THE QUESTION: If you had $30,000 to spend for a boat, what kind would you buy?

PAT HOY
President
Sherman and Ambassador hotels
Chicago
A converted PT boat. It is fast, big enough for Lake Michigan, a highly maneuverable, very seaworthy boat and fast enough for water skiing on long runs. Speed is important. Storms are sudden and frequent here, and I like to be able to beat them into a harbor.

TRUMAN DODSON
Vice-president
Lehigh-Boone Bituminous Corp.
Bethlehem, Pa.
I own a year boat, the 35-foot cutter mehitabel, the epitome of what anyone would want in a boat. She was designed by seven racing enthusiasts who built and competed with her. I was lucky to get her from a naval architect in Annapolis. Twice mehitabel would be my choice.

REAR ADMIRAL FRANK A. LEAMY
Superintendent
Coast Guard Acad.
New London, Conn.
I wouldn't. After a life spent at sea, I'd buy a chicken farm. But since you pin me down, I'd buy a motor sailer, with a small amount of sail. It's comfortable, large, a good sea boat and economical, most important for a Coast Guard officer.

ANDRE BARUCH
Radio and TV announcer
Harrison, N.Y.
A 45-foot ketch. It's large enough for the family and seaworthy enough for the seven seas. She is so well balanced that one man can handle her in fair weather. She's wonderful in foul weather because the mainsail can be lowered and you can run with just the jib and the mizzen.

GERRY WADE
Maine Fish and Game Department
Skowhegan, Maine
My choice would be a seaworthy cabin cruiser that was equipped with twin motors of 125 horse or more for luxurious cruising along Maine's 2,380 miles of coast line. On occasion, I would want to follow the coast line down to Florida. No, not through the inland waterway. That's for landlubbers.

S. W. MACLACHLAN
Sugar company executive
Caguas, P.R.
One of the 110-foot sub chasers built in the first World War. There are some still around. After the war they sold for $3,000 and made great rum runners. I'd install a diesel capable of 10 knots and make a luxury boat out of her. The ship would be ideal for weekends, and my friends would be the crew.

SEVEN PHOTOS