Top 10 Speed Boats 1972 — Best Overall + Best Value

1Cigarette Racing 32

Ranks first because it defined the deep-vee offshore racing category in the early 1970s. Built by Don Aronow's Cigarette Racing Team in Miami, the 32-foot fiberglass hull used a deep-vee design descended from Jim Wynne's racing hulls, letting it hold speed through rough Atlantic chop that swamped flatter-bottom boats of the same length. Its racing pedigree and hull geometry set the standard every offshore raceboat on this list is measured against.

This is the pick for someone chasing offshore racing pedigree over comfort — it is a stripped-down raceboat with minimal seating and no cabin amenities. Compared to the Magnum Marine Magnum 27 below it, the Cigarette 32 is longer, faster in open water, and harder to justify for casual weekend use, trading everyday practicality for raw offshore capability.

2Magnum Marine Magnum 27

Ranks second because it delivered nearly the same deep-vee racing DNA as the Cigarette line in a shorter, easier-to-handle 27-foot fiberglass hull. Also built under Don Aronow's Miami boatbuilding operation, the Magnum 27 raced competitively through the early 1970s while staying tighter and more manageable in marina conditions than its 32-foot sibling ranked above it.

It suits a buyer who wants offshore-raceboat handling without the length and dockage headaches of a full 32-footer. It trades some top-end speed and rough-water composure for maneuverability against the Cigarette 32 above it, making it the more practical Aronow-built deep-vee, though it still gives up cabin space and comfort compared to the cruisers ranked further down this list.

3Donzi 16 Classic

Ranks third as the small-boat proof of the deep-vee concept, in continuous fiberglass production since 1964 and still a benchmark runabout by 1972. At just 16 feet, it packed the same deep-vee hull geometry pioneered by Jim Wynne into a boat light and short enough for a single stern-drive engine to feel genuinely quick, without the length or price of the boats above it.

This boat suits buyers who want deep-vee handling and speed in a size that trailers easily and doesn't demand a big-boat budget. It gives up the rough-water composure and top speed of the 27- and 32-foot raceboats ranked above it, but it costs far less to own, insure, and store, making it the more attainable deep-vee choice on this list.

4Chris-Craft Commander 42

Ranks fourth as the largest, most comfort-oriented boat on this list, a 42-foot fiberglass cruiser from Chris-Craft's Commander line built for extended trips rather than racing. Twin inboard engines and a below-deck cabin with sleeping berths and a galley set it apart from every deep-vee raceboat ranked above it, trading top speed for genuine overnight cruising range and living space.

It is the right choice for a family or group wanting overnight cruising instead of raw speed, at the cost of the nimbleness and lower price of the boats ranked above it. Compared to the Donzi 16, the Commander 42 trades speed and affordability for space and stability, and next to the Correct Craft Ski Nautique below it, it is far less specialized for towing skiers.

5Correct Craft Ski Nautique

Ranks fifth because it targeted a different job entirely: a purpose-built inboard tow boat rather than an open-water speed machine. Built by Correct Craft in Florida, it used a single inboard engine mounted for a flat, low wake, making it the standard choice at competitive water-ski clubs through the early 1970s, a specialization none of the boats above it share.

This boat is for skiers and tournament tow-boat buyers, not offshore cruisers, so it doesn't compete on top speed or rough-water ability with the deep-vee boats ranked above it. Compared to the Chris-Craft Commander 42 above it, it is far smaller and cheaper to run, but it has no cabin and isn't built for overnight use, making it purpose-specific rather than versatile.

6Chaparral SST 19

Ranks sixth as a mid-size fiberglass sport runabout, a 19-foot stern-drive boat built by Chaparral Boats for buyers who wanted V-bottom performance at a mainstream price rather than raceboat pedigree. Its stern-drive layout made it easier to maintain and trailer than the larger inboard cruisers ranked above it, positioning it as an everyday performance boat rather than a specialist.

It suits a buyer prioritizing everyday versatility — day trips, light watersports, easy trailering — over ski-specific wake control or offshore racing capability. Next to the Correct Craft Ski Nautique above it, the SST 19 is more of a general-purpose runabout and less specialized for towing skiers, giving up dedicated performance for broader everyday usefulness.

7Glastron GT-150

Sits at seventh as one of the most widely sold fiberglass runabouts of the era, a compact stern-drive boat from Glastron aimed at the family boating market rather than performance racing. Its lighter build and smaller single-engine stern-drive setup made it one of the more affordable fiberglass boats of its size on this list, trading top speed for a lower purchase price.

It is the pick for buyers prioritizing low purchase price and easy towing behind a passenger car over speed or rough-water handling. Compared to the Chaparral SST 19 above it, the GT-150 is smaller and less powerful, better suited to calm lakes than open water, making it a budget-first choice rather than a performance one.

8Century Resorter 20

Ranks eighth as a classic mahogany-and-fiberglass-era runabout from Century Boat Company, a 20-foot boat built more for open-cockpit lake cruising and day use than performance. Its wider beam and utility-style layout prioritized passenger seating over the vee-hull speed emphasis of the boats ranked higher on this list, making it a family lake boat rather than a performance runabout.

This is the choice for a buyer who wants a classic-styled family lake boat rather than a performance runabout, at the cost of the speed and hull sophistication of the Glastron GT-150 above it. It carries more passengers comfortably but is noticeably slower in open chop, trading speed for everyday lake-day comfort and seating capacity.

9Wellcraft Nova 233

Ranks ninth as a smaller, entry-level fiberglass runabout from Wellcraft Marine, built to bring stern-drive boating to first-time buyers rather than compete on speed or cabin space. Its modest single-engine setup kept purchase and running costs low compared to every boat ranked above it on this list, making affordability its defining trait rather than performance.

It suits a budget-conscious first-time boat owner who wants basic stern-drive performance for calm-water outings. Next to the Century Resorter 20 above it, the Nova 233 is more affordable and easier to maintain but offers less passenger capacity and a less refined ride, making it a starter boat rather than a family cruiser.

10Owens Flagship Runabout

Closes the list at tenth, a fiberglass cruiser from Owens Yacht Company, whose production wound down around 1972 as the company exited boatbuilding. Its value here is largely historical rather than performance-based, representing the tail end of a once-major American boatbuilder rather than a boat built to compete with the deep-vee and ski designs ranked above it.

This is a pick for buyers or collectors interested in boating history over usable performance, since Owens ceased operations right around this period and support and parts availability lagged the still-active brands ranked above it. It trades everyday practicality and parts support for a piece of a discontinued marque, appealing to collectors rather than daily boaters.

How we ranked these

Rankings weighted top speed and horsepower-to-weight ratio, hull design (deep-V versus tri-hull), and build materials during fiberglass's transition from wood, alongside factory engine options from Chrysler, Mercury, and OMC. Handling in chop, cockpit layout, and original build quality drawn from period reviews and factory literature also factored in, along with current collector demand and documented auction results from clubs like the Antique and Classic Boat Society, giving each entry a repeatable performance-plus-desirability score.

Ignored were trailer weight, upholstery color options, and dealer network size, none of which affect on-water performance or long-term collector value. Non-period-correct modern restorations and engine swaps were also excluded from best-overall consideration since they change a boat's factory identity, though noted where common. Regional price variance and shipping costs were left out too, since those depend on buyer location rather than the boat itself.

What to look for

What matters most is structural, not cosmetic: transom and stringer condition, since wood-cored fiberglass rots invisibly, original hull-to-deck bonding, and whether the stern-drive or outboard drivetrain still has available parts. Between models, match hull type to use — deep-V for open water and chop, tri-hull or inboard ski hulls for calm lakes and towing — rather than chasing top speed alone, since a boat mismatched to its actual use gets sold within a season.

The mistake most buyers make is judging a 1972 boat by paint and upholstery instead of poking a screwdriver into the transom and stringers to check for soft spots. Cosmetic restorations are cheap and common, but a rotted transom or corroded outdrive can cost more to fix than the boat's total market value, and sellers rarely disclose structural issues upfront — a pre-purchase survey pays for itself on anything over a few thousand dollars.

Related questions

What were the fastest production speed boats in 1972?

The quickest 1972 production boats were high-horsepower deep-V hulls like the Donzi 16 and 18 series and Cigarette-style offshore racers, which could exceed 60-70 mph with big-block V8 power. Most consumer runabouts from Chris-Craft, Glastron, and Larson topped out closer to 40-50 mph running standard six-cylinder or small-block V8 stern drives instead.

Is a 1972 speed boat safe to run on original components?

Rarely without inspection first. Fifty-plus-year-old fuel lines, wiring, transom wood, and outdrive bellows are past their safe service life even on well-kept boats. Most owners replace fuel systems, bellows, and wiring outright and sister or replace transom wood before regular use, treating the original hull and stringers as the only parts worth preserving as-is when sound.

What engines powered most 1972 speed boats?

Chrysler, Mercury, and OMC supplied most stern-drive and outboard power that year. Common choices ranged from Chrysler 318 and Ford 302 small-blocks in stern-drive runabouts to Mercury and OMC outboards up to around 135 hp on lighter boats, while big-block 427 and 454 Chevy or Ford engines appeared in higher-performance offshore and ski-race hulls.

How much does a restored 1972 speed boat cost today?

Fully restored examples of desirable 1972 models like a Donzi or Chris-Craft Commander can run $15,000 to $40,000 or more depending on hull rarity, engine originality, and finish quality. Rougher project boats with sound hulls but tired mechanicals often sell for $1,500 to $5,000, making them attainable restoration projects for buyers willing to invest labor and parts sourcing.

What's the difference between deep-V and tri-hull designs from this era?

Deep-V hulls, like Donzi's, cut through chop better at speed and handle rough water more comfortably, but they need more horsepower to plane. Tri-hulls, popular on family runabouts like Glastron and Larson models, plane faster with less power and offer more stable low-speed handling, making them better suited to skiing and calm-water cruising than offshore performance.

Are 1972 speed boats good for water skiing?

Yes — dedicated ski boats like the Correct Craft Ski Nautique were purpose-built in 1972 with inboard V-drives centered for a flat, low wake and consistent pull. General-purpose runabouts can tow skiers too, but their outboard or stern-drive weight bias and wider wake make them less ideal than a true inboard ski boat for serious training.

What should I check before buying a 1972 boat sight-unseen?

Ask for close-up photos of the transom, stringers, and bilge, plus the hull identification number to verify title and year. Request documentation of engine hours, any stringer or transom repairs, and outdrive service history. A pre-purchase marine survey is worth the cost on anything over a few thousand dollars, especially when buying without an in-person inspection.

Which 1972 speed boat holds its value best?

Documented Donzi, Chris-Craft, and Correct Craft models with matching-numbers engines and original trim have appreciated most as vintage fiberglass collector interest has grown. Common family runabouts without a strong brand following tend to hold flat or modest value unless fully restored to original specification, so brand pedigree and documentation drive resale more than condition alone.

FAQ

What is the best overall 1972 speed boat?

For all-around performance, build quality, and collector desirability, a Donzi 16 or 18 with its original small-block or big-block V8 stern drive stands out as the best overall 1972 speed boat — fast, seaworthy in chop, and well-supported today by active owner clubs and readily available parts suppliers.

What's the best value 1972 speed boat for a first buyer?

A Glastron GT-150 or similar tri-hull runabout offers the best value: affordable purchase prices, simple small-block or six-cylinder stern-drive mechanicals, wide availability of parts, and forgiving handling for a first-time classic boat owner, all without the premium pricing that Donzi or Chris-Craft models command from serious collectors.

How fast could a 1972 speed boat go?

Top consumer runabouts with V8 stern drives typically reached 45-55 mph. High-performance deep-V models like the Donzi 18 with big-block power could push past 65-70 mph in ideal conditions, while family tri-hulls and smaller outboards were slower, generally cruising in the 30-40 mph range for everyday recreational use.

Are original 1972 fiberglass hulls still safe today?

Often yes — fiberglass hulls from 1972 can remain structurally sound for decades if kept dry and stored properly, since fiberglass itself doesn't rot. The real risk is wood coring in transoms and stringers absorbing water over time, which weakens the structure even when the outer fiberglass skin still looks intact.

What is a Donzi 16 Sweet 16?

The Donzi 16 Sweet 16 is a compact deep-V performance boat introduced in the mid-1960s and still in production through 1972, known for its aggressive stance, minimalist styling, and surprising speed from a small-block V8. It remains one of the most collected small classic speed boats today, prized for handling and design.

Do 1972 speed boats hold their value?

Desirable, well-documented models — especially Donzi, Chris-Craft, and Correct Craft — have appreciated steadily as collector interest in vintage fiberglass boats has grown, particularly boats with matching-numbers engines and original trim. Common family runabouts without a strong brand following tend to hold flat or modest value unless fully restored to original specification.

What maintenance issues are common in 1972 boats?

Transom and stringer wood rot from water intrusion, deteriorated outdrive bellows and gimbal bearings, brittle fuel lines and old ethanol-incompatible fuel systems, and corroded electrical connections are the most common issues. Gelcoat oxidation and cracked upholstery are cosmetic but common too, though far less costly to address than structural wood damage.

Where can I find parts for a 1972 speed boat?

Owner clubs like the Antique and Classic Boat Society, brand-specific enthusiast forums for Donzi, Chris-Craft, and Glastron owners, and specialty marine restoration suppliers carry reproduction and new-old-stock parts. Swap meets and classifieds at ACBS chapter events are also common sources for original trim, hardware, and correct-style upholstery.

What's the difference between a 1972 runabout and an offshore boat?

Runabouts are family-oriented, shorter at 14-18 feet, lighter, and tuned for skiing and day cruising at moderate speed. Offshore-style boats from 1972, like early Cigarette or Donzi 18 models, are longer, deeper-V hulled, and built with heavier lay-ups and bigger engines specifically to handle open water and higher sustained speeds.

How much horsepower did a typical 1972 stern-drive runabout have?

Most 1972 stern-drive runabouts ran 120 to 190 horsepower from four- and six-cylinder or small-block V8 engines supplied by MerCruiser, OMC, and Chrysler. That was enough for 35-45 mph in a 16- to 19-foot hull, while optional V8 upgrades pushed similar boats toward 50 mph for buyers who wanted more top-end speed.

Sources

• https://www.acbs.org
• https://www.hemmings.com
• https://www.boats.com
• https://www.boattrader.com
• https://www.mecum.com
• https://www.correctcraft.com
• https://www.chriscraft.com
• https://www.classicboat.co.uk

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