Motorboats 100 years ago: ‘Everyone’s motorboat’ from the Krieger yacht yard

“Jedermanns Autoboot” was featured in the June 1926 issue of our sister magazine, YACHT. It was built by the Kriegermann yacht yard in what was then Spandau-Pichelsdorf. The waters around the German capital were witnessing a rapid rise in boating at the time – on the water, too, those years were regarded as the Golden Twenties.

The mass production of this elegant round-bilged boat was intended to enable even those with ‘more modest means’ to follow this trend and set off on their own keel for a trip on the water. Thanks to the American folding soft top, this was possible even in rainy weather. Here is the original text:

Seating for up to six people

This motorboat, measuring 6.50 m in length and 1.40 m in width, with its sleek and attractive design, is intended – thanks to its shallow draught, its spaciousness and, above all, its low price – to enable even those of modest means to explore all the waters of the Mark and similar bodies of water.

As the drawings show, the boat is covered up to the driver’s cab, fitted with an automatic steering system and equipped with two benches in the passenger compartment, each seating two people, so that four people can sit comfortably inside. In addition, however, it is possible to fit folding seats to the rear wall of the front section to create space for two further people if required.

A powerful two-cylinder engine with 12 PS

The engine, a 12 PS two-cylinder Bub engine with a reversing gearbox, is housed in the enclosed foredeck, as are the fuel tanks and the storage space for spare supplies, etc. The engine is completely exposed, so that all parts can be easily accessed from all sides.

The engine was deliberately chosen to be so powerful as to give the vehicle a high speed, enabling it to cope smoothly even with strong currents. On-board lighting is provided by an alternator. This vehicle will have a speed of approximately 24 km per hour.

Mahogany and Oregon pine

In order to produce this small, attractive vessel as cost-effectively as possible in line with current conditions, the Kriegermann G. m. b. H. yacht yard in Spandau-Pichelsdorf has set itself the task of manufacturing the boat in series production. The hull of this round-frame vessel is made of oak, carvel-built; the sheer, the gunwale and the fittings are all mahogany, whilst the deck is made of Oregon pine.

The small vessel is fitted with an American-style folding canopy, so you can safely set out on trips even in rainy weather. Thanks to this folding canopy, the boat is also ideal for travel, and you can set up camp under the canopy at night.

Technical Specifications

• ​Type: Auto-boot
• Manufacturer: Yachtwerft Kriegermann G. m. b. H., Spandau-Pichelsdorf.
• Length: 6.50 m
• Width: 1.40 m
• Speed: 24 km
• Engine: 12 PS Bub

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