The Carri-Craft History - the real story

[Kleenax]

After having seen a few models up-close, I am confident that IF we can find a Carri-Craft in proper condition (for it's age), we will own one.

With that in mind, I started doing some research on the craft. I have begun a blog on my progress called the Carri-Craft Cruiser's Forum. I have since changed the name to Carri-Craft Cruiser's Blog since it wasn't in forum format.

I am happy to say, that I actually interviewed the original inventor of the Carri-Craft concept; Mr. Richard Brooks. Very interesting history, and what fun to actually speak with the inventor of such a unique live-aboard such as the Carri-Craft! Granted, these are by no stretch of the imagination a blue-water cruiser, but they would surely make an outstanding moving "second home" where it's a heckofalot warmer than MICHIGAN in the winter! And, I have to think that they would prove themselves just fine on the ICW (where many of us end up anyway)!

Mr. Brooks was almost as excited as I was about my call, and is sending me a large box of "Carri-Craft history" that I am very eager to study. You just never know: maybe this could lead to the reincarnation of the Carri-Craft updated for the 21st century!

Stay tuned

Ray K.

[SVNeko]

This post and your blog assume we know what the thing is. What is so special about it?

[Kleenax]

Hmmm;

Well, the "thing" is a specific type of vessel that I am interested in (and possibly others) owning.

I frequently use forums to research items of interest, so when I became interested in knowing more about Carri-Craft cruising vessels, I started searching for information. When I found very little information, I decided to create an information blog of my own. I was hoping that others with knowledge of the Carri-Craft brand would enjoy coming forth and sharing. I never even considered the possibility of someone responding with "what the thing is". Failing a quicker answer, just Google, "Carri-Craft" and you will see what the thing is.

By the way, what is "Switch 51", and why is it of interest to you?

[SVNeko]

I didn't mean to offend but I thought in your excitement you may have forgotten to state what it is. I know about a lot of boats but never heard of this one.

[capngeo]

There were actually 3 of them at one time on my pier here in Key West! There are still two in the Marina... very cool boats!

[Kleenax]

Originally Posted by SVNeko

I didn't mean to offend but I thought in your excitement you may have forgotten to state what it is. I know about a lot of boats but never heard of this one.

Thanks for the reply. I had never heard of one either until fairly recently, hence my research/digging. I was actually going to tackle building a cruising cat at one time, but time & obligations of life got away with me, and that went away.

Capngeo: any chance you can get some info on the 2 Carri-Crafts still there?

[valhalla360]

I looked at these a long while back. My take was a houseboat that could handle slightly rougher conditions.

Assuming decent condition, should make a nice ICW or Looper boat.

[Capt.Alex]

There has been one anchored in St. Augustine, FL in the same spot for years just north of the bridge of Lions. I am not sure if it is abandoned or not, and I don't know where you are located, but it might be of interest....

[Kleenax]

Originally Posted by Capt.Alex

There has been one anchored in St. Augustine, FL in the same spot for years just north of the bridge of Lions. I am not sure if it is abandoned or not, and I don't know where you are located, but it might be of interest....

Well beans;

I was in St. Augustine in January, and didn't notice it! Thanks for the info. By the way, I am in Michigan for awhile yet. We usually get down around Ponce Inlet around Thanksgiving/Christmas time.

[Kleenax]

Originally Posted by Capt.Alex

There has been one anchored in St. Augustine, FL in the same spot for years just north of the bridge of Lions. I am not sure if it is abandoned or not, and I don't know where you are located, but it might be of interest....

Geez;

I just went on Google-Earth, and you can see it just north of Lions Bridge! It seems to be moored out just off the main channel. I do believe that is the Carri-Craft named "White Feather".

[Michael rew]

I have a Carri Craft project in work. 1968 45' put new engines (327 mercruiser ) , trans (Velvet drive) and will install new V-drives next spring. boat is located on lake Michigan boats name is COOL CAT

[CPseudonym]

Very cool Michael. :thumb;

I read this thread a while back, wonder what ever became of kleenax's information gathering project? I would love to find a blog or thread of someone refitting one of these old Carri's. They really have quite a history and enjoyed quite a cult following that few other unique boats this size have.

[Kleenax]

Originally Posted by CPseudonym

Very cool Michael. :thumb;

I read this thread a while back, wonder what ever became of kleenax's information gathering project?

Sorry for the delay; I just published a post to the blog. If you are an email subscriber, you will get an email note.

In a nutshell, lots (non-boatwise) going on. Back surgery, self-employment business, bla-bla.

I promise to get busy on the Carri-Craft blog ASAP! I have a really cool loose-leaf binder of info that Dick Brooks (inventor of the Carri-Craft line) sent to me. He is in his 80's, and has shared with me his dementia is catching up with him I am sorry to say. Great conversation I must say!

More to come (on the blog and here).

[crcarter37404]

I've noticed no ones posted in a while.... Is this forum still active? I have a carri craft relabeled scottie craft. Any info out there? The date on it is 1983. Was a DEA seizure.

[crcarter37404]

Originally Posted by crcarter37404

I've noticed no ones posted in a while.... Is this forum still active? I have a carri craft relabeled scottie craft. Any info out there? The date on it is 1983. Was a DEA seizure.

Long live Rosencrantz.