Business: Motor Boats

They looked like toy launches made to float in a bathtub, but they were bigger. They stood on varnished or gilded cradles in the Grand Central Palace, Manhattan—exhibits of the annual motor boat show. Salesmen at every booth gave away folders in blue and gold, in sea-green and orange, describing in fascinating language the advantages of their model's. Well-dressed people read the literature, studied the bright little boats.

One does not have to be tremendously well-dressed to be interested in, or even to buy, a motor boat. Once any privately-owned boat over 15 feet...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!