SoCal Classics: Wicked

Notable boats — sail and power —continue to turn heads in Southern California harbors. In this feature, The Log looks at one particular classic boat.  Boat name:  Wicked Length:  19.6 ft. Beam:  6 ft. Draft:  1 ft. Year Built:  1949  A Welcomed Purchase: Bob Mechikoff fell in love with the wooden Chris-Crafts while growing up and spending time in the Long Beach marina. He made a promise to himself when the time and circumstances were right, he would own a “beautiful, classic, all-mahogany, wooden Chris-Craft.” When he felt ready for such a purchase, he looked for about two years before he found the one. He made the purchase 10 years ago. Mechikoff describes the boat as “a classic work of art that is eternal, timeless and beautiful.” What’s in a Name: The boat was previously called Miss Saint Paul. Mechikoff renamed her Wicked, because she is “wicked fast.”  Restorations: The classic vessel, Wicked, needed to undergo an entire restoration, according to Mechikoff. Over three years, he had her professionally restored. “There’s no fiberglass on the boat at all,” Mechikoff stated. “It was done to Chris-Craft specifications.” The wooden boat has a brand new all-mahogany bottom and 10 coats a varnish. She also has a new impeller, carburetor, spark plugs, plug wires,...