VUE

e tradition of Hacker-Cra is that they encompass not just beauty but also quality mechanics and crasmanship. e Kitty Hawk II, built in the early 1900s, became the first boat in the United States to reach 50mph and later models led to three consecutive Gold Cup World Championships. e early design for a V-bottom runabout with a cockpit forward and engine mid-ship was the model for what has become the classic runabout of today. Along with the runabout, there are four other models of Hacker-Cras ranging in size from 21 feet to 40 feet. From classic to sleek, comfortable to powerful, there are models to suit every taste and need. And even if tastes run a bit different from average, Hacker-Cra will custom build a boat from the ground up or customize existing models to meet any desire. e constant across the boats is the quality crasmanship, from the finely sanded mahogany wood to the 14 coats of varnish, to the specialized logo made of 23-carat gold leaf sheets and applied by hand. Hacker-Cra Boats employs only skilled crasmen who either have a natural talent or have fine-tuned their skills through careers in high-end furniture or custom home building. "A lot of the crasmen have worked for us for over 10 years. ey come to us young and have worked their way up to more versatile or skilled positions," Badcock said. e carpenters who build the boat are just one part of the puzzle. ere are also finishers who paint, stain, and varnish, machinists, upholsterers, riggers, and engine experts. e whole process starts with a naval architect who produces the design. Keeping a talented team is not easy and there's a constant challenge to find skilled workers with the knowledge and ability to grow. "ey have to have a familiarity working with wood and also just working on a luxury level. We're in a position to expand and grow. We're moving our production facility because we need more room," Badcock commented. But that brings the task of finding more crasmen. V U E N J . C O M 54

• Cover