Gage-Hacker built about 25 boats of the 22-footer between 1961 and 1967. Most of them are still in use on Lake Geneva today and many of them are still in the hands of the original purchasers. Five of the 26-foot boats were built. Each was unique in some way. One of them had twin engines and was built more heavy duty. Another was converted to twin engines before it was finished and the area above the engine was covered with a cushioned area. Another one had a two-seat cockpit forward and the entire rear portion of the boat decked over for storage.
All the boats had double diagonal planking on the underwater portion of the hull. The early boats were powered by Interceptor engines based on Ford V-8 blocks. Then they went to 225 HP Gray Marine engines and finally to 280 HP Chrysler engines.
It’s hard to believe I was lucky enough to end up with one of two. Not sure which one it is. No one has been able to tell me even with the hull number. Hopefully in the future, I find out. Yes, mine is the one that has the 280 HP Chrysler engine. Next up, you’ll see the diamond in the rough that I get to start with.
Love reding about the history of these boats, JT!
How lucky are you to end up with two of these boats wow!