42' Purdy Commuter Launch (1919) - ZIPPER

Zipper was built by the famous Purdy Brothers in Miami Beach, Florida, for Carl Fisher, and was originally called Altonia. She is a commuter type boat, fast and stylish.
She is stored Mount Dora, FL, about 25 miles north of Orlando. She has been in my collection for 30 years. She is in very good condition, but she does need to be restored before she goes back in the water.
To give you a little history, the Purdy Brothers had ties to Carl Fisher, the man credited with the development of Miami Beach. They originally worked for Consolidated Boats, then went out on their own and joined up with Carl Fisher. Their first shop was at the Indianapolis Speedway, which Carl Fisher built. When Fisher moved to Miami Beach, they followed along and set up shop in Florida. Their boatyard was located where Sunset Harbor is today. I think there is still a “Purdy Avenue” in that area. When Fisher decided to move to Long Island, the Purdy Brothers again followed.
The Purdy Brothers built most of their boats for Fisher and his group of friends. Fisher had Zipper (Altonia) and three other similar boats built. He then sponsored promotional races to show them off, competing in runs from Miami Beach to Palm Beach, to the Bahamas, etc. This makes her one of the first off-shore race boats.
She is powered by twin Sterling Petrel engines that are a true matched pair. Like many of the Purdy’s she has a large bronze rudder hung on the transom.
Zipper is the only boat left that was built on Miami Beach, and she is probably the oldest boat built in Florida that has survived. Currently the best known Purdy Boat is Aphrodite, a large commuter. I believe she was built in Long Island in the late 30’s.
The boat is just as I found her in Canada some thirty five years ago. She is in very good shape but she does need restoration before she goes back in the water. She needs a good home so give me a call if you have any interest (352) 205-3859.