Garfield Arthur Wood has a very successful entrepreneur building a successful career in the hydraulic hoist industry pioneering some of the first dump bed utility trucks used in the coal industry. These successes lead to substantial wealth and the ability to continue in his lifelong passion for speedboat racing. Early in Gar Wood's youth, he admired his father's skill to pilot his Minnesota ferry boat against other ferry captains in a friendly competition to see was fastest. This had planted the seed and earned him the recognition in the American Power Boat Association as the one to beat between 1917-1921 in their Gold Cup competition, winning 5 straight years!

His understanding of modern industry technology and huge aircraft power plants propelled his vessels beyond all the competition year after year! So fast in fact, the APBA changed the rules during the off season in 1921-1922 limiting engine sizes and hull configurations for competitors. This was said to create frustration for Gar Wood, but more importantly, limit his speed. Limiting perhaps, but it actually spawned the creation Gar Wood would become most known for amongst millionaires and the weekend boating elite, the 33-foot 'Baby Gar' Runabout.

Gar Wood would produce some of the finest wood-crafted boats of all sizes and shapes through his Maryville, Michigan, facility from runabouts to utilities, cruisers, sedans, and landaus. Some 10,000 Gar Wood boats were manufactured between 1921-1947, when production would eventually cease after World War II. They remain among some of the most sought after of mahogany boats built, and rightfully so!

Offered here is a striking Gar Wood 18' Runabout named “Charade” along with a custom single axle trailer. This example was restored by Don Morin who was a famed unlimited hyrdroplane designer and builder from 1949-1968 with Staudacher Marine. His passion for wood boat building and restoration led to his sons following in his footsteps with Morin Boats still based in Bay City, Michigan. This special runabout is powered by a stout 1960 Chevrolet 283ci V8 with direct-drive propeller giving it plenty of horsepower to speed you wherever you desire with easy maneuverability! Features include unique spoiler-like stern, decorative silver dash with full instrumentation, spotlight, front & rear bow poles, classic Gar Wood split-V windshield with tinted glass, Morin Racer rubber entry plates, banjo steering wheel with throttle controls, along with chrome accessories and tie-downs.

This custom Gar Wood 18' Runabout was formerly in the collection of Michael Taggart of Higgins Lake, MI before traveling to Poplar Bluff, Missouri for showcase in another vast boat collection. It has not been in the water for some time, but it was recently serviced mechanically with fresh fuel, carburetor tune, and new engine oil and run for a short time to ensure the engine is in excellent condition. Further, the trailer received new axles bearing and tires to allow for confident transport. We would recommend the next owner take proper steps to ensure the wood hull is properly prepped and soaked for the wood planks to expand and swell once again. Please be sure to watch the provided video of the motor running. Sold with a clear Missouri boat title. This is a special sport boat that should make for a delightful classic cruiser on any lake! Thanks for looking!