The Rumrunner boat, a custom-made vessel, is a remarkable piece of craftsmanship that harkens back to the glory days of rum-running. This particular boat was built by Hugh Saint, Inc. Custom Boats in Cape Coral, Florida, for Will Stout, and it represents a significant chapter in the maritime history of the area.
The design of the Rumrunner is based on a 1949 concept by John Hacker, originally intended to be a triple-cockpit runabout. However, it was naval architect Charlie Jannace who modified the design to that of a commuter. The construction of the Rumrunner was a meticulous process, utilizing cold molding with west system epoxy and Honduras mahogany, a testament to the high-quality craftsmanship of Hugh Saint's boat-building enterprise.
The boat is a 37-foot commuter, equipped with twin Crusader 8-cylinder engines, each boasting 425 horsepower, making it not only a work of art but also a powerful machine on the water.
The building of the Rumrunner took five years, a period during which attention to detail and dedication to the craft were paramount. The result is a vessel that offers a one-of-a-kind experience, especially to those with an appreciation for the history and artistry of wooden boats.
The Rumrunner is more than just a boat; it is a floating piece of art, a tribute to the era of rum-runners, and a celebration of the rich nautical heritage of Cape Coral.
Bow
The owner of the Rumrunner
Exhibition at the Marina at Cape Harbour
Cockpit Panel
Interior view
Looking forward toward bow
Stearn view
Under Construction
Returning to port
Keel
Under construction
Keel
Mahogany
Right side up
Adding the mahogany planks
Building the Cockpit
Adding trim
A painting of Will at the helm