432

Original "Bertha Mae" Mike Fink Keel Boat.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Disneyana Start Price:15,000.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
Original  Bertha Mae  Mike Fink Keel Boat.
All items are sold as is. Contact Van Eaton Galleries for condition reports and shipping information. 18% Buyers Premium for payment by Cash, Cashiers Check, Money Order, or Bank Wire. 21% Buyers premium for payments made by Credit Card, Debit Card, or PayPal.
(Disneyland, 1955-97) An original "Bertha Mae" keel boat from Disneyland's "Mike Fink Keel Boats" attraction. The original Disneyland keel boats, the "Bertha Mae" and the "Gullywhumper", were the actual boats used in Disney's live-action films "Davy Crockett's Keel Boat Race" and "Davy Crockett and the River Pirates". The boats debuted in December of 1955 and took guests on a free-floating tour around Tom Sawyer Island where they could sit on benches inside the cabin, or on the roof of the cabin. Around 1967, the "Bertha Mae" and "Gullywhumper" were replaced with slightly larger and more modern boats (three windows instead of two). These two boats would run uninterrupted on the Rivers of America for the next 27 years. . In 1997, the "Gullywhumper" keel boat capsized, dumping its passengers into the River. In response, the "Bertha Mae" was removed from the park, and the "Gullywhumper" returned to Disneyland as non-operational set decoration for Tom Sawyer Island. In 2001 Richard Kraft was able to purchase the boat from Disney and has had it in his possession since. The Gullywhumper sunk and was removed from the park in 2010 and replaced by a replica. Kraft's Keel Boat became the last of the actual bats used in the attraction, and a true piece of Disneyland History. The keel boat measures an impressive 38ft long, 12ft tall, and 10ft wide. The condition is fair to good, with expected wear from use, including wear and rotting of some wood, and separation to a few of the shutters. The mast and sail are still on the boat but have not been inspected. The engine was removed before Kraft obtained the boat. This item is being sold as a display piece, and not as a functioning boat. It has not been tested for sea worthiness, and should not be used for anything other than display. To inspect the boat prior to auction, please contact Van Eaton Galleries. Special shipping arrangements will be required. Please inquire before bidding.