Island Runner

Hull materials, framing, house construction details:
Island Runner is a 42’ Lake Union Dry Dock built Dreamboat, designed by Otis Cutting. Documents show the hull was originally vertical grain fir planking over steam bent-white oak frames. The hull has since been re-planked using Tamarak during a recent restoration by The Shipwright’s Co-op in Port Townsend in 1993. 23 frames were sistered, and 15 floor timbers replaced according to the owners at the time. The same owners added new butterfly hatches, toe rails, rub rails, a new transom, and a swim step.
Teak cabinetry throughout the boat keeps the warm historic feel accompanied by alternating light and dark, solid wood floors in the wood enclosed saloon and beautiful arched ceiling ribs forming the extended structure overhead.

Propulsion:
120 HP 6-354 Perkins Diesel rebuilt in 2014, originally thought to be 1974 re-placed the original Kermath Model 65. Estimated cruising speed 7 knots, max speed 10 knots. There are 2 custom fuel tanks that were installed in 1993 providing 150 gallons of diesel for comfortable cruising.

Historical Details:
The abstract of title shows the original name, “Ardito” dated April 4th. 1929 and sold to Pacific Finance Corporation. The vessel arrived in Los Angeles on June 28th, 1929. It is not clear how she got there but it is assumed, by rail. There is a brass plaque on board, Yacht and Motor Sales Corporation, Wilmington, California.

Her name was changed to Isabel, March 17th, 1931. She was removed from documentation December 3, 1953, returned to documentation January 21st, 1960, and finally removed November 30th, 1971. At some point in her history, she was donated to the City of Hope.

It is believed her name was changed to Island Runner in 1983 when owned by John and Suzanne O’Rourke who began her major restoration.

Doug and Mery Rayma purchased her February 27th, 1989, in California before shipping her to Port Townsend Washington by truck on August 18th, 1991, where they continued her restoration and systems upgrades. They cruised several months out of the year on her for close to 20 years and were very active in showing Island Runner with the Classic Yacht Association.

Island Runner remained berthed in Port Townsend until she was purchased by the most recent owner, George Marshall who rebuilt her engine in 2014 and made several system upgrades before bringing her back to Lake Union where I first visit-ed her. There have been at least 17 owners prior to my purchase in November 2023.

I have been cruising Island Runner for short trips (1 to 10 days) as I get her rebuilt engine broken in and systems updated in preparation for extending my cruising season (and distance) each year. She is a beautiful testament to the history of local yacht building and caretaking classic yachts for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. I am excited to be her caretaker for this period of her long history and look forward to celebrating her centennial in just a few years.