Practical and functional are two words that don't always enter the vocabulary of today's classic boat owner. These are usually kind words describing boats that might not have the outer beauty necessary for others to deem them classic. Peter Kinn and Leah Rudnicki would beg to differ. Their 1947 Steelcraft Sedan combines all the useful attributes of a hardy workboat, yet also displays classic lines. Churchward and Co. Inc. in West Haven, Conn., built Steelcraft boats. The company kept busy during World War II with government contracts, but after the war, Churchward searched for new products and markets. The first Steelcraft boat came off the production line in October 1946.

By 1947, the company offered three models based on the same hull: the Sport Cruiser, Day Cruiser and Sedan. The Sport Cruiser was an open runabout with a forward cabin, while the Day Cruiser was similar but with a permanent roof. The Sedan featured the same forward cabin with an aft cabin completely enclosed, creating sleeping arrangements for four in two separate staterooms.

The Steelcraft came equipped with everything, from a fire extinguisher to a toilet. It was complete right down to the two Coast Guard-approved life preservers. While these features might sell a new boat, they didn't really present themselves to Pete and Leah on their first inspection in September 2005 of the aging Steelcraft. But despite appearing to be drained of any useful life, the old Steelcraft still managed a stately presence, even in its rundown condition.

"Cosmetically it needed a lot," Pete says. "It had sat outside for 5 or 6 years and looked pretty tough. Nevertheless, we really fell in love with it. The previous owner rebuilt the engine, and overall, it was mechanically sound."

The boat had been coated with coal tar, inside and out," says Pete. "That's what really kept it from rusting. It took us about eight months to complete the restorations, doing all the work ourselves." Old aspects like the cabinetry remained. "The bulkhead between the cabin and the rear deck was the only mahogany that was on the boat originally," Pete explains. "We rebuilt that wall with new mahogany and also laid down a new mahogany planked floor." Other earlier additions to the Sedan that were still intact included a sink and hand pump.

"Now it has a stereo and dimmable cabin lights - all the comforts of a new boat," Leah adds. "Pete installed a CO detector and re-wired the boat; he's American Boat and Yacht Council-Certified, and takes safety seriously." Pete even did the painting using foam rollers and PPG automotive finish, while Leah picked all of the colors. "We wanted to make it fresh by using classic colors," she says. "The interior is done in camel with white cushions."

The Sedan isn't a nimble boat, with a top end of 12 mph and a cruisng speed of 7 to 7.5 mph. "It'll cruise for 3 hours on 3 gallons of gas, and you can't beat that," Pete says. "It even has the original 95-hp Chrysler Ace flathead 6. The engine has been great."

Having put more than 100 hours on this classic during the last two months, Pete and Leah are satisfied with the outcome. "We're extremely pleased with the boat," says Leah. "We've anchored overnight, beached it and cruised in the rain. You name it, and this boat has done it." This Steelcraft still screams usefulness. "The best thing about this boat is that it's so practical," says Pete. "It's only 26 feet long and will handle two, four or six people easily. You can have dinner with friends, and the cabin is really nice. At 26 feet, you won't find a better boat."