August 14, 2026
THRILL, a 1928 Hacker-Craft Triple Cockpit Runabout
I always enjoy seeing photos and hearing about the wonderful trips and adventures taken by those I know.
Yesterday, my longtime special projects producer, Judy Morris, shared images from a recent trip to Lake Tahoe, where she had the opportunity to see a cherished family heirloom return to the water – a 1928 Hacker-Craft 26-foot Triple Cockpit Runabout named THRILL. The boat was once owned by Judy’s late father and, before him, her grandfather, making its return to service an especially meaningful occasion for her and her family. THRILL had undergone an extensive two-year restoration under the careful supervision of her new owner, Preston Smith, and Greg Rudloff at Northwest Classic Boats. Today, THRILL is back in the water and is a remarkable example of early 20th-century American wooden boatbuilding, admired for her rarity, exceptional craftsmanship, elegant design, and historical significance.
Enjoy these photos and THRILL’s story.
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- This is THRILL after her latest two year restoration. Hacker‑Craft boats were hand‑built by the Hacker Boat Company, founded by naval architect John L. Hacker in 1908. The triple cockpit runabout was one of Hacker’s signature configurations, offering two forward cockpits and a walk‑through aft cockpit – a layout that provided space, comfort, and versatility.
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- THRILL was originally purchased in 1928 by Judy’s great grandmother, and given to Judy’s grandfather, Judson Morris, for his 18th birthday. Over several years, Judson campaigned THRILL throughout Maine, competing in numerous boating races and winning multiple championships.
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- After retiring from racing in 1935, Judson placed the boat in dry storage for 58 years, where it was protected from the elements and remarkably preserved.
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- In 1989, Judy’s father, Jay, took the boat out of retirement and began its first restoration. He enjoyed THRILL, cruising the coastal waterways of Maine for more than 10 years before being put in dry storage once again. Here is Jay in 2024 with THRILL and Cecil who helped him find a new owner who would appreciate both her history and heritage.
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- THRILL was sold to classic wood boat enthusiast, Preston Smith, who traveled to Maine and then brought the boat cross-country to California where it would begin another long restoration.
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- THRILL was entrusted to Greg Rudloff of Northwest Classic Boats where it was lovingly restored to its original beauty. Here is the boat in August 2024 before work began.
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- The 1928 Hacker‑Craft Triple Cockpit Runabout is noted for its rare design, and exceptional craftsmanship. It is one of the most celebrated early 20th‑century American motorboats.
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- THRILL was stripped down to the bottom. All the interior fittings, decks, floors, trim, and other components were removed, leaving only the frame and old planking.
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- This is the bottom exterior before it was also stripped.
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- Work started right away. Greg carefully dismantled the boat to preserve its original pieces.
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- By November of 2024, the framing was clamped together to hold the bottom in place for planking.
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- Here is the boat turned over.
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- THRILL was beginning to take shape once again.
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- Restoring and replanking THRILL was a very labor‑intensive process that involved removing old planks, inspecting the hull frame, and installing new ones that match the original curves and joinery of the boat.
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- The seats were also completely restored.
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- Here is the boat one year after restoration work began.
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- The only significant new piece was a modern engine. This is a 375 HP Mercruiser GM V-8 engine.
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- And here is the boat last July – nearly two years after it was first brought in for restoration. Hacker‑Crafts are built with triple layers of mahogany planking that form the boat’s exterior shell.
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- Once fully restored, THRILL was finished with multiple coats of hand-brushed varnish.
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- And last week, it was officially back in service. This 1928 Hacker-Craft 26′ Triple Cockpit Runabout is a timeless work of art combining mahogany craftsmanship, chrome accents, and a century‑old design.
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- Here’s Judy with her son, Billy, and THRILL’s newest owners Preston Smith and his wife, Joy.
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- THRILL’s first launch was at the 2026 Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance Show. It was so exciting for Judy and her son to see it back in the water. Here’s Preston ready to start the engine. Out of a group of 60, THRILL was the second oldest boat entered at 98 years. THRILL won a second place trophy for the category “pre-war runabout over 23′ in length.”
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- Later, the group enjoyed a private ride aboard THRILL on Lake Tahoe.
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- THRILL started as a birthday gift to a son, went on to championship racing, fun on the water for three-generations, two long restorations, a journey cross-country, and now back in service for a new chapter. Thanks for sharing this story, Judy.
This story originally appeared on Martha Stewart Blog
