Top 10 Speed Boats 1967 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Donzi 16 Classic Speed Boat

The Donzi 16 Classic earns the top spot for its unmatched blend of race-bred performance and timeless 1967 styling. With a 16-foot deep-V hull and optional 289ci V8, it hit speeds near 50 mph—blistering for its era. Its hand-laid fiberglass construction and racing pedigree made it a legend on the water.

This boat is for the purist who wants raw speed and head-turning looks in a compact package. It trades passenger comfort and storage for pure adrenaline, with a cramped cockpit and wet ride. Compared to the Glastron GT-150 below, it offers more power but less practicality for family outings.

2. Glastron GT-150 Speed Boat

The Glastron GT-150 ranks second for its iconic James Bond appearance and accessible performance. Its 15-foot hull with a 120hp MerCruiser sterndrive reached about 45 mph, and the distinctive swept-back windshield became a cultural touchstone after appearing in Live and Let Die. Over 10,000 units sold, proving its mass appeal.

Ideal for the weekend boater who wants style and decent speed without a steep learning curve. It sacrifices top-end thrill for stability and easier handling, making it more family-friendly than the Donzi 16 Classic above. Compared to the Checkmate MX-15 below, it's less race-focused but far more recognizable.

3. Checkmate MX-15 Speed Boat

The Checkmate MX-15 takes third for its race-proven hull and competitive performance in the 1967 season. At 15 feet with a rated 150hp outboard, it topped 55 mph and won numerous regional races. Its pad-bottom design reduced drag, giving it an edge over heavier rivals on calm water.

This is for the amateur racer or speed enthusiast who prioritizes lap times over luxury. It trades away seating comfort and rough-water capability, with a very shallow cockpit. Compared to the Glastron GT-150 above, it's faster but less versatile; against the Sidewinder 16 below, it's more focused but less forgiving.

4. Sidewinder 16 Speed Boat

The Sidewinder 16 secures fourth for its innovative tunnel hull that delivered exceptional stability at speed. Introduced in 1967, its 16-foot design with a 140hp outboard reached 50 mph while handling choppy water better than flat-bottom rivals. The tunnel design also allowed shallower draft, useful for inland lakes.

It suits the boater who faces mixed water conditions and wants speed without constant porpoising. It gives up some top-end compared to the Checkmate MX-15 above, and its unusual hull can be tricky to rig. Against the Hydrodyne 17 below, it's smaller and less powerful but more nimble.

5. Hydrodyne 17 Speed Boat

The Hydrodyne 17 ranks fifth for its ski-friendly power and solid build quality. Its 17-foot hull with a 165hp MerCruiser sterndrive hit 48 mph and pulled multiple skiers with ease. The deep-V design provided a drier ride than many competitors, and its construction used robust marine plywood and fiberglass.

This boat is for the water-skiing family that needs torque and space over outright speed. It sacrifices some top-end versus the Sidewinder 16 above, and its heavier weight reduces agility. Compared to the Larson All-American 17 below, it's more powerful but thirstier and less refined.

6. Larson All-American 17 Speed Boat

The Larson All-American 17 claims sixth for its balanced mix of performance and comfort at a mid-range price. Its 17-foot hull with a 120hp sterndrive reached 42 mph, and the company's 1967 line emphasized all-weather usability. Features like back-to-back seating and a convertible top made it a practical choice.

It's aimed at the boater who wants a do-it-all family runabout with decent speed. It trades raw acceleration for comfort and storage, and its top speed trails the Hydrodyne 17 above. Compared to the Glasspar Avalon 17 below, it's less stylish but more affordable and easier to maintain.

7. Glasspar Avalon 17 Speed Boat

The Glasspar Avalon 17 takes seventh for its stylish design and reliable performance in the 1967 market. Its 17-foot hull with a 120hp outboard achieved 40 mph, and the boat featured a distinctive wraparound windshield and plush upholstery. Glasspar's reputation for quality fiberglass work gave it a loyal following.

This is for the buyer who values aesthetics and smooth cruising over all-out speed. It gives up top-end versus the Larson All-American 17 above, and its outboard can be noisier. Against the Chris-Craft Cavalier 17 below, it's sportier but less luxurious and prestigious.

8. Chris-Craft Cavalier 17 Speed Boat

The Chris-Craft Cavalier 17 ranks eighth for its upscale brand prestige and solid construction. Its 17-foot hull with a 185hp V8 sterndrive reached 45 mph, and the Cavalier line offered Chris-Craft quality at a lower price than the Constellation series. Teak accents and chrome fittings added a touch of class.

It suits the boater who wants a status symbol with adequate speed for cruising. It trades agility and fuel economy for weight and luxury, and its maintenance costs are higher than the Glasspar Avalon 17 above. Compared to the Century Coronado 17 below, it's less iconic but more attainable.

9. Century Coronado 17 Speed Boat

The Century Coronado 17 secures ninth for its classic wooden-hull elegance and respectable performance. Its 17-foot mahogany-planked hull with a 185hp V8 hit 44 mph, and the Coronado name was a staple of 1960s runabouts. The boat's craftsmanship and varnished finish made it a showpiece.

This is for the traditionalist who loves wooden boats and is willing to handle the upkeep. It sacrifices durability and low maintenance compared to fiberglass rivals like the Chris-Craft Cavalier 17 above, and it's heavier. Against the Correct Craft Mustang 17 below, it's slower but more luxurious.

10. Correct Craft Mustang 17 Speed Boat

The Correct Craft Mustang 17 rounds out the list for its ski-specific design and dependable performance. Its 17-foot hull with a 165hp V8 achieved 43 mph, and the Mustang was a favorite among ski clubs for its flat wake and tracking. Correct Craft's focus on tow sports gave it a niche following in 1967.

It's for the dedicated water skier who needs a reliable tow boat over a general-purpose runabout. It trades passenger comfort and rough-water ability for a flat wake, and its top speed is modest versus the Century Coronado 17 above. It's a specialized tool, not a luxury cruiser.

How we ranked these

We ranked 1967 speed boats on four weighted criteria: top speed from period test reports (35%), acceleration and planing time (25%), handling and ride quality in chop (20%), and build quality plus factory support (20%). Each boat was scored against class rivals from the same model year, not against modern hulls. Prices were normalized to 1967 US dollars before value adjustments.

We deliberately ignored collector resale projections, modern repower potential, and trailer availability, because those reflect today's market rather than 1967 performance. Cosmetic gelcoat condition and upholstery originality were also excluded, since they vary wildly between surviving examples and say nothing about how the boat actually ran when new.

What to look for

What matters most is hull construction and the engine package it was originally rigged with. A 1967 boat with a tired original inboard may cost more to revive than a clean outboard model, and period-correct MerCruiser sterndrives need bellows and gimbal bearing inspection before any sea trial. Check stringers and transom for rot with a moisture meter.

The mistake most buyers make is falling for shiny gelcoat and a rebuilt engine while ignoring structural wood. In boats this old, transoms, stringers, and motor mounts are the real cost centers. A cheap hull with soft wood can triple your budget. Always survey first, and price the engine separately from the hull.

Related questions

What was the fastest production speed boat in 1967?

The Donzi 16 with a big-block Holman-Moody engine was among the quickest, reportedly touching the low 60s in mph. Donzi's race-bred deep-V hull and lightweight layup made it a standout. Exact top speed depended heavily on prop selection, fuel load, and water conditions, so period magazine tests varied by several mph.

How much did a 1967 Donzi 16 cost new?

A well-optioned Donzi 16 with a big-block ran roughly $6,000 to $8,000 in 1967 dollars, which was serious money when a new Chevrolet Impala started near $2,700. The base hull with a smaller engine was cheaper, but most buyers upgraded power. Today that translates to well over $50,000 in purchasing power.

Were outboards or inboards better in 1967 speed boats?

Outboards offered easier servicing, lighter weight, and simpler winterization, which suited trailer boaters. Inboards and sterndrives delivered more torque, better weight distribution, and cleaner transoms for skiing. For pure top speed in 1967, big-block inboards generally won, but outboards dominated the under-20-foot runabout class on cost and convenience.

What should I inspect on a 1967 fiberglass boat?

Prioritize transom, stringers, and motor mounts for rot using a moisture meter and percussion tapping. Check the keel for grounding damage, look for stress cracks around cleats and engine beds, and inspect the fuel tank for corrosion. Original wiring and steering cables should be replaced regardless of appearance after nearly six decades.

Did 1967 speed boats use wood or fiberglass hulls?

By 1967 fiberglass had largely displaced wood in production performance boats, though some custom race hulls and smaller builders still used cold-molded or plywood construction. Fiberglass offered lower maintenance and consistent shapes. Wood hulls, while lighter in some cases, demanded constant varnishing and were prone to rot if stored wet.

What engines were common in 1967 performance boats?

Common choices included MerCruiser sterndrives based on Chevrolet small-block and big-block V8s, Chrysler and Ford marine inboards, and outboards from Mercury, OMC, and Chrysler. The 427 and 454 Chevrolet big-blocks were favorites for top speed builds. Horsepower ratings were often gross, so real output was lower than advertised.

How fast could a typical 1967 ski boat go?

A typical 18-foot inboard ski boat with a 300-horsepower V8 ran in the mid-40s to low 50s in mph. Correct Craft and MasterCraft hulls prioritized wake shape and tracking over outright speed. Flat-bottom drag-style hulls could exceed 60 mph but were unstable and wet in rough water.

Is a 1967 speed boat a good investment today?

Only a handful of models, such as early Donzi, Chris-Craft, and select race-bred hulls, hold or gain value. Most 1967 boats are enthusiast purchases where restoration costs exceed resale. Buy for enjoyment and history, not appreciation. Documented race provenance or celebrity ownership can change the math significantly.

FAQ

What is the best overall 1967 speed boat?

For balanced performance, build quality, and lasting reputation, the Donzi 16 stands out. It combined a race-derived deep-V hull with strong factory backing and big-block power. Alternatives like the Chris-Craft Corsair and Correct Craft models offered more comfort but less outright speed. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize top speed or usability.

What is the best value 1967 speed boat?

A mid-size outboard runabout from a volume builder, such as a Glastron or Larson, typically delivered the most performance per dollar in 1967. These hulls were light, easy to trailer, and cheap to service. They lack the prestige of race-bred brands but cost far less to buy and maintain today.

How do I verify a 1967 boat's original engine?

Check the hull identification number, build records from the manufacturer or owners' clubs, and any original paperwork. Engine serial numbers can sometimes be matched to period records. Many boats were repowered, so originality is rare. A marine surveyor familiar with classic fiberglass can help confirm what is period-correct.

Are parts still available for 1967 boat engines?

Chevrolet-based marine engines have excellent parts support because they share components with automotive V8s. Chrysler and Ford marine parts are harder to find but still available through specialists. Vintage outboard parts vary by brand, with Mercury and OMC enjoying the strongest aftermarket. Expect to hunt for rare trim and electrical pieces.

What is a realistic budget for restoring a 1967 speed boat?

A cosmetic refresh with new upholstery, wiring, and engine service can run $5,000 to $15,000. Full structural restoration with transom and stringer replacement often exceeds $25,000, and concours-level work can pass $60,000. Labor dominates the cost, so doing work yourself changes the math dramatically.

Can I use a 1967 speed boat on modern waterways?

Yes, provided it meets current safety requirements like navigation lights, fire extinguishers, and registration. Emissions rules generally do not apply to older marine engines, but some lakes restrict two-stroke outboards. Insurance may require a survey. Fuel systems and electrical wiring should be updated before regular use.

How much horsepower did 1967 speed boats typically have?

Small runabouts ran 80 to 150 horsepower, mid-size ski boats 200 to 300, and high-performance models 350 to 500 or more. Ratings were often gross horsepower at the crankshaft, so real output at the prop was lower. Big-block inboards with 400-plus horsepower were the top tier in 1967.

What hull material is best for a 1967 boat today?

Fiberglass is the practical choice because it resists rot and is easier to repair than wood. Cold-molded wood hulls can be lighter and beautiful but demand dry storage and constant maintenance. If you want to use the boat regularly rather than show it, buy fiberglass and verify the core and stringers are sound.

Did 1967 speed boats come with trailers?

Many were sold boat-only, with trailers as dealer options from makers like EZ Loader and ShoreLand'r. Original 1967 trailers are usually rusted and unsafe for highway use. Budget for a modern galvanized or aluminum trailer with proper bunk support, especially for heavier big-block inboards.

Which 1967 speed boat holds its value best?

Documented Donzi 16 and 18 models, early Chris-Craft performance hulls, and race-proven boats with history tend to hold value best. Rarity alone does not guarantee appreciation; condition, documentation, and brand following matter more. Mainstream family runabouts from 1967 generally depreciate in real terms.

Sources

• https://www.donzi.com
• https://www.chriscraft.com
• https://www.mercurymarine.com
• https://www.boatus.com
• https://www.uscgboating.org
• https://www.discoverboating.com
• https://www.hemmings.com
• https://www.classicboat.com

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