Cruiser Craft
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Cruiser Craft
605 Singleton
Dallas, Texas
Phil Dill of General Manufacturing Co. produced Cruiser Craft Boats beginning in 1953. The company built a range of flat-bottom aluminum cruiser models throughout the 1950s. In addition to Cruiser Craft, some models were marketed as Sunbeam Boats. More information, such as original brochures or advertisements will be added as they become available. Though no longer manufacturing boats, the company exists to this day as marine dealership: http://www.phildillboats.com/
A 1954 article in Motorboating states William T. Hamilton was president of the company. The company started production in April 1953 with two cruiser models, a 20' Family-Craft and a 16' Fish-N-Craft. 14' Sport-A-Bout and Cruze-A-Bout models were added for 1954. Bill Hamilton later went on to found Hydro Keel Kraft Boats, also in Dallas, to produce an aluminum hull, fiberglass deck model.
A 1957 ad in Yachting magazine gave the address of the company as 2031 W. Commerce, Dallas, Texas. The text of the ad reads as follows: "Cruiser Craft Boats and Trailers - Cruiser Craft, built of both wood and aluminum in lengths from 14'8" to 21'6", are broad-beamed, square bowed boats with "upswept" bottom sections forward. They have enclosed or semi-enclosed cabins, and the larger models are equipped with two berths and a galley area. Single or twin outboard motors provide power. The aluminum models have Styrofoam flotation. Said to be extremely stable, many of these boats are used for safety patrol on western lakes".
The company was also found listed as Phillip A. Dill, Inc. Cruiser Craft may have been used to just refer to the cruiser models with the general line referred to as "Sunbeam Boats".
1957 Information
1957 Sunbeam 14' Sportster by Dill
1957 Sunbeam Boats Article
