Anchors Aweigh For 40 Million Admirals

The rollicking postwar boating boom shows no signs of slackening. Since 1947, the first year of the bonanza, the number of recreational boats in use has nearly quadrupled. Nearly 40 million pleasure sailors took to the water in some 8 million boats last year and spent over $2 billion. The figures would be even more staggering if enough dock facilities had been available. Some 500,000 boatmen were on waiting lists for marina berths, and more than a million people who applied for mooring space were turned away. The National Association of Engine and Boat Manufacturers estimates that 2 million more boats would have been sold in 1958 if there had been enough moorings to go around. It is on this optimistic note that Chicago's Boat Show will open on February 5. The boats on these pages were seen last month in New York and will be displayed, along with many more, at the International Amphitheatre through February 14.

Sport fisherman, the rugged 27-foot Owens Sea Skiff, has dual controls to flying bridge, two bunks, enclosed head and a lapstrake hull of mahogany. Price: $6,395.

Speed and Spray...

Back-to-back seating, a folding cockpit table, arm rests and concealed control cables are some of the features of the 16-foot Aluma Craft Tangier runabout. Boat can handle up to 80 hp. Price: $1,195.

Do-it-yourself Sock Boat kits give the handy sailor a chance to build a fiberglass boat. Dinghy can be done in a weekend, costs $125. Runabout (rear) takes 20 hours over a four-day period. Cost: $395.

Multi-purpose Glasspar Marathon fiberglass runabout is an ideal craft for water skiing (has ski tow hardware), fishing or pleasure cruising. An optional folding canvas top can be attached. Price: $895.

Family and Fun...

Racing sailboat, swift 14-foot Flying Tern, is made in Holland for the Van Breems International Corp. Constructed of fiber-glass, the boat carries 120 square feet of Dacron sail. Price complete: $1,105.

Family sloop, the 26-foot New Horizons, was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, built by Ray Greene & Co. Cabin has ample four-berth layout with galley and a fully enclosed head. Price: $8,950.

Compact Cruisers