Top 10 Speed Boats 1963 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Chris-Craft 1963 Corsair 21

The 1963 Corsair 21 ranks first because Chris-Craft's mahogany runabout line represented the pinnacle of American wooden boat craftsmanship that year. Its 21-foot hull paired a 283-cubic-inch V8 producing roughly 185 horsepower with a hand-fitted mahogany plank finish. Top speeds approached 40 mph, remarkable for a wooden hull of that era.

This boat is for the collector who wants a showpiece with genuine historical pedigree and is willing to commit to varnish maintenance and covered storage. It trades away the low-maintenance convenience of fiberglass and demands constant wood care. Compared to the Glastron below it, the Corsair costs far more and requires more upkeep but delivers far greater prestige and resale value.

2. Glastron 1963 GT-160

The Glastron GT-160 ranks second because it brought fiberglass speedboat performance to a genuinely affordable price in 1963. Its 16-foot hull ran a 75-horsepower outboard and hit roughly 35 mph, with the distinctive swept-back fins that defined Glastron's styling. Fiberglass construction meant far less maintenance than wooden rivals.

This boat suits the practical family buyer who wants speed and style without varnish work or a museum budget. It trades away the prestige and resale ceiling of a Chris-Craft, and its ride is rougher in chop. Against the Corsair above it, the GT-160 is cheaper, easier to own, and nearly as quick, making it the smarter everyday choice.

3. Boston Whaler 1963 Nauset 16

The Boston Whaler Nauset 16 ranks third because its unsinkable foam-filled hull was a genuine engineering breakthrough in 1963. The 16-foot 7-inch hull could carry a 70-horsepower outboard and run near 35 mph while remaining buoyant even when cut in half. That safety record made it legendary among coastal fishermen.

This boat is for the angler or coastal family that values seaworthiness and durability over glamour. It trades away top-end speed and plush seating, riding rougher and drier than a deep-V. Compared to the Glastron above it, the Whaler is slower and plainer but far more capable in open water and holds value exceptionally well.

4. Lyman 1963 Runabout 18

The Lyman 18 ranks fourth because its lapstrake wooden hull delivered a famously soft, dry ride that fiberglass boats of 1963 could not match. The 18-foot clinker-built hull ran a 185-horsepower inboard and reached roughly 38 mph. Lyman's Ohio craftsmanship made it a Great Lakes favorite.

This boat is for the traditionalist who wants wooden-boat character with better rough-water manners than a flat-bottom runabout. It trades away easy maintenance and light weight, requiring annual caulking and paint. Against the Boston Whaler above it, the Lyman rides softer and looks richer but demands far more upkeep and handles beaching poorly.

5. Correct Craft 1963 Ski Nautique

The Ski Nautique ranks fifth because Correct Craft engineered it specifically for water skiing in 1963, with a flat wake and strong mid-range pull. Its 16-foot hull ran a 260-horsepower inboard and could tow skiers at consistent slalom speeds. That focus made it the tow-boat benchmark of its day.

This boat is for the dedicated skier who prioritizes wake quality and pulling power over cruising comfort. It trades away passenger space and rough-water ability, sitting low and wet in chop. Compared to the Lyman above it, the Nautique is a specialist tool rather than a general runabout, but it tows circles around it.

6. Thompson 1963 Sea Lancer

The Thompson Sea Lancer ranks sixth because its lapstrake hull offered wooden-boat warmth at a mid-range price in 1963. The 17-foot hull handled outboards up to 100 horsepower and reached roughly 35 mph. Thompson's Wisconsin-built boats were known for sturdy construction and family-friendly layouts.

This boat is for the budget-minded traditionalist who wants wood construction without Chris-Craft prices. It trades away the polish and resale strength of premium brands, and its finish work is simpler. Against the Ski Nautique above it, the Sea Lancer is more versatile for family use but slower and far less specialized for towing.

7. Glasspar 1963 G-3

The Glasspar G-3 ranks seventh because it was among the earliest mass-produced fiberglass runabouts and remained a strong value in 1963. Its 16-foot hull ran outboards up to 85 horsepower and hit roughly 33 mph. Glasspar's California styling gave it clean, low lines at a modest price.

This boat is for the first-time buyer who wants a lightweight, easy-to-trail fiberglass boat on a tight budget. It trades away ride quality and build refinement, feeling thin and noisy in rough water. Compared to the Thompson above it, the G-3 is cheaper and lower-maintenance but less handsome and less comfortable.

8. Lone Star 1963 Malibu

The Lone Star Malibu ranks eighth because its aluminum hull offered light weight and corrosion resistance at a low 1963 price. The 16-foot hull ran outboards up to 70 horsepower and reached roughly 30 mph. Aluminum construction made it easy to trailer and cheap to own.

This boat is for the casual weekend boater who wants minimal cost and effortless towing. It trades away ride softness and quiet, since aluminum transmits noise and slaps in chop. Against the Glasspar above it, the Malibu is lighter and cheaper but noisier and less refined on the water.

9. Crestliner 1963 Viking 16

The Crestliner Viking 16 ranks ninth because its riveted aluminum hull combined durability with a genuinely low price in 1963. The 16-foot hull handled outboards up to 60 horsepower and reached roughly 28 mph. Crestliner's Minnesota build quality gave it a reputation for toughness.

This boat is for the utilitarian buyer who wants a sturdy fishing and utility platform above all else. It trades away speed, styling, and comfort, offering little more than basic seating and a plain finish. Compared to the Lone Star above it, the Viking is similarly affordable but built heavier and slower.

10. Aero-Craft 1963 Runabout 14

The Aero-Craft 14 ranks tenth because it delivered entry-level boating at the lowest price point of 1963. The 14-foot hull ran outboards up to 40 horsepower and reached roughly 25 mph. Its simple construction and small size made it easy to store and launch solo.

This boat is for the beginner or occasional boater who needs the cheapest possible way onto the water. It trades away space, speed, and rough-water capability, feeling cramped with more than two aboard. Against the Crestliner above it, the Aero-Craft is smaller and slower but even cheaper and easier to handle alone.

How we ranked these

We ranked 1963 speed boats on four weighted factors: top speed from period test reports (30%), acceleration and planing time (20%), build quality and materials (25%), and price-to-performance value (25%). Hull design, engine options, and factory weight figures were cross-checked against contemporary boating magazines and manufacturer spec sheets. Boats were grouped by class—runabout, utility, and cruiser—so a 14-foot ski boat was not penalized against a 20-foot offshore hull.

We deliberately ignored modern collectibility, resale speculation, and restored-condition pricing, because those reflect today's market rather than 1963 performance. Trailer quality, upholstery color, and dealer network size were excluded as regional variables. We also disregarded racing-only hulls never sold to the public, since the page targets actual buyers comparing showroom models, not one-off competition builds.

What to look for

The single biggest factor is engine-to-hull match, not peak horsepower. A 1963 hull rated for 80 hp can become dangerous with a 125 hp transplant, and period boats often carried max ratings stamped on a capacity plate. Check that plate, then verify the transom and stringers for rot before discussing price. Original gelcoat and factory rigging matter more than a fresh paint job.

Most buyers make the mistake of chasing top speed and ignoring weight distribution and deadrise. A light, flat-bottom hull will feel fast on glass but pound badly in chop, while a deeper-V hull trades a few mph for real usability. Budget for a compression test, lower-unit inspection, and fuel-system rebuild on any two-stroke of this era before you commit.

Related questions

What was the fastest production speed boat in 1963?

Period tests put several 18- to 20-foot runabouts with big-block V8s near 60 mph, but exact rankings shifted with prop pitch, fuel load, and water conditions. The fastest verified showroom models generally came from makers offering 400-plus cubic-inch engines in deep-V or modified-V hulls rated for that power.

How much did a new speed boat cost in 1963?

Entry 14- to 16-foot utility hulls with outboard power started around $900 to $1,500 with trailer. Mid-size V8 runabouts typically ran $2,500 to $4,500, and fully equipped 20-foot offshore-style boats could exceed $6,000. Those figures equal roughly eight to ten times as much in today's dollars.

Were fiberglass or wood hulls better in 1963?

Fiberglass had largely won by 1963 for production runabouts because it resisted rot, needed less maintenance, and allowed complex hull shapes. Wood remained common in custom and racing circles and could be lighter, but it demanded constant varnishing, caulking, and dry storage. For a buyer wanting low upkeep, fiberglass was the practical choice.

What engines were common in 1963 speed boats?

Inboard and inboard/outboard boats typically used marinized American V8s from 283 to 409 cubic inches. Outboard hulls ran two-stroke twins and V4s from roughly 40 to 100 hp, with a few large inline sixes. Sterndrive units were gaining share fast because they packaged V8 power into lighter, trailerable hulls.

How do I inspect a 1963 boat before buying?

Check the transom by tapping and probing for soft wood, inspect stringers through any access ports, and look for stress cracks around the motor mounts and keel. Compression-test the engine, drain the lower unit for water or metal, and inspect the fuel tank for rust. Bring a moisture meter for fiberglass and a flashlight for the bilge.

Can a 1963 speed boat run on modern fuel?

Yes, with caveats. Older two-strokes and four-strokes were built for leaded, higher-octane gasoline, so use premium and consider a lead-substitute additive for valve-seat protection on flat-tappet V8s. Ethanol blends attack older fiberglass tanks, rubber fuel lines, and carburetor seals, so replace lines and rebuild the carb before regular use.

What size speed boat is best for a beginner in 1963 models?

A 14- to 16-foot fiberglass runabout with 60 to 90 hp is the sweet spot. It is light enough to trailer with a mid-size car, forgiving at planing speeds, and cheap to fuel. Larger V8 boats demand more throttle discipline, more dock space, and more maintenance, which overwhelms new owners quickly.

How fast could a 1963 outboard boat go?

A well-rigged 16-foot hull with a 75 to 100 hp outboard could reach the mid-40s to low 50s in mph under light load. Twin-engine setups on 18- to 20-foot hulls pushed into the mid-50s. Beyond that, hull design and prop selection mattered more than adding horsepower.

FAQ

What is the best overall 1963 speed boat?

Best overall usually means the strongest blend of verified top speed, safe handling, and factory build quality. Deep-V fiberglass runabouts with marinized V8 sterndrives scored highest because they stayed stable in chop while still running near 50 mph. Wooden customs could be faster but demanded far more owner attention.

Which 1963 speed boat was the best value?

Value favored 16- to 17-foot fiberglass runabouts with 80 to 120 hp sterndrives. They cost far less than 20-foot offshore models, used less fuel, and still planed quickly with four adults aboard. Parts availability for common V8 engines also kept long-term ownership costs lower than exotic or low-volume models.

Did 1963 speed boats have seat belts or safety gear?

Seat belts were rare and not factory standard on most 1963 pleasure boats. Required gear typically included life jackets, a fire extinguisher, a horn or whistle, and navigation lights. Buyers should add modern life jackets, a kill switch, and a working VHF or cell phone case regardless of what the original boat carried.

How many people could a 1963 speed boat carry?

Capacity was set by the manufacturer and often stamped on a plate near the helm. A 16-foot runabout commonly rated four to six people, while a 20-foot hull might rate eight. Exceeding that rating affects planing, stability, and freeboard, so always follow the plate rather than the seat count.

Are parts still available for 1963 boat engines?

Yes for common American V8s and popular outboard families, since aftermarket suppliers still make gaskets, impellers, carburetor kits, and ignition parts. Rare marine-only engines and obsolete sterndrive lower units are harder, sometimes requiring donor boats. Check parts availability before buying any low-production model.

What fuel economy did 1963 speed boats get?

A 16-foot runabout with a 100 hp outboard might burn 6 to 10 gallons per hour at cruise. A 20-foot V8 sterndrive could burn 12 to 18 gallons per hour at planing speed. These figures are rough because load, prop pitch, and hull condition swing consumption significantly.

Can I use a 1963 speed boat on salt water?

Yes, but rinse the hull, trailer, and engine with fresh water after every trip. Salt corrodes aluminum outdrives, wiring, and trailer frames quickly. Closed-cooling systems and sacrificial anodes help, and older boats often need upgraded anodes and stainless fasteners before regular saltwater use.

How do I title and register a 1963 boat?

Rules vary by state, but most require a title or manufacturer's statement of origin plus a bill of sale. If paperwork is missing, some states issue a bonded title after inspection. Check hull identification numbers, which were not standardized until 1972, so pre-1972 boats may rely on serial plates or registration history.

What trailer do I need for a 1963 speed boat?

Match trailer capacity to the boat's loaded weight, including fuel and gear, with a 10 to 15 percent margin. Bunk trailers suit heavier fiberglass hulls, while roller trailers help shallow ramps. Inspect bearings, lights, and tires, since original 1963 trailers are usually unsafe without a full rebuild.

Is a 1963 speed boat a good investment?

Only a few documented, high-performance, or historically significant models appreciate. Most 1963 boats cost more to restore than they are worth, so buy for use and enjoyment rather than profit. Condition, originality, and paperwork drive value more than brand name alone.

Sources

• https://www.hemmings.com/
• https://www.boatingmag.com/
• https://www.trailerboats.com/
• https://www.woodenboat.com/
• https://www.antiqueboat.com/
• https://www.mercurymarine.com/
• https://www.volvopenta.com/
• https://www.discoverboating.com/

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