1956 Chris-Craft 17 Sportsman

$17,500

Used

Boat in Traverse City, MI 49685 US

builtBuilt in 1956
Year the boat was built
model

17 Sportsman

Boat model
engine

1 Engine (Chris-Craft)

Engine type and count
length

17 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Gas

Fuel type
material

Wooden

Hull material
Nominal Length
17ft
Length Overall
17.25ft
Beam
6.42ft
Dry Weight
1800lb
Fuel Tanks
20gal
Hull Material
wood
Engine 1
Engine Make
Chris-Craft
Engine Model
KLC
Total Power
131hp
Engine Hours
57
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
gasoline
Engine Year
1956
Drive Type
v
Additional Units Included
  • 1989 Manning
Disclaimer
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Price History

DateEventPrice
8/22/25Initial price$17,500

Overview from around the web 1956 Chris-Craft 17 Sportsman

Customers often praise the 1956 Chris-Craft 17 Sportsman for its classic design and timeless elegance

Many highlight the boat’s solid craftsmanship, noting the quality of the woodwork and the attention to detail that Chris-Craft is known for. Enthusiasts appreciate its smooth handling and reliable performance on the water, making it ideal for leisurely cruises and fishing trips alike. The vintage appeal combined with practical functionality makes it a favorite among collectors and boating aficionados who value both style and substance in a classic runabout.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1956 Chris-Craft 17 Sportsman is a classic wooden runabout that holds a special place in boating history. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Timeless Design: The 17 Sportsman features the iconic Chris-Craft mahogany hull and sleek lines, offering classic beauty and vintage charm.

Quality Craftsmanship: Built with high-quality materials and attention to detail, it showcases the exceptional woodworking skills of the era.

Compact Size: At 17 feet, it's easy to trailer, launch, and maneuver, making it ideal for day cruising and watersports on lakes and calm waters.

Solid Performance: Equipped originally with reliable inboard engines, it delivers smooth and enjoyable rides.

Collector’s Appeal: As a vintage model, it holds strong appeal for classic boat enthusiasts and collectors.

Cons

Maintenance Intensive: The wooden hull requires regular upkeep, including varnishing and sealing, to prevent rot and maintain appearance.

Limited Space: The compact size means limited seating and storage, which may not be ideal for larger groups or extended trips.

Outdated Features: Lacks modern conveniences such as advanced navigation systems, safety gear, and engine technology.

Potential Parts Scarcity: Finding replacement parts for original engines and fittings can be challenging and costly.

Performance Limitations: While smooth, it may not match the speed or fuel efficiency of modern fiberglass boats.

Made For

The 1956 Chris-Craft 17 Sportsman is perfect for classic boat enthusiasts who appreciate timeless design and quality craftsmanship. Ideal for those seeking a stylish and reliable vintage runabout, it suits individuals who enjoy leisurely cruising, fishing, or watersports on lakes and calm waters. This iconic boat is also great for collectors and anyone looking to own a piece of boating history with a blend of performance and elegance.

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1956 Chris-Craft 17 Sportsman. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Runabout cost in today's market, or how much does a Chris-Craft cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$198.62/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 17,500
OR
%

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1956 Chris-Craft 17 Sportsman. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Runabout cost in today's market, or how much does a Chris-Craft cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$198.62/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 17,500
OR
%

Contact Walstrom Marine

501 Bay St., Harbor Springs, MI, 49740

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Address

501 Bay St.
Harbor Springs, MI 49740

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