Prewar Lionel-Craft Boats

A clockwork mechanism inside a Lionel-Craft boat operates the propeller. After the mechanism is wound and released, the boat can travel on a body of water and automatically return to the starting point. Here's what Lionel wrote about automatic steering: "An unusual feature of the Lionel boat is that it will steer automatically. The boat will go out in a straight line almost 150 feet, then it will turn and come back toward the starting position. To do this, loosen the Rudder Lock so that the rudder is free. Put the brake on and wind the spring fully. Place the boat in the water and release the brake. The automatic steering mechanism will do its work like magic. Of course, the accuracy of the steering will depend largely on the condition of the water or strength of the wind, as even the largest ships are at the mercy of the elements."

Pleasure boats (also known as runabouts) were produced from 1933 to 1936, and again from 1938 to 1941. Racing boats were made from 1936 to 1937. Note that boats made from 1933 to 1934 did not have seated figures.

Lionel-Craft No. 43 prewar pleasure boat with brass trim. Most of this boat has been restored.

Lionel-Craft No. 43 prewar pleasure boat with nickel trim. Except for the decal on the bow, this boat is original.

Lionel-Craft No. 44 prewar racing boat. This boat is original. The 1935 Lionel catalog stated this boat could travel up to 100 feet per minute!