It wasn't about searching for a classic boat but a bigger boat for Mike and Brigid Luxem. Their boating time was being limited by two factors: their small-size, 14-foot MirroCraft and the large waters they boated on. Lake Michigan's unpredictable waters often make a strong statement that the lake is meant for larger vessels.

Mike and Brigid established a budget, drew a 100-mile radius around their home, and set their sights on a boat at least 16 feet long. Heading to eBay, their search brought an intriguing response a mere 10 miles from their home. A quick investigation placed them in front of a 1957 Sea King Sports Cruiser. Overwhelmed by the sheer mass of the boat sitting on its trailer, Mike and Brigid were amazed that it was only 16 feet long. The deep freeboard and enclosed cabin immediately placed the boat at the top of their list.   

Bidding on the boat began at $500, and Mike and Brigid jumped in. Watching and bidding in earnest, they saw the price quickly approach their budget. After 15 bids, the boat was theirs, just slightly above their budgeted price.

The history of the Sports Cruiser dates back 50 years. It was sold by Montgomery Ward but actually built by Chris-Craft Corp. Montgomery Ward contracted with many different manufacturers to produce the lines of boats it marketed. It sold aluminum boats built by Starcraft, fiberglass boats by Wizard, cedar strip and molded plywood boats by Chetek, and top-of-the-line plywood cruisers from Chris-Craft, all wearing the Sea King badge.

The plywood-hulled boats from Chris-Craft came from a    line of boat kits that Chris-Craft introduced shortly after World War II. In 1955, it began assembling and marketing selected kit models, which became its Cavalier Division. Marketing through Montgomery Ward was a quick and easy way for Chris-Craft to increase volume by developing its production facilities and methods necessary to remain competitive in the outboard boat market. Appearing in the Montgomery Ward lineup only in 1957 and 1958, these outboard cruisers were replaced with a line of fiberglass cruisers from another manufacturer in 1959.

 "The original owner of our boat worked for Montgomery Ward says Mike "Eventually he gave it to his son, who later sold it. That's what saved this boat. The next owner completely stripped the paint and refinished it, and that's where I lucked out.";

When the Luxems bought the Sports Cruiser, it had a 60-hp Gale on it. "We had it in the driveway with the lower unit in a bucket of water, and it was coughing, sputtering and spitting oil, " Mike recalls. "So we bought a 2004, 40-hp Evinrude E-TEC." With the new engine came the need for an aluminum bracket to adapt the long shaft motor to the short shaft transom. It was also necessary to replace the original Sea King cable and pulley steering system with a new Teleflex system.

 "The first time out, we pulled into a gas station to fill up, and two ladies instantly came up to us and asked what year our boat was," says Mike. "I can't tell you how many times we've heard   that question. I don't know what it is, but people are all over it."

The Luxems immediately put the Sports Cruiser to the test. "Lake Michigan does some really weird things," Mike says. "Once we went out a little too far and got caught in some strange waves and wakes. We turned and headed in real fast. That's where the new motor comes in handy."

On the water, Mike says their boat appears small, but on the trailer, it looks so big. "Nevertheless, it's everything we need,"   says Mike. "It's easy to trailer, has plenty of room in the cabin    and cranks on smooth seas. Most of all, it has that classic, wood-boat style that sets it apart from everything else on the water."

Water Warrior The Sports Cruiser may not always get respect from Lake Michigan, but it sure does from everyone else.