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WELCOME TO THE STEELCRAFT/ SAFTICRAFT PHOTO GALLERY

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Here we present some noteworthy restorations from the traditional to unique. Owners from all over have generously shared their pictures, memorable stories and rather adventurous experiences with us. We share some of the best of these with you here. This page will be updated as new photos are submitted.

We begin with presenting the Steelcruisers restorations...

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Avantar. A 1948 Steelcraft deluxe sedan cruiser custom rebuilt in 1978-80 by your web host and author of steelcruisers.com. This was the boat that started the whole love affair with these boats!

In 1988 she was newly acquired, re-restored and renamed Humphey Bogart. Humphey was then relocated to Florida and in 1998 the adventurous owners took Humphey on a round trip from Key West to Cuba! The trip landed full coverage in the local newspaper. View article.

 

 


This immortal vessel and all the fun and adventure I shared with friends on Lake Travis, Texas ultimately inspired the research and creation of this website and yet another steelcruiser rebuild/restoration, Avantika.

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Some twenty years later in fond memory of Avantar... the Avantika, (sacred princess) project was begun. A 27 month, custom rebuild/re-power of a 1950 Avondale Marine Ways Safticraft. This 28'7 Avondale flybridge model was the only one ever produced. (For a complete slide slow of the rebuild, go to Steelcruiser's restoration services page). The photos below were taken just five minutes into her first splash. Clearlake, California.

 

 

 

As boater's Divine Providence goes...Avantika was aquired by the original purchaser of Avantar and made the long haul trip from Northern California to Florida (in just three days) behind a no-nonsense boat hauler and his flying F350!

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Thanks to a word from a thoughtful steelcruisers member, a very rare 35' Steelcraft was acquired by Steelcruisers and the restoration was completed in 12 months of concentrated work starting in Portland, Ore and finishing up the the San Francisco bay area where she now is berthed.

She was in virtually original factory unmodified condition. Only minor mechanical repairs were required and the original owner pretty much left it as it came from the factory. However, a major cosmetic overhaul involving all surfaces both inside and out was required and performed by us with several significant extras indulged along the way such as new solid 2.5" thick Honduras mahogany side rails and swim platform (both with solid 1.250" wide polished stainless rub rails) and a custom authentic teak and holly sole from bow to stern. There was extensive chrome re-plating throughout including shifters and other items not originally factory chromed, including the instrument panel itself which received all new designer engine instruments, electrical switching. The electrical system was virtually redone throughout with new illuminated circuit breaker panels added overhead and the port and starboard sides of the control console. Also added was a new 8" searchlight, 50W hailer, a custom designed aircraft strobe/anchor combo light and all new state-of-the-art navigation and communication electronics, i.e. forward and side scan sonar, radar, moving map GPS, 10-40M amateur HF communications, GPS integrated VHF , satellite TV/DVD flat screen in forward stateroom and fire, intrusion, combustable vapor and bilge high water security with remote cellemetry monitoring.

 

 

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From upstate New York, a unique Steelcraft deluxe sedan by the name Lazy Bones was beautifully restored with a unique paint scheme.

 

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Here's another sent to us from New York, a beautifully restored and maintained 1950 Steelcraft Flybridge Express.

 

 

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Steelcraft archive photo of a 26' open cockpit Day Cruiser... a 28'7 version of this was also built by Safticraft.

 

 

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A 26' Deluxe Sedan Steelcraft cruising Emerald Bay, Lakee Tahoe

 

 

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This all original Safticraft 1956 28'7" deluxe sedan named StevanJo IV is located in Mt. Clemens, MI.



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Here's an enchanting 26' Steelcraft deluxe sedan cruising beautiful Oregon waters of Devil's Lake. The Brandenburg's were kind enough to provide the opportunity for Steelcruisers to acquire a very rare 35' Steelcraft (featured above). Thanks Mary!

 

 

 

 

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From the Steelcraft archive photos of Anita Mason... the Steelcraft 35' Sedan. Less than 100 were made (probably only about 75). Do you know of one? Do let us know!



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A mint condition 26' Steelcraft Deluxe Sedan in factory original paint

 


 

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Hey Gilligan...this why they call em' SaftiCrafts! ..... It was a shipping barge vs. the little bow head-on.


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Here's a really unique modified Steelcraft sedan from Makinac Island, MI. Christened the Otter, the strange side extensions or "sponsons" were thought up by an engineer from a hydroplane company and Boeing. With the sponsons and a 440 Chrysler re-power the owner reports a several knot speed increase over the original...hmm..horsepower.

 

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If you would like your boat featured here, use our registration or contact page

to email us details with your digital images.

Final decision on the use of what you send is up to ye site geek Capt'n Mike.

Happy Cruising!

 

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