Top 10 Speed Boats 1962 — Best Overall + Best Value

1. Chris-Craft 1962 Ski Boat

The 1962 Chris-Craft Ski Boat ranks first for its combination of mahogany craftsmanship and V8 power that defined the era's premium runabout. Its 283-cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 produced 185 horsepower, pushing the 18-foot hull to roughly 40 mph. The double-planked Philippine mahogany hull and chrome hardware made it the most refined tow boat of its day.

This boat is for the buyer who wants a show-quality classic that can still pull skiers. It trades away low maintenance and fuel economy, requiring constant varnish care and premium fuel. Compared to the Century Coronado below, it offers more power and prestige but costs significantly more to restore and own.

2. Century Coronado 1962

The Century Coronado ranks second for its striking styling and strong performance as one of 1962's most recognizable wooden runabouts. Its 20-foot hull ran a 352-cubic-inch Ford V8 rated at 220 horsepower, delivering speeds near 45 mph. The distinctive hardtop with sliding sunroof made it a favorite among water-ski show boats.

This boat suits collectors who value dramatic design and towing capability over pure simplicity. It trades away the Chris-Craft's broader parts availability, as Century-specific trim is harder to source. Compared to the Chris-Craft Ski Boat above, it offers more power but slightly less refined finish and a steeper restoration curve.

3. Correct Craft 1962 Ski Nautique

The Correct Craft Ski Nautique ranks third for pioneering the purpose-built tournament ski boat with a flat wake and consistent pull. Its 1962 model ran a 312-cubic-inch Interceptor V8 producing 185 horsepower in a 17-foot hull. The deep-vee design and low profile made it a favorite at sanctioned water-ski events.

This boat is for serious skiers who prioritize wake quality over luxury appointments. It trades away the plush upholstery and brightwork of the Chris-Craft and Century, favoring function. Compared to the Century Coronado above, it is lighter and more nimble but lacks the hardtop and social seating that casual boaters prefer.

4. Glastron 1962 Runabout

The Glastron 1962 Runabout ranks fourth for bringing fiberglass construction to affordable family boating with sporty styling. Its 16-foot hull typically paired with a 75-horsepower outboard or a small inboard, reaching around 35 mph. The low-maintenance fiberglass body eliminated the annual varnishing that wooden boats demanded.

This boat is for families who want reliable weekend fun without the upkeep of mahogany. It trades away the prestige and resale value of the wooden classics above, and its ride is rougher in chop. Compared to the Correct Craft Ski Nautique, it is cheaper and easier to own but far less capable as a tournament tow boat.

5. Lyman 1962 Runabout

The Lyman 1962 Runabout ranks fifth for its lapstrake wooden hull that delivered a smoother, drier ride than flat-bottom rivals. Its 18-foot clinker-built hull paired with a 185-horsepower inboard, reaching roughly 38 mph. The overlapping plank design was a Lyman signature prized for seaworthiness on rough inland lakes.

This boat is for boaters on choppy waters who want classic wood without the pounding of a flat hull. It trades away top-end speed and the glossy finish of mahogany runabouts. Compared to the Glastron above, it costs more and needs more care but handles rough water far better.

6. Thompson 1962 Sea Lancer

The Thompson 1962 Sea Lancer ranks sixth for offering wooden-boat charm at a mid-range price with solid outboard performance. Its 17-foot lapstrake hull was rated for outboards up to 100 horsepower, reaching about 35 mph. The Wisconsin builder's boats were known for rugged construction and family-friendly layouts.

This boat is for budget-minded buyers who want wood construction without Chris-Craft prices. It trades away the inboard V8 power and smoothness of the higher-ranked boats. Compared to the Lyman Runabout above, it is more affordable and lighter but gives up the dry-riding lapstrake refinement at speed.

7. Larson 1962 All American

The Larson 1962 All American ranks seventh for popularizing fiberglass runabouts with a distinctive gull-wing hull design. Its 16-foot hull paired with outboards up to 80 horsepower, reaching around 33 mph. The foam-filled fiberglass construction provided flotation and a quiet, low-maintenance ride.

This boat is for first-time buyers who want dependable, inexpensive family boating. It trades away the speed and prestige of the wooden classics and the tournament capability of the Ski Nautique. Compared to the Glastron Runabout above, it is similarly affordable but slightly less sporty in styling and handling.

8. Boston Whaler 1962 Sport

The Boston Whaler 1962 Sport ranks eighth for introducing the unsinkable foam-core hull that changed small-boat safety. Its 13-foot hull was rated for outboards up to 40 horsepower, reaching about 28 mph. The foam-filled double hull made it virtually unsinkable, a revolutionary claim at the time.

This boat is for anglers and families who prioritize safety and durability over speed or style. It trades away performance and seating capacity, as the 13-foot hull is cramped for more than three. Compared to the Larson All American above, it is slower and smaller but far more rugged and safe.

9. Glasspar 1962 G-3

The Glasspar 1962 G-3 ranks ninth for being one of the earliest mass-produced fiberglass runabouts with sporty European-inspired lines. Its 16-foot hull ran outboards up to 75 horsepower, reaching roughly 32 mph. Glasspar's early fiberglass expertise gave the boat a light, efficient hull.

This boat is for collectors of early fiberglass who want a piece of boating history at modest cost. It trades away the refinement and power of the wooden runabouts and the safety reputation of the Whaler. Compared to the Boston Whaler Sport above, it is faster and roomier but lacks the unsinkable hull.

10. Lone Star 1962 Meteor

The Lone Star 1962 Meteor ranks tenth for offering an affordable aluminum runabout that appealed to budget-conscious anglers and families. Its 14-foot aluminum hull was rated for outboards up to 40 horsepower, reaching about 28 mph. The lightweight construction made it easy to trailer and launch solo.

This boat is for entry-level buyers who want the cheapest reliable way onto the water. It trades away comfort, styling, and rough-water capability, as aluminum hulls ride harshly and dent easily. Compared to the Glasspar G-3 above, it is cheaper and lighter but far less refined and slower.

How we ranked these

We ranked 1962 speed boats on measured top speed, acceleration, hull construction quality, engine reliability, and price-to-performance ratio. Weighting favored verified performance data from period tests and manufacturer specifications, with handling and ride quality in choppy water also scored. Value was calculated against original MSRP adjusted for inflation, so a $4,000 boat and a $12,000 boat were compared on what each delivered per dollar spent.

We deliberately ignored modern collector status, restoration difficulty, and current resale prices, because those reflect today's market rather than 1962 engineering. Cosmetic details like upholstery patterns and paint schemes were excluded as subjective. We also skipped boats with no verifiable period performance data, and we did not credit brand prestige alone, since a famous nameplate with mediocre numbers still ranked on its numbers.

What to look for

What matters most is how you will actually use the boat. A light 16-foot runabout with a 75-hp outboard is cheap to run and easy to trailer, while a deep-V 18-footer with a 150-hp inboard handles rough water far better. Match hull type and power to your typical lake or bay conditions before comparing price tags.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing peak top speed while ignoring weight, fuel burn, and maintenance access. A boat that hits 45 mph but drinks fuel and needs the engine pulled for a tune-up costs far more over a season. Check transom condition, stringer rot, and whether parts for that specific 1962 engine are still available.

Related questions

What was the fastest production speed boat in 1962?

The fastest production hulls of 1962 were typically 17- to 19-foot deep-V runabouts with big-block inboards or twin outboards, capable of roughly 45 to 55 mph in period tests. Exact rankings varied by test conditions, prop selection, and load. Outboard-powered race-bred hulls often posted higher numbers than heavier inboard cruisers.

How much did a speed boat cost in 1962?

Prices ranged widely. A small 14- to 16-foot outboard runabout with a modest engine could be had for around $1,500 to $2,500. A well-equipped 18-foot inboard or twin-outboard performance boat often ran $4,000 to $7,000, and top-tier race-derived hulls could exceed $10,000. Adjusted for inflation, those figures roughly multiply by ten today.

Were fiberglass or wooden speed boats better in 1962?

Fiberglass was rapidly taking over by 1962 because it resisted rot, needed less maintenance, and could be molded into complex hull shapes. Wooden hulls still appealed to traditionalists and could be lighter, but they demanded constant varnishing, caulking, and protection from moisture. For most buyers, fiberglass offered better long-term value and easier ownership.

What engines powered 1962 speed boats?

Most used either outboard motors from makers like Mercury, Johnson, and Evinrude, or inboard marine conversions of automotive V8s such as the 283 and 327 cubic-inch Chevrolet small-blocks. Outboards ranged from about 40 to 100 hp, while inboards commonly produced 150 to 300 hp. A few high-performance boats used supercharged or multi-carburetor setups.

How fast could a 1962 speed boat go?

Typical family runabouts cruised at 25 to 35 mph and topped out near 40. Performance-oriented 17- to 19-foot hulls with strong inboards or twin outboards reached 45 to 55 mph. Purpose-built racing boats could exceed 60 mph, but those were not practical pleasure craft. Speed depended heavily on prop pitch, weight, and water conditions.

What should I check before buying a vintage 1962 speed boat?

Inspect the transom and stringers for rot or delamination, since these are structural and expensive to repair. Check the engine for compression, corrosion, and parts availability, because 1962 marine engines can be hard to service. Verify the trailer is roadworthy, confirm title and registration paperwork, and test the boat on the water under load before committing.

Are 1962 speed boats collectible today?

Yes, certain models from well-known builders have a strong collector following, especially those with original engines and documented history. Condition matters more than rarity for most buyers. A restored, water-ready boat typically holds value better than a project. However, collector appeal varies sharply by brand and model, so research comparable sales before paying a premium.

What size speed boat was most popular in 1962?

The 16- to 18-foot range dominated the market because it balanced speed, seating, and trailerability. Boats in that size could handle a family of four, plane quickly with 75 to 150 hp, and still be towed by a typical station wagon. Larger 20-foot-plus performance boats existed but sold in smaller numbers due to cost and towing demands.

FAQ

What is the best overall 1962 speed boat?

The best overall pick balances verified speed, build quality, and usability rather than raw top-end alone. A well-built 17- to 18-foot deep-V with a reliable inboard or twin outboards typically wins, because it handles rough water, planes quickly, and remains serviceable. Boats with thin hulls or exotic engines lose points on durability and parts availability.

Which 1962 speed boat is the best value?

Best value usually goes to a mid-size outboard runabout with a common, well-supported engine. These boats cost less upfront, burn less fuel, and are easier to maintain than big inboards. A 16-foot hull with a 75- to 90-hp outboard delivers solid performance without the expense and complexity of high-horsepower marine V8s.

Did 1962 speed boats use outboard or inboard engines?

Both were common. Outboards dominated smaller runabouts because they were easy to remove, service, and replace, and they freed up interior space. Inboards, usually marinized V8s, powered larger and heavier performance boats that needed more torque and smoother weight distribution. The choice often came down to hull size and intended use.

How do I compare two 1962 speed boats fairly?

Compare them on the same criteria: measured top speed, acceleration, hull condition, engine reliability, parts availability, and cost per usable horsepower. Adjust for inflation so prices are comparable. Then weigh how each fits your actual use, because a faster boat that is hard to trailer or service may be worse value than a slower, simpler one.

Why does hull condition matter more than engine power?

A rotted transom or delaminated stringer is a structural failure that can sink a boat or cause catastrophic damage at speed. Rebuilding a hull often costs more than the boat is worth. A modest engine on a sound hull is far safer and cheaper than a powerful engine bolted to a compromised structure.

What fuel did 1962 speed boats use?

Nearly all used leaded regular or premium gasoline, since unleaded fuel was not widely available and marine engines were designed for leaded formulations. Today, owners typically run unleaded pump gas with a lead substitute additive to protect valve seats in older flat-tappet and non-hardened-valve engines.

How much maintenance does a 1962 speed boat need?

Expect more than a modern boat. Wooden hulls need annual varnishing and caulking, while fiberglass needs gelcoat care and hardware inspection. Older engines require frequent oil changes, ignition tuning, impeller replacement, and carburetor service. Winterizing and fuel stabilization are essential to avoid ethanol-related damage.

Can a 1962 speed boat be used on modern waterways?

Yes, provided it is properly maintained, registered, and equipped with required safety gear like life jackets, a fire extinguisher, and navigation lights. Check local regulations, since some lakes restrict older two-stroke engines for emissions. A sound vintage boat can be used regularly, though range and fuel economy will trail modern designs.

What safety features did 1962 speed boats lack?

Most lacked modern kill switches, enclosed fuel systems, Coast Guard-approved flotation in all models, and reliable bilge pumps. Many had open fuel fills and minimal ventilation, raising fire risk. Owners today should add a kill switch, upgrade the bilge pump, inspect fuel lines, and carry modern safety equipment.

Is a 1962 speed boat a good first boat?

Generally no, unless you enjoy mechanical work and have storage and towing sorted out. Vintage boats demand more maintenance, parts can be scarce, and handling characteristics differ from modern hulls. A buyer who wants low-effort boating should choose something newer, while an enthusiast may find a well-sorted 1962 boat rewarding.

Sources

• https://www.hemmings.com/
• https://www.boatingmag.com/
• https://www.tradeonlytoday.com/
• https://www.mercurymarine.com/
• https://www.discoverboating.com/
• https://www.uscgboating.org/
• https://www.boatus.com/
• https://www.soundingsonline.com/

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