately a Carri Craft. The hull number starts with c c.

She has an interesting history as she was a DEA seizure. All of her interior paneling had been strip, and I am slowly getting her back into the water.

CRC
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Remodeled Carri Craft
by: Yakka

We finally finished our new "office". The M/V Arctic Fjord is Carri Craft Hull # CC 893 and located in beautiful Ketchikan Alaska.

We love this vessel. Many people have come up to us to say they were married on this boat....
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Steel hull Carri-Craft?
by: Anonymous

I am looking for anyone that can help me with information on Carri-Craft boats. I am in the process of buying a boat that is titled as a 1980 Carr-Craft 42' houseboat.

Here is the interesting part, IT HAS A STEEL HULL. It is a catamaran and looks very similar to the fiberglass carri-craft vessels I see out there on the web, but I just can't find another one like it anywhere.

I've tried googling anything I thought might help, but nothing comes up to help me confirm this as a true Carr-Craft.

If anyone has any information that can help me with the history of Carri-Craft boats and if they ever did produce a steel hull cat, please let me know. Thanks
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Weight of a 57' Carri Craft
by: Anonymous

Trying to find the actual weight of a 57' Carri with 12 foot beam. Saw some earlier posts asking the same question, any one have any luck?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Phil, your trailer for Carri Craft
by: Shoreside

Phil, can I get the specs/photo of your trailer made for the Carri Craft? I am interested in finding one as well. Best. Tom

Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		57" Carri Craft houseboat and trailer
by: Phil

I purchased the 57" Casa Grand named Ballerina, the boat was owned 41 years by Ron Richardson a well known and respected gentleman on Lake Meade NV.

The boat came with a trailer designed by and especially for Carri-Craft boats. I am refurbishing this vessel and would like to know other Carri Craft owners.

Phil.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Carri Craft Catamaran
by: Yakka

Boy, reading this thread on Carri Craft is inspirational. We live in Ketchikan Alaska and last year were looking for a new office for our Kayaking / Outfitting store.

There had been a couple of 1972 57' Carris operating as tour boats here for many many years until 2005. They were put on the market but without the COI ( which were let expire) there were no takers.

One was sent to Seattle and the other one " Arctic Fjord left here. A caretaker was paid to start up the Joh Deere engines weekly, but that was all.

We purchased the Arctic Fjord for a very reasonable price and have been converting to our office. We have 3 other boats and 50 kayaks so we were not new to old boats.

Well, what a fantastic vessel.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		New carri-craft houseboat owner
by: rewbayou@yahoo.com

I just purchased a 1968 45' carri-craft. Has 327 engines with v-drives. Intend to rebuild engines, looking for service manuals and carbs. Big project but am up for it!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Houseboat Bow Designs - which foredeck for the Great Loop?
by: Don P.

I've seen photos of Carri-Crafts with different bow styles -- some with foredeck and some without. What is the difference and which would be better for making the "great loop route" which has both blue water and river segments?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Houseboat Weight - gross tonnage or pounds
by: Russell

Mine has 39 tons on the hull at the documentation number in the engine room. That's not actual weight but documentation weight or displacement. I don't feel this boat weighs 78,000 pounds but with the stuff in my wife's closet I could be wrong.

It lists the gross tonage as 43GRT and the net as 39NRT on the documentation papers. I hope that helps. I don't know what the travel lift said the weight was. I hope this helps.


Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Houseboat Weight - gross tonnaged of a Carri Craft 60'
by: Anonymous

I need to know the gross tons of the 1994 60' Carri Craft?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Houseboat Experience - another former Carri Craft owner
by: Ray

I had a 1970 57' Carri. It only had a 12 beam so it was a little tight inside. Powered by twin 360 Chryslers w/v drives. They would push her quite nicely through the waters. One tough boat. Handled like a dream. Didn't get into the rough waters some have mentioned in here but in 4-5' waves, she just shrugged them off.

When I bought her, she has been severely neglected. Lots of "soft" spots in her decks and other things like wiring, one engine put together wrong after an overhaul and more. No fault of the boat manufacturer.

The longer I lived on her, the more I found wrong. Repairs got more costly and finding good craftsmen to work on her was out of the question at the time. So, I had to let her go. Last time I saw her she was blocked up at the Starved Rock Marina on the Illinois River and quickly going to pot. (not the smokin' kind) Broke my heart. Really sad.

It was a real trip tearing out the starboard bunk in the aft State room to pull the engine and then get it through the rear door. Those 360's are HEAVY. Putting it back in was no picnic either.

If you are considering buying a Carri, be advised to have a QUALIFIED "independent" surveyor go through it for you. Money well spent. Most charge @ 10/15 dollars a foot with a sea trial. They also provide an appraisal price for the boat. If you find a good clean one, enjoy. They are a great and fun boat.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Looking for some houseboat specifications
by: Anonymous

I'm looking at an older 63 foot Carrie Craft with twin diesels. At a cruising speed of 8 to 10 knots, can anyone tell me the burn rate for fuel or mpg? Also was there any problems with these hulls blistering?

Thanks Steve
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Were Carri Craft's houseboats, or catamarans...
by: Ed

I was the account exec for Carri Craft when with an advertising agency. They were built in Berlin. Wisc and were not considered a houseboat but a catamaran cruiser... as a matter of fact they were called Cruis-A-ders.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Houseboat Construction - how are Carri Crafts built?
by: Mike

I am looking at buy a Carri Craft and was wondering if anyone has any idea about their construction, especially, if they used cored construction and how thick the hulls are.
Thanks Mike.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Carri Craft houseboat manufacturer hometown
by: Michael N.

The Carri-Craft Catamaran houseboat was built here in my hometown of Berlin, WI. The company doesn't exist anymore though.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fiberglass Houseboat Molds - more molds possibly available
by: Russell

I have been informed by my boat's previous owner's son that he has a couple of forward deck molds. I am not sure yet but am waiting to hear from him and get some pictures of what he has.

I'll try to post any info I find. It may be a few weeks as I am about to head out on a trip and have no return date as of yet. Like the man said, I'll be home when I get back.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Houseboat Living - Bert Reynolds Carricraft 57'
by: miss erica

My husband and I currently live on a 1971 57'. This one was previously owned by Bert Reynolds and still has the name Miss Bandit on the stern out of Jupiter, FL. We have raised our 2 children on it and have lived at the dock and on a mooring since 1998 in south Florida.

We will be putting her up for sale here in another year as we are looking to move. These are very spacious boats and ride well with a catamaran hull design.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ahoy Vintage Carri-Craft Owners!
by: Susan

Will you share your photo and stories about your Carri-Craft? My dad, Norm DeNamur, was VP of Production at Carri-Craft in the late 60s and 70s.

He is 84 now and recently lost his cherished wife of 65 years. Dad was always so proud of his boats and as chief engineer and troubleshooter, he made sure they were built to last. He'd be thrilled to know so many are still in service and being enjoyed.

If you have any photos of your boat or the factory or any good stories or comments to share with him, you would really brighten up his days and we would be forever grateful! Thank you so much and happy sailing!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		1970 Carri-Craft houseboat
by: Anonymous

I piloted my 1970, 45 foot Carri-Craft houseboat from Seattle, Wa. to Panama City, Panama. It is a very stable craft and weathered two severe storms during the trip.

My yacht has twin Perkins diesels, and is turbocharged. It is currently undergoing a complete refit in Panama. Most of the work is done.

Brad
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		1967 Carri Craft
by: Anonymous

I owned a 1967 42 ft Carri Craft houseboat from about 1990 to 2005. It had great walk-around side decks and 302 Ford Blocks with huge TR2 outdrives. It also had a 6.5 onan.

My wife and I drove up to berlin Wisc. and have a picture of us standing on either side of the original Carri-Craft sign in front of the factory. When we pooked around we found 6 unfinished 57 Footers in a shed in various stages of completion.

When somebody bought the rights to Carri-Craft sometime in the 90's, they finished these 6 boats and sold them for capital. I even have a brochure from when they restarted making boats. I even have a houseboating magazine that has a article about the govenor of Missouri and their 42 Carri!

I sold my boat about 4 years ago, but sitting right in front of me is a framed set of the original blueprints from my boat that I'll always cherish.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Parts for a Carri-Craft
by: Eddy

We lost a rudder from our Carri-Craft and would like to find one that matches. Can anyone tell me where any Carri-Craft boats are that are being salvaged?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Carri Craft Hull Mould
by:

I own one of the moulds for this hull, if anyone is intrested let me know. I have a 40 foot layed up right now, looking for a buyer as I want to change to the full length 57.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Forgot something
by: Russell

We are getting ready for an extended trip from North Fort Myers around the Florida Keys and up the east coast to spend next summer gunkholing the Chesapeake Bay.

Then we'll head back down the coast, next fall, and out to the Bahamas for a while before heading around the Gulf of Mexico to Texas. We may head down to Belize but we have already been there so that may change with the winds of change.

This boat is one of the best offshore hulls on any houseboat that I have run. A friend had his down to Roatan and crossed over to Belize with 12 to 15 foot seas. A very rough crossing but the boat heald up better than the crew. They are good solid boats but like any boat you should check her very carefully.

If you are not boat savvy you should get a very good surveyor to look her over. Not cousin Bruce unless he is very good and knows older boats.

I found that furnishings can be thrown in the dumpster. This boat was set up for living at a dock or for going from one marina to another. There was not even a way to put water in the tank without hooking up to a hose on the dock and running the water through the interrior system. I added a deck fill on the port side right next to the tank. Fuel fills are flat on deck with no protection so I raised mine and am installing raised covers to keep water out of them.

There are many other changes but I'll get into them later. I intend to set up a website with lots of pictures later. Right now I am computer illiterate.

Have fun, I'm going up on the top deck and throw a nice porterhouse on the grill. See Ya!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Just some info
by: Russell

I can't speak for others but as far as mine is concerned;
Carri Craft is no longer in business. These were fairly expensive boats compared to other houseboats of the day. They are well built and very strong.

As with any houseboat they have a lot of freeboard. The distance from the waterline to the top of the boat. This gives you a bit of a push sideways if the winds are up when you are docking. However, they are heavy boats and do handle very well in all conditions that I have run into.

The large powerful engines have ample horsepower to bring the bow around into the wind when needed. I have had lots of chances to manuver in wind, rain and heavy traffic without any mishaps. They will spin about in their own length and seem to be very thrifty with the fuel if you behave behind the throttles. They beheave very well in rough water. I can send you pictures of this one in 12 foot seas.

Being Catamaran hulls they take very little power to move them. I was surprised the first few times I moved mine around in tight quarters. With no time behind her wheel I manuvered her out of a very narrow canal with large boats on both sides and several sharp turns involved in reaching open water.

At idle I was warned by the marine police to slow down. I was idling at 900 RPM's and doing about 7 knots. There was a small wake behind me and the police just wanted me to drop below 6 knots. The fuel consumption is very good for a boat registered at 39 tons. I know she actually weighs in a lot less but that is the documentation carved in the hull. I have not had the chance to actually get her weighed yet.

Engine space is good. I am 65 years old and have just reciently replaced all four exhaust manifolds and all hoses. I also replaced plugs, one alternator, changed oil in both engines, redesigned and replaced both seawater intakes and rebuilt both carburators. The only problems I had was the room between the manifolds and the hull. Eventually I figured out what I was doing wrong and corrected the problem.

As for newer Carri Crafta I can give you no opinion. Mine is a 1969 and very strong. I hope this helps. If you find one in good condition you can not go wrong with it. These boats are built as strong as tanks. Drop me an email and I'll help you out in any way I can. I have lots of pictures. pirate6245@hotmail.com
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thinking about a Carri Craft
by: Anonymous

I have been shopping "Hatts", Defevers and Power type "Cats".
I want a live aboard that can easily travel from New England to "way south". Island hopping?

Saw some Carri's for sale. They are incredibly spacious but the ones I saw were furnished like they never ever moved.

Couple of questions:
1. Is Carri Craft still in business?
2. How is docking these boats?
3. Typical "cats" are supposed to be thrifty, are Carri?
4. The engine compartments seem very tight and might be difficult to work on. comments?
5. I see everybody waxing emotionally about the older Carri's, how about newer, say 1993?

Thanks, Ed Charter
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Just some info
by: nick

I can't speak for others but as far as mine is concerned;
Carri Craft is no longer in business. These were fairly expensive boats compared to other houseboats of the day. They are well built and very strong.

As with any houseboat they have a lot of freeboard. The distance from the waterline to the top of the boat. This gives you a bit of a push sideways if the winds are up when you are docking. However, they are heavy boats and do handle very well in all conditions that I have run into.

The large powerful engines have ample horsepower to bring the bow around into the wind when needed. I have had lots of chances to manuver in wind, rain and heavy traffic without any mishaps. They will spin about in their own length and seem to be very thrifty with the fuel if you behave behind the throttles. They beheave very well in rough water. I can send you pictures of this one in 12 foot seas.

Being Catamaran hulls they take very little power to move them. I was surprised the first few times I moved mine around in tight quarters. With no time behind her wheel I manuvered her out of a very narrow canal with large boats on both sides and several sharp turns involved in reaching open water.

At idle I was warned by the marine police to slow down. I was idling at 900 RPM's and doing about 7 knots. There was a small wake behind me and the police just wanted me to drop below 6 knots. The fuel consumption is very good for a boat registered at 39 tons. I know she actually weighs in a lot less but that is the documentation carved in the hull. I have not had the chance to actually get her weighed yet.

Engine space is good. I am 65 years old and have just reciently replaced all four exhaust manifolds and all hoses. I also replaced plugs, one alternator, changed oil in both engines, redesigned and replaced both seawater intakes and rebuilt both carburators. The only problems I had was the room between the manifolds and the hull. Eventually I figured out what I was doing wrong and corrected the problem.

As for newer Carri Crafta I can give you no opinion. Mine is a 1969 and very strong. I hope this helps. If you find one in good condition you can not go wrong with it. These boats are built as strong as tanks. I have lots of pictures.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Visitors
by: Russell

I heard of one in Baltimore but don't know of any in Richmond. I am in South Florida, North Fort Myers, but you would be welcome to look at ours when we head north in the spring.

We intend to cruise the Chesapeake next summer and gunkhole all the little anchorages I have been to in the past when I lived in Cape Charles.

Then we will snowbird it down to the warmer climates for the winter again. I'll be glad to send some pictures of the boat if you want.

I'm sure you will hear from somone around there if you keep looking.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		would like to buy a 57'.
by: nick

I live in Richmond, VA and would like to go aboard one to see what they are like.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		You mentioned drawings of Carri Crafts
by: Russell

Yes, I do have several factory supplied drawings and feature options as offered by Carri Craft. I even have drawings for a sail powered Carri Craft. I believe it was about 60 or 70 feet but I'll have to dig out the designs and printed feature lists.

I have all sorts of additional information on Carri Craft systems from the previous owners files. He kept awsome records and every piece of information he ever got his hands on for Carri Craft is still here. Thank You Leonard!

Is there any such thing as a Carri Craft Club or gathering of these old Classic boats? I would be interested in getting a club of sorts together to have social gatherings along the rivers, coves, bays or even somewhere on the intercoastal from time to time.

I am on Florida's West coast at North Fort Myers but would be interested in going anywhere on the entire Gulf Coast or the East Coast as far up as the Chesapeake Bay. I live very near the Florida Keys.

How about a winter raftup there for a week or two? We live aboard and would love to meet other Carri Craft Owners.

Our Carri Craft is 57 feet and is a 1968 vintage with the original 427 engines. Still running and in first class condition they have been well cared for and rebuilt whenever they started showing signs of getting tired. Today they run like new.

Still, I would like to sell them or trade them for a small set of diesels. We don't need or use the 325 horses that they each provide. I also have the Technical & maintenance manuals on the engines, transmissions and V-Drives.

So, if anyone is interested in starting or participating in a Carri Craft Club let's get a page started here and see what kind of interest there is. We would even let other houseboaters join us in spite of not having a Carri Craft.

Ian, is something like a page for raftups possible? What do you think of the idea? Winter is headed our way and we will probably be staying in south Florida until spring. We don't like the cold and ice has no place on a boat unless it is in a glass or a cooler.

There are lots of places to have a raftup in the warm waters of the Keys or other lagoons and such down here and up north in the summer. Being snowbirds has it's advantages.

Just a thought! Russell


Reply - Answer
Well Russell, the raftup idea sounds like a good one. We could possibly use the site to handle / coordinate it all?

IAN from www.all-about-houseboats.com
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Walk around - Gunnel
by: Russell

I was looking at other Carri Crafts and mine seemed to be the only one with a gunnel that goes all the way around the boat. This makes line handling a breeze if you are short of deckhands.

The Gunnel has stainless supports and is very strong. It may be on other models but I have talked to four other owners and none of them had this feature. They all complained about having to run down through the boat to handle lines.

I also have very heavy cleats at four points along both sides. If you want some pictures I can email you whatever you need. The gunnel is bolted through the hull and has very stout supports inside.

Ian, can you allow this member to contact me? If this feature is an aftermarket add on there may be others looking to add a gunnel. It really makes running down the side of the boat to handle lines a better option than trying to run through the cabin fending off guests and furniture.

I will be glad to help anyone with understanding how the gunnel is setup and attached. My email is pirate6245@hotmail.com

Thanks, Russell
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Carri-Craft Catamaran Info Wanted
by: Joseph

Russell you wrote;

[SNIP}before the wider walkaround was added...{SNIP}

Would you have any photos with the wider walkaround?

Anyone have or know where to get technical information {shop drawings, etc] for Carri-Craft?

I am looking at a 57', and it requires major work.

Regards, Joseph
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Walk around - Gunnel
by: Russell

I was looking at other Carri Crafts and mine seemed to be the only one with a gunnel that goes all the way around the boat. This makes line handling a breeze if you are short of deckhands.

The Gunnel has stainless supports and is very strong. It may be on other models but I have talked to four other owners and none of them had this feature. They all complained about having to run down through the boat to handle lines.

I also have very heavy cleats at four points along both sides. If you want some pictures I can email you whatever you need. The gunnel is bolted through the hull and has very stout supports inside.

Ian, can you allow this member to contact me? If this feature is an aftermarket add on there may be others looking to add a gunnel. It really makes running down the side of the boat to handle lines a better option than trying to run through the cabin fending off guests and furniture.

I will be glad to help anyone with understanding how the gunnel is setup and attached. Thanks, Russell
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		A bit of Carri Craft Catamaran history
by: Elfgen

The CarriCraft was built in Berlin, Wisc. I was the account executive of the advertising company for Carri Craft. I got the account by arranging for a berth in Burnham Harbor Chicago and help show the "car" to prospective buyers.

It had twin diesels and when you opened the throttles you could leave quick a wake. The boat was "Queen" at one Chicago boat show and was the press boat for Ventian night one year in Chicago.

It was also the press boat for a yearly event (I've forgotten the name) in San Francisco Bay.

Reply - Answer
Thanks Elfgen for the bit of Carri Craft history.

IAN from www.all-about-houseboats.com
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cruising Carri-Craft Catamaran
by: Anonymous

The Carri-Craft is called a "cruising catamaran" we have a 57' Casa Grande, hardly any aft deck, with engines in aft stateroom.

I have seen the generator mounted aft with port engine, forward under deck, and like our on the starboard side in salon area, stateroom on the port side forward was converted to laundry room, and port head converted to a pantry.

There is a complete awning covering the upperdeck, great for those hot days and rain. We still have Chrysler engines, they have been replaced, great liveaboard. This houseboat has had liveaboard for the last 22yrs, from Maryland to Florida Keys.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Carri-Craft houseboat in Panama
by: Brad

Hi Carri-Craft lovers, I am an owner of a modified 1970 carri-craft cruiser. I bought it in Seattle Wa, and piloted it eventually to Panama where it is now undergoing refit in Drydock.

It is only lacking about half the interier work. All exterior fiberglass has been reworked and repainted with a swim step added. The interior is being done in fine hardwoods.

This fine yacht is for sale where it is, as is, or completed to your satisfaction. Price $150,000 US. Negotiable depending on your needs.

With many spare parts and lots of extras, this wonderful yacht would make a perfect live aboard or addition to a tourist fleet. It is stable in high seas as I personally piloted it in over 20 ft seas off the Baja.

For more info contact me at bradb97496@hotmail.com
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Greatest boat ever - just don't call it a houseboat!
by: Anonymous

You're exactly right - It's a Carri-Craft 57, and they're actually a very seaworthy hull. In the late 1960's, Carri-Craft, of Berlin, Wisconsin, built a 44 and a 57 foot model. Both were available with a shortened cabin and aft cockpit, and a number of other options, including an aircraft-type door in either or both sides.

They were normally powered by a Chrysler gas engine with V-drives, but various other options were available, including V-drive diesels or gas stern drives.

My father had a 44 Carri with 327 Chevrolets (250 hp) and the big Merc stern drive. I believe it was known as the R-type drive, but I'm not sure - whatever it was called, it was Mercruiser's first attempt at a high-horsepower-capable sterndrive, and it was a stinker.

The incredible part of the Carri-Craft was the speed it would run with very modest horsepower. For example, my dad's would run 25 knots with a pair of 327ci/250hp Mercruisers; my own 36 foot Uniflite will cruise about 19 knots with a pair of 440 cubic inch/330 hp Chrysler inboards.

The Carri-Craft had an enormous interior, plus a huge top deck. I agree with the earlier poster, they had lousy line-handling ability; you had to climb a ladder from the small stern deck to the top deck, run forward, back down a ladder through the pilothouse, then out to the front deck to deal with the lines. Also, they were a beast to climb aboard, being high out of the water.

Usually, they came with square-cornered windows, which had a tendency to leak; rounded weatherproof windows were an option, as was a wood-grain vinyl trim (like a 1960's Ford Country Squire station wagon) around the side windows. My dad's had both. They also came with formed seats on the foredeck, just ahead of the pilothouse, you had seat cushions that fit on the seat forms and were held in by bungee cords.

Their biggest advantage over the traditional houseboat is that they handle rough water incredibly well. I remember crossing Puget Sound in the dead of night (no radar) in a howling gale, with 8-10 foot seas. Pretty scary when you thought of the container ships and log ships running 15-plus knots in the shipping lanes we had to cross, at night with minimum visibility.

I remember my dad had a brochure from Carri that came with the boat; Carri-Craft had a unique factory with what was at the time the world's only "floating assembly line." When the hull form was pulled from the mold, it was dropped into a water-filled trough and pulled along the factory where the cabin assembly was dropped onto it, and trimmed out - all "in the water."

Most of the Carri's in the Northwest ended their lives ignominously as crew boats for fishing fleets in Alaska, due to their huge interior spaces and great seaworthiness. If I could find a good early Carri, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

All in all, an awesome boat.

Reply - Answer
What an excellent post, and thank you for taking the time and effort.

IAN from www.all-about-houseboats.com
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Carri-Craft houseboat in Panama
by: Russell

Hi Carri-Craft lovers, I am an owner of a modified 1970 carri-craft cruiser. I bought it in Seattle Wa, and piloted it eventually to Panama where it is now undergoing refit in Drydock.

It is only lacking about half the interier work. All exterior fiberglass has been reworked and repainted with a swim step added. The interior is being done in fine hardwoods.

This fine yacht is for sale where it is, as is, or completed to your satisfaction. Price $150,000 US. Negotiable depending on your needs.

With many spare parts and lots of extras, this wonderful yacht would make a perfect live aboard or addition to a tourist fleet. It is stable in high seas as I personally piloted it in over 20 ft seas off the Baja.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Carri Craft Houseboats
by: Anonymous

I've been looking at some used Carri Craft houseboats too. They look to be built pretty well.

Some have a pilot house way up front and up high, other have it back a bit and more deck room up front.
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Carri Craft - Trailering
by: Shoreside - March 2012

Does anyone have information on the trailers that were available for Carri Crafts and/or what specs are needed to customize a trailer to accomodate a 57' Carri Craft for transportation down highways?
Thanks.
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Carri-craft houseboat employee
by: Don Timm

I live near Berlin wis and worked at Carri-Craft from 1990 to 1996 , and we built 11 boats in that time with the last one being a 65' with cat engines. I have pictures and contacts if anyone is interested.

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