Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Ithaca Cruiser
- Type: Pleasure Boat
- Year Built: Estimated mid-20th century
- Builder: Chris-Craft Corporation
- Dimensions: Approximately 28 ft (8.5 m) in length and 10 ft (3 m) in width
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Ithaca, NY
- Official Number: Not registered
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The vessel is a Chris-Craft cruiser, a type of recreational motorboat produced by the Chris-Craft Corporation, known for their mahogany-hulled boats popular in the mid-20th century. These cruisers were commonly used for leisure activities such as fishing, day trips, and short cruises on inland waterways.
Description
The Ithaca Cruiser is a recently discovered shipwreck located near the southern end of Cayuga Lake, close to Ithaca, New York. The vessel measures approximately 28 feet in length and 10 feet in width. Its construction and design suggest it was a mid-20th-century Chris-Craft cruiser, used for recreational purposes. The wreck lies submerged in the lake, with its wooden structure relatively intact, providing valuable insights into the recreational boating history of the region.
History
Chris-Craft cruisers were emblematic of mid-20th-century American leisure boating. The discovery of the Ithaca Cruiser adds to the historical understanding of recreational boating activities that once thrived in the Finger Lakes region.
Significant Incidents
The exact circumstances leading to the sinking of the Ithaca Cruiser remain unknown. However, its preservation in the cold, freshwater environment of Cayuga Lake has kept the wooden structure in remarkable condition, allowing for detailed study and documentation.
Final Disposition
The wreck was initially identified during a sonar mapping expedition on November 17, 2024. Further investigation using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) on April 24, 2025, confirmed the presence of the cruiser. The discovery was made by the team at SonarGuy.com, who have documented the find and continue to explore the lake for additional historical artifacts.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, there are no official navigational warnings or advisories issued for this wreck site. However, divers and researchers are advised to exercise caution and follow local regulations when exploring submerged cultural resources.
Resources & Links
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The discovery of the Ithaca Cruiser offers a tangible connection to the recreational boating history of the Finger Lakes region. As research and exploration continue, this site promises to yield further insights into the leisure activities and boatbuilding craftsmanship of the mid-20th century.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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