Do you own a Cargile Cutter Cruiser, or know someone that does? A goal of this blog is to catalog existing Cargiles. From the early 1970s when the boats were first introduced, until the the early 1980s when they ceased production there were approximately 600 Cutters built in Allen Cargile’s Nashville factory. Other Cargile owners and I would appreciate your help in identifying remaining Cargiles in existence.
Cargile Cutter Cruisers 
I have a Cargile Cutter, Serial # 3937 (CAR108131275) built in 1976. This boat has the twin Volvo Penta 4 cylinder engines (AQ130C) with the 270 out drive. She was originally sold to a man in Lewistown, PA. We are at least the 3rd family to own her. She is in good shape and has been stored indoors for the past 4 years since we bought her. I have redone the plumbing with a new freshwater system and rebuilt one motor. We just had her out last weekend for the first trip of the year and everything is working fine.
My father owns a Cutter and is the original owner. We live in Oregon. He bought it when I was a child and I’m almost 50 now…so early 70’s sometime. It has a Ford 351Windsor V8 and a Volvo Penta 270 outdrive. He has considered re-powering it through the years to get better mileage but it just never happened. I remember water skiing behind her when I was young. Crossing those 3 foot wakes was like falling off a cliff! We also did a lot of fishing at the coast, Shasta lake trips, Catalina Island trips and several trips through the San Juan Islands in Washington up into the inland waterways of Canada. Great memories. I’m sure I’ll end up with it when my dads boating days are over.
I own a 1975 28′ Cutter with twin 215HP Waukesha marine engines and Volvo outdrives serial # 3711.
Wayne…Many thanks for your email. Send pictures and I’ll post them. Dick
I was on a motorcycle ride last night in Alburgh, VT (a long way from home) when I spotted an old boat I was familiar with. I believe my uncle owned this about 20 years ago, so I stopped for a closer look. Upon researching these boats this morning, I found your blog. It doesn’t look like she will see the water again, as she is at a marine bone yard. I remember cruising on “Serenity” as a 5-year old, and I’m now 36. Really interesting looking boats.
I found her here:
The Boatsmith
423 Us Route 2 S
Alburgh, VT 05440
802-796-3686
I brought her there to her final resting place. I owned this boat for about 3 years and never was able to get the funds to restore her. This boat needed everything include a complet upper deck replaced. Your Uncle gave me the boat in hopes that I would be able to bring it back to it’s previous glory. I would love to buy one that didn’t need everything like this one did. I was taken by it’s unique design and spacious cabin. This one did have twin Chryslers and one of the engines is torn apart. The outdrives were ok but the decks were all really soft and rotten. Your uncle told me that it sank twice because of bellow issues. This one is headed for Cargile Heaven unless you sink 30 grand into her. I have other picture somewhere of all of her. Thanks for posting these. Steve Short .. Burlington, VT.
Im trying to buy her so I can use the parts to fix mine. But when I called the guy he didn’t seem to know what I was talking about. I’m hoping the engines and Outboards are rebuildable. If you know anything please give me a call at (931) 237-9780
Well this will be my secound Cargile restoration and I’m not even done with the one i have. I found this site while looking for parts for my Cargile 30′ . as soon as i saw the pictures of ” Serenity” i called the number. My daughter and i are going to Vt. Durring her spring break to bring her home. I probably won’t get started restoring her until next fall, because after i finish the one i have already started
( “Knot Today”) i will probably take time to enjoy her before i start on “Serenity” … I’m going to keep her name, kinda fitting.. Had to change the name of the one i have, it was kinda dumb “Guest House”
Anyway just thought you would like to know she’s not going to cargile heaven just yet.
Hello, I acquired a 74 28 footer that I am in the process of redoing. It sat in a field in Western Pa for the last 11 years that i know of. Finally making some headway on it as my budget allows. I am trying to find more info on the Waukesha engine as a cross reference to get parts for it since sadly most of the original stickers have faded or came off. I do know its a 351 winsor and as of the time being the engine is running great thanks to seafoam and an updated ignition system. I also know of another one here in the Pittsburgh area I am tryin to look at. Once she is complete im naming it the river monster, one for the unusual look and secondly since my nickname is fishing Jim. I can send pics if you would like. Thanks and if you know of any parts for them that would be helpful as well.
Hello Dick,
I have a Top of the line (for it’s time) 1976 Cargile Cutter.
Limited edition Twin inboard-outboard Volvo Penta AQ130C engines with 270 outdrives. One of the engines was rebuilt less than 2 years ago to replace a head gasket.
Trailer rebuilt may 2013 with 2 new axles, 4 wheels and tires, electric brakes.
Bunks for 6-8 (including dinette). microwave, granite countertop in galley, propane oven/stove. Shore power system for battery charger and microwave.
Rebuilt freshwater system with a new 34 gallon poly tank, water pump, pressure tank and lines throughout. Replaced the marine head with a portapotti. Sink drains to a grey water tank that can be pumped out at a marina or there is a built in pump.
As it says in the original advertisement for this vessel, “It makes your DREAMS come true”.
This classic Cargile Cutter is available for enjoyment now!
Call (503-880-5100) or write with any questions/comments
My grandfather owed a Cargile Cutter, which I believe he bought new (not sure of the year or length). They took the boat up and down the Mississippi River multiple times as well as vacationing on Lake Erie – we have pictures of them pulling it with a Cadillac. When he passed in ’84 my grandmother handed it down to my uncle which had a lake house on Lake Wawasee in Indiana. At sometime in the late ’90’s early ’00’s he sold it to someone else on the lake.
I had not seen the boat in many years until someone in the family told me where it was – it had not seen water in 6 or so years and the owners children/neighborhood kids completely destroyed the inside, including my grandfather’s custom cabinets and the original upholstery. I asked the owner if he would sell it – and he said NO and shut the door in my face. This past summer he lost his house due to foreclosure and the boat is no where to be found. Every now and then I do internet searches to see if I can find it (for sale) as I would love to buy the boat back and to restore it. I just haven’t been able to locate it.
Eric…Best of luck in your search. Let me know if I can help. So sad to see such wonderful old boats scraped.
It took awhile and I pretty much gave up looking, until I got a phone call 2 days ago. The current owner tracked down my uncle who gave him my number. He still owns the boat and wants to sell it ASAP for almost nothing – or it’s heading for scrap. We are going to look at it this weekend to see if it’s even salvageable from a structure standpoint. We shall see, will be in touch.
My name is Dennis Humphreys and I have lived in Hollister CA. since 1970. I know a farmer here in town that has a 28′ Cargile Cutter with a Chevy V8 engine. The boat is on a 3 axle Trail Rite 15,000lb trailer. The boat is in sound condition, but needs mechanical and cosmetic restoration. It is for sale, so if anyone is interested, call me at 831-637-1387 or email dennisrhumphreys@hotmail.com
Dennis…Thanks for writing. Any information or pictures you can send will be appreciated. I’m trying to document Cargile that are brought to my attention. Thanks for your help with this one. Dick T
My father owned a 1976 28′ Cargile Cutter about 10 years ago. Boat name: “Kare Knot”. He originally bought it in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It was blue and white in colour and required a lot of TLC. He painted it white and black and completed a full restoration inside & out. We had it parked at the end of our dock on the Rideau River just outside of Smiths Falls, Ontario. My dad sold it to a guy named Kenny Rogers who had it parked on the Big Rideau Lake briefly. Unsure of its current location / condition.
Sorry for the LONG delay in replying, but many thanks for writing. Much to my dismay, I forgot AND lost my password to log in. VERY frustrating, but alas I can now get things caught up. Thanks for your patience. If you ever come across a picture of Kare Knot, I’d gladly post them on the blog.
I have a 30 foot 1980 Cargile Cutter that I’ve had for about 6 months. I purchased it from an individual in Georgetown, SC. I live in Moncks Corner, SC. I put a new Chevy 350 marine engine in it plus had a lot of work done on the upholstery. I have it for sale right now with the trailer for $17,500.
I’m apologizing to everyone for my absence and lack of posts. As ludicrous as it sounds, I literally forgot my log-in password several months ago, and tonight I FINALLY remembered the correct one. I’m in Mount Pleasant. If you haven’t already sold your Cargile, send me some pictures and a write-up about the boat. I’ll gladly post them.
I have a 1980 30′ Cutter for sale. Originally called “Dimond Cutter” out of the great lakes area, was sold to a gentleman in Troy, New York, who became disabled and couldn’t run it anymore. A friend and I traveled there from Fairbanks, Alaska in May of 2001, picked it up and brought it back to Alaska. Has 140 gallon fresh water tank under the cabin sole with a 12 gallon septic tank, 138 gallon fuel tank, and recently refitted with a Volvo Penta KAMD42PA diesel with a duo-prop outdrive. She cruises nicely at 26 and has a top end of 38. At cruise she sips 5.3 to 5.7 gph. She has the original trailer with a spare set of axle springs and new axles with electric brakes (just replaced in September of 2014), a spare outdrive, props, and other misc. parts. She is a sweet boat, but am looking for a much larger liveaboard at this time in life. Will sell a diesel truck with boat and trailer for 28,000. ready to run.
I have a 30′ Cargile with twin Volvo Diesels. It is in perfect mechanical condition. The paint and interior could use some work. I simply do not have time to use the boat. It has a nice aluminum trailer that is included. I would take $15k for it.
Jordy.
jordy@jordy.com
Jordy…please send pictures. I’ve never seen a twin diesel. Would love to see your Cargile and know as much of the history as you can share.
is your cargile still for sale
Brandon 503.516.8995
SunSmiles was sold approximately 18 months ago, and destroyed in transit. There is a 1980, 30′ Cargile Cutter for sale in Moncks Corner, SC
Yes it is
352-427-2560
Jordy
There’s a 28 foot Cargile Cutter for sale here in Anchorage Alaska. The website is: http://anchorage.craigslist.org/bod/4658777581.html. Never heard of the boat before; found this site researching the boat. I was amazed to read the account of Alan Cargile crossing the Atlantic in a 30 footer–good read in the old May 1978 issue of The Ensign. I’m going to run down and take a look at it–lot’s of history in this boat!
I’m writing from France (sorry for my bad english!).
Since several months, I search a 30′ Cargile Cutter and from here, it’s very difficult.
Because I identified this boat as ideal for my program, I’m ready to come in US, discover the boat, buy her, trail to the good harbour, put the boat on a cargo, receive her in France (or Europe), change the trailer (your’s are not alloyed in France), trail again and then repair and prepare … and sail!
At this time, I just need to verify the weight of the 30′ Cargile because to trail in Europ, this point is very important.
Naturally, if I succed with this project, the Cargile Cutter enthusiasts will be welcome to sail a Cargile in Mediterrannee.
If usefull, my email adress is: boudon.samuel@orange.fr
Sincerely,
Sam
hi I found a 77 in ok city area I fill in love with it it came with the trailer when I got home I took a good look at it and found a new 1977 stove, sink, m/w ,frige, all the seats looked new a new tv,and around sound the two Volvo, and outdrives looked all most new the back decks were a little soft so I replaced them the next tang will be over the head but that will come latter, I had to stop for now my wife has heart problem and I have retired from army now I take care of her so I my have to sell this sweet old girl
I have replied to this in the past, but never got a reply. So I will try again.
I purchased a 1972 Cargile Cutter, in Texas, a few years ago. I now have it in Florida and have been working on it for the past 2 years. I started by removing most of the interior and rebuilding it. I have completely changed the lay-out and still have hopes of living on it in the neare future.
Jim
Jim… I owe EVERYONE an apology! I went for a while without posting on the site, forgot my password, and to further complicate matters, still had the email address with my previous Internet provider in my profile. I recently found my password and all is now well and up-to-date. Congratulations on your Cargile!!! Would really like to see pics when you have some available.
Dick
Jim, could I ask roughly how much money you’ve put into restoring the boat, not including the engine and outdrive? I located my grandfather’s Cutter which is for sale and it needs be completely restored. It has not seen water in 7-8 years and the owner left it sit level and uncovered. So water has been running through the top deck to the inside cabin. I am not sure if I’ll be able to afford the restoration, even taking a few years to do it. Everyone online that has talked about restoration has never mentioned costs.
Thanks Jim or anyone else that might be able to give me an idea.
Eric
erk0380@gmail.com
Eric:
You have asked the number 1 question that has to be addressed when starting a project like this. I would really like to give you a definitive answer only I don’t think I could, and I also think anyone who says they can is kidding themselves. So, to try and come up with some sort of an answer, I would like to mention some of the concerns I have found necessary to think about when jumping into a project like this:
1) Do you have a place to keep the boat while you are working on it? If you have to pay to store a boat this size the project can get very expensive and very old in a hurry.
2) Do you have all the tools necessary to do the project, or at least have access to them.
3) I am retired, and I know that when I worked a full time job a project of this magnitude would have been almost out of the question. So do you have the time?
4) Are you in good health, and half way decent shape? I have found, doing a project like this requires a lot of climbing, lifting, bending and stretching, and a project like this will let you know if you are not in shape.
5) Undertaking a project like this gives you the opportunity to spend your money a little at a time, so the amount of time necessary to complete your project is often directly connected to amount of money you have available. Learn to work to your budget and not to a deadline.
These are only a few of the basic concerns to think about, and if you are not comfortable with your answerers to these concerns save your money and buy a boat that is turn key.
Jim
I own a 1972 Cargile Cutter that I have been rebuilding for the past few years. Does anyone know what carburetor came on the 318 Chrysler engine?
Jim… Of hand, I can’t answer your question, but maybe someone with a Chrysler powered Cargile can after reading your post.
Dick
Dick
First, thank you for your reply. After doing some research I have determined that the carburetor on this motor was an early Chrysler performance carburetor, and I have changed it out to a more modern standard carburetor.
Jim
i have a 71 28′ that i restored years ago.ill check on that for you.
That carburetor is a early model Carter the crysler used from 1966 383 motor big block for performance to get plenty of air and fuel.
hi steve short my name is Melvin sumter I live in Yukon ok I have a 19 77 cagile could you call me at 405-373-0204
I have a 30 foot Cargile Cutter I bought from Alan Cargile himself in Nashville back in 1978. I originally used it in Illinois and Wisconsin, but now I have it on Drummond Island in Michigan’s U.P. It now has a new Mercury 7.3 liter engine with a Mercury outdrive. Runs like a dream. If you are interested in buying it, let me know.
We just bought on that needs quite a bit of work but it will be well worth it every bit of it I believe
I have a shark boat for sale.
Its built off the molds of Cargile Cutter
Its a 1988 with aft cabin and walk thur bridge.
Omc 460 cobra with 250 hrs, generator, air,heat.
2017 triple trailer
Craigslist link. https://nashville.craigslist.org/boa/6153770144.html
My wife and I recently purchased a boat similar the the cutter
It is a shark.
Front 2/3’s of the boat looks like Cargill cutter, back 1/3 slightly different.
https://goo.gl/photos/TvvTrtkCFykSKVTP8
I am looking to buy a 30′ Cargile Cutter project boat. I am going to repurpose the hull so condition or parts missing is not a problem. Located in KY but will travel for the right deal.
Depending on how much of a project you want to take on, my grandparent’s Cutter has been sitting on a trailer in a field for 8 or so years in Syracuse Indiana, I am not sure the exact size or model, but it slept 5 kids and 2 adults on trips up and down the Mississippi and trips to Lake Erie. Two years ago I thought about buying it and went to look at it, the roof was leaking into the cabin and there was maybe a foot of water inside. It’s been uncovered in Indiana’s winters and the windows were left open. At that point we didn’t even bother looking at the outer haul to see if there were noticeable cracks. It was beyond my repair knowledge and what my budget could allow for. The current owner was asking $1,500 for it then- the trailer itself might be worth that.
I still have pictures from that trip if you would be interested in looking at them, send me an email if you do.
I am interested in any pictures or conversation you may want to have my name is JEFF you can email me or text or call me my number is 267-325-2000
Does anybody know how i could track down the current owner or location of my grandfathers old cargile cutter
I have two Cargile Cutter’s 1971 and 73 and I am interested in trading pictures were speaking to anyone that is interested in Cargile Cutter’sYou can text me or reach me at 267-325-2000