It's Almost Springtime In Woodyboaterville.

<br/><a href="http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=180111ef-05fe-4883-bb99-85f069528a02" target="_new" title="Good Run - A Boating Story">Video: Good Run - A Boating Story</a>

Hate Commuting To Work? Try This.

For sale. A very rare 1930 38' Chris Craft Commuter, she used to belong to John Rodi.....So you ask? Who is John Rodi. Well, he was one of the original Chris Craft dealers in Chicago. Don't you remember.... By the way if you do, congratulations, you have lived to see the day that John Rodi has celebrity status....The Boat to be sold with restoration only. Work done by Nelson Boatworks, hands down one of the top restorers in the hobby. You can find out more ...click here.
Now I wonder if there is a boat pool lane on the freeway? mmm

28 Days til Lake Dora, You Need To Go! No Really!

Winter is almost over in Woodyboaterville, The Sunnyland ACBS Lake Dora Show marks the first day of classic boating for us here. The annual trip to sunshine and freshly varnished boats is the one thing I look forward to all winter. It's the start of spring, and represents hope, and a new opportunity to meet some very cool folks. This year will be even more important, because we all need the show/event to show us that despite the gloom and doom broadcast on CNN 24/7, that life goes on, and it does so with a nice classic boat. Many of the boats in the show have been there before. We forget that some of these boats have seen families through war, death, bankruptcy, and countless other horrible things. And yet, there they are, shimmering in the light, waiting to be used to take us all away from that crap. And no place or time is better for that than Lake Dora. The folks at this event do an amazing job, and that is the secret. The people there. I will bet, that the most common statement you will hear while there is"What recession?" we all know its here, but for 4 days and nights. It all just does not matter. And that is worth the 14 hr drive, and the 6 hr fight. So if you are on the fence this year, waffling about going or not. You are indeed in need of this. Trust me, you will thank yourself for going. And so will we. mmmm just think....Chicken on a stick...mmmmmmm

Book your room now, there are some amazing deals out there. I just got a nice room at the Mission Inn $89 a night. Say its for the ACBS show, they got a special rate. There is a spa and golf course... So the spouse might actually come as well.

The Amazing Model Making of John Into & Nancy Price

I had just featured a nice model on eBay this week. It just sold for a tad over $200. What was special about that model is that it did not look like one of the elcheapo ones. And for the record, $200 bucks was a killer price, so congrats to lucky new owner. If you want to step it up a notch, and have your dream boat built from scratch with you in your family room, meet John Into and Nancy Price. In fact you may have already met them at one of the countless shows they go to.
Shows are a bit overwhelming for me, my eyes are consumed with all the boats and people to meet. So a one foot long highly dtailed boat gets blended in with all the others. But the more you look, the more amazing they are. John and Nancy do an amazing job. Here is there web site, so you can drool and fantasize about your new one footer.... Click Here!

Correct Vintage Fire Extinguishers! It's All In The Details.

What a great resource to give your classic boat that perfect look. I said look by the way. I have one of these, and to be honest have 4 brand new modern ugly ones on board as well. Something about Wood, Gas, and sparks... Call me crazy. Anyway those are tucked away at arms length, but the one that prodly sits out in the open in its correct place is one of these beautiful brass ones. If you have a Chris Craft, it might tell you the kind that was delivered with your boat on it hull card. If not Give the folks at www.vintagefe.com a click.. They will be glad to help. You will find these items at flea markets as well. but may not get the correct one. So its a good idea to check with the experts. Save those point deductions for the wrong screw head or the wrong nut on your carb!!!!!

From 26 Feet To 2 Feet. It's All Woodyboating!

I am still on the fence about the 26 ft Continental reported on yesturday. I love the boat and Jerry the restorer did a nice job. But is it to large? I am also looking at this 16 foot utility on eBay. Only as it turns out, it is only 24 inches. Dang. hand made, took the guys years to make. I wonder if he used 5200 on the bottom.. Click Here for the utility

Roooooooad Trip! Part 3.. This Time With Actual Images.

Here are images of the 1956 26 ft Continental.

Road Trip. Part Deux!

Dang! my camera is not not downloading. I will try later. And Dang again! 26 feet of 1950's styling is huge! Cadillac huge! Jerry from the restoration shop did a very nice job... New wood, old wood, on a very nice user boat/ship/ocean liner. The interior is new, the bottom is new, some frames.. The deck is orig on plywood. 12 coats of varnish...And every inch is bedded in 5200. The bleached part is new. There is some new chrome and small pieces missing. A nice new trailer twin axle. The motor is not installed and is a nice OMC 350. Used but good. Needs wiring, and throttle, and a trans. So? I am himming and hawing on this one. Dang it. Updates later.

Roooooooad Trip! In Search Of Classic Boat Paridise. Part One!

It's 6:25AM here in VA and we are off to look at a very sweet restored Chris Craft Continental. It's 2 hrs away. What is special about this boat? Well, that's half the fun. The owner had it completely restored, new bottom, new interior, all the sides are refastened, and the top decks are all put on with 5200 and plywood backing. It's 26 feet. The sad thing is that the owner passed away, and now it's for sale by the family and restorer........$15,000 Do the math... Oh did I mention it has a brand new trailer......So. I am off to see it. I will update later today with more photo's....The journey is fare more fun than the destination sometimes. Especially when you are towing a boat home....

Stillwater Boat Company! They Can Make Your Fantasy Come True.

Have a fantasy that involves your love for classic boats? No I am not talking about water skiing in your underpants... Lets say you want your service desk to be the hull of a Chris Craft Sportsman? Well..OK fantasy may be a stretch.. But it's a reality to Stillwater Boat Compnay. A new business that will build your dreams...Like this one from Stokley Marine, Ralph Stokley is the owner and commissioned Stillwater Boat Co. to build this service counter. He wanted a service area that looked like a Wooden Boat. So, they designed it after the U22 Sportsman series of Chris Crafts. The counter is 16 ft long and 34 inches wide. Standard Plank on frame construction. Planks on the sides are 3/8th inch and decks are 1/2". Center black area is formica for increased wear and tear. 10 Coats of Varnish finish this beauty off.If you want to contact Steven at Stillwater Boat Company and email him your dream...sgkclassicboat@earthlink.net and please.. no photos of you in your underpants....

Elvis Has Left The Dock.. I Think!

Thanks again to the eBay freak show, we now have what could be... COULD BE! Elvis's 1966 Century Gulwing Sabre. According to the seller. These are very rare boats...OK... And this boat was sold in Memphis, and Elvis had one of these, that he bought in Memphis..at the same dealer.... It's all about the story by the way... Soooo... For all you Century geeks out there who talk in serial numbers and grain size. Start opening your books. Cause this COULD BE a hunka hunka varnished wood. Now, as by chance, I happened to have this very rare one of a kind photo on my computer... mmmmmmm. I just can't help believin...

A Real Nice 1958 14' Chris-Craft Kit Zephyr. A Real One. Really.

If you have been thinking about a really nice small fun boat to zip around in, and take to shows, here ya go. A really nice 50 year old fresh restored 1958 14' Chris-Craft Kit Zephyr $6,000. Listed on the trading dock..If I recall fellow Woodyboater Warren sold his new kit boat for about that much several months back. And this one is a real one, not a new kit..so it should be really worth more, based on the authentic nature of it all. There is also an original unbuilt kit for sale out there...$8,000... Sooo.. I have seen this boat for real in person and it is a real fun little boat, and for 6K you get to have something real to have in a show and talk about, not to mention that you are preserving a small wooden, and varnished part of our hobbies history that and you can race around with your pals and have a ton of fun. It's better than a jet ski for the kids... It really is!

Please Pass The Pipe. And No Micheal Phelps Is Not Involved...

This week we have covered the former president of the ACBS, The Rudder, A fashion ad, a very cool race boat and even a toilet seat, for god's sake whats left.... Well funny you should ask... Anyone need some 3 1/2 copper exhaust pipe? Laugh all you want til you need to find some. The only way you can get it is from a foundry, and you can't buy it in a 2 foot size that's for sure. So a bunch of woodyboaters are banding together and trying to score a deal on some tasty copper 3 1/2 inch pipe.... You in? If so, you can contact Fellow WoodyBoater Phil by his email pjonesz5@yahoo.com shhhhhhh, I think he grows it in his basement....

A Woody Babe, And Better Yet...She Isn't 80 By Now...Guess The Product.

Guess the product? This is from a current ad campaign online, GQ, and other Women's magazines ....Winner will be announced tomorrow. Answer. Perry Ellis, Both, for women's perfume and one with a guy on the boat for men's fragrance....I bet he smelled like gas when he climbed off that boat..even with a bottle of that stuff on him.. Click here

Lake Dora ACBS Show, A No Show In The Latest ACBS Rudder! Why?

Ugh! Here we go again, just for the record, I did not start this one. In-fact I understand this one. Maybe that's because I did some research before I shot of my key boards this time. Last time I realized that regarding the ACBS we are dealing with mostly volunteers and actual human beings that are trying to make the hobby a better place to live in. So..... With that said.

As many readers asked. "Why was the Lake Dora ACBS Show on March 25th-29th not mentioned in the latest issue of the ACBS Rudder Magazine ?" Was it just a missed deadline on the part of the Sunnyland Chapter in announcing there show...on March 25th-29th on Beautiful lake Dora in Tavaras FLA make your plans now featuring Riva Boats!!.... Shameless plug....and link.. Anyway was it there fault for missing the deadline? Most likely yes. I have an email into Terry right now, I will update ...It's on the ACBS web site, but not in the Rudder, it's in the latest issue of Classic Boating and the Brass Bell, and here on WoodyBoater... So? The question was asked to us, and thus we asked Chris Eden the editor of the Rudder.... You can read his complete answer on the Gene Porter comment trail. 17 comments to date, a record for WoodyBoater by the way. But the general gist of his point is this. " Our Calendar of events is built from the many boat show chairman and committee members responsible for getting the word out for their show. Our print deadlines are published clearly, as well are the submission guidelines. This past issue page 15. It is not the role of the Rudder or its staff to babysit these committees and determine for the many shows nationwide whether or not they have their submission in by deadline." OK, I understand that, harsh, yes, but there are over 55 chapters to promote...and do they do a story to promote them... Chris's answer to that.." with regards to our policy of boat show stories prior to or after shows. In general it is my policy not to do stories about a show prior to its show date. With over 55 chapters, and everyone wanting as much PR as they can gain, this would be very difficult to manage." once I again I understand. BUT!

So, this begs the question. Is the Lake Dora Show on March 25-29th more than just another ACBS show? And if it is, should it be talked about before the show. Here at WoodyBoater we take a different point of view, not that the Rudders is wrong. But WoodyBoater is about promoting events, shows, and the businesses of the hobby, I am shameless about it...And we clearly believe that the Lake Dora ACBS Show on March 25th-29th, is actually a major event in the classic boat hobby. The two others are Tahoe, and Clayton. That's it. The others are shows. The three mentioned are more, and should be treated as such. Lake Dora is about the River Cruise, it's about the opening of the Antique & Classic Boat season, and it's about showing off your latest winter varnish job and eBay barn find. It's also about seeing all your pals from across the country once a year. It's about all the restorers and brokers, insurance, and suppliers being in one place... Last year folks came from Seattle, California, NY, Mich, and British Columbia....a very long flight by the way. My point is. It's worthy of being different and promoting as a major event..for WoodyBoater. And way beyond a calender type show. And we should let the Rudder do what they do best. Promote Antique & Classic Boats for all there glory and history...Let the comments fly....

Picking The Right Classic Boat Insurance. It's Easier Than You May Think!

Not to sound like a shill here, and not to promote any sponsor over one that is not. But.....maybe thats the point....

If you are looking to insure your Antique or Classic boat, there is really only one place. Period. Hagerty Marine Insurance. Could they charge more because of that fact? Well, yes, but they don't, in fact they spend a huge chunk of there money supporting the hobby and the community that lives on it. Something no other company does. They will insure your small dinky speed boat, or a nice Connie. They will insure the boat in restoration ( The riskyest time of owner ship by the way) or on the trailer on the way to a show....They are truly there when you need them, and there when you don't, sponsoring shows, magazines, foundations and schools. If you think about it for a second, with all that money being spread around to help, your premium is far less than others that claim to be competitive because they make your hobby...passion, better. The competitors don't do any of that. Other than Ski Safe who used to run the occasional ad.

So think about it. If all the companies are the same. And they are not, but let's just say they are. Who helps you when you are not in need? Those are the folks that will clearly be there when you do need them. So for me, it's Hagerty, hands down, without question. There is a great story going on right now regarding insurance on the Boat Buzz if you want to read about horror stories. Read here.

Woody Boat Of The Month. John Ford Custom, Purdy Design Race Boat.

Forget how jaw dropping beautiful this boat is. Look at the engine! Holey Cow! I have seen this boat in person at lake Dora... By the way that show is only about 30 days away... make your plans!.....Sorry... and it has been used countless times in some of my stories as a back drop. And here it is for sale at Antique Boat Center. Unfortunately these images do not do this boat justice. It's amazing, I wish furniture looked this good. And it's all custom made, you would clearly be the king of any water you are on. There should be speakers blaring bad to the bone every time you start the engine. The Jaguar engine, one of sweetest sounding engines on the planet earth by the way. Lets just hope that the Lucas electric part of that story stayed out of the deal! Here is the listing just in case you want to take the fantasy to the next step. Warning after that, it gets expensive... but worth it.

Gene Porter, Past President Of The ACBS, and This Months WoodyBoater!

How much higher up on the ladder can one climb in the Antique and Classic Boat world than President of the ACBS? There is no higher step. But... now that Gene is a citizen like the rest of us, Woody Boater of the month is all I have to honor him. Sorry Gene, it's a long fall...

I had met Gene in St Micheal's last year not knowing that he was the big man on the dock, we talked and I fell in love with one of his boats. A very nice U22.. I even did a story called "I have seen the utility light".

Recently after my rant with the ACBS about 2.0 and forums.... many folks from the ACBS spoke up, complained behind the scenes, and there was a general ill feeling towards WoodyBoater.. I was deemed "undiplomatic".... I personally was sad that I had created a riff of sorts and was not sure what to do...By the way, I am a son of a diplomat... That one hit home... And then out of the blue, Gene Porter called me and asked to take me to dinner. That is the sign of true leadership I might ad. He reached out and was very gracious. I have met many leaders of corporations and in politics, and they all share the same attribute. Once you meet them in person you feel at ease and empowered. I must say that this felt no different. In fact it was a very nice dinner at Arties here in Virgina. We spoke about the ACBS a bit, but more about cool classic boating. His quest to find fun places to take his boats and ideas on how to help the ACBS.More importantly he explained the ACBS position on stopping the forum on the ACBS web site. Not only did it make sense, but now knowing what I know, I would have made the same choice today.... The true magic and value of the ACBS is it's ability to act as a governing body, and help encourage events and local ACBS chapters to grow and flourish. To be the human side of things. Something us web folks seem to forget. Human contact is very powerful. It's very easy for me to sit here with my key board and spew opinions with bad spelling and poor grammer. It's another thing to help a hobby have places and things to go an meet, and create common ground for all of us to communicate about.... So here's to not only Gene, but to the ACBS for being a true class act.

The Smallest Cobra!

This may be your best chance to own a rare Cobra. Smaller than a Hemi spark plug from the look of it. Made in England and a very nice collectible item to round out your Woody Boat collection...
Listing here.

Classic Boats Are Selling!

For all you Chicken Little's out there, I am sorry to say that the sky is not falling. In fact things are starting to warm up a tad. I have now spoken to 4 of the major brokers out there, and yes, been watching eBay and trying to get a general vibe of what the market is doing. And I am happy to report there is a movement in the force. Stuff is selling, and folks are buying. According to Lou at the Antique Boat Center who was actually selling a boat as I was speaking with him just yesterday... "Things are selling"... F.Todd Warner from Mahogany Bay, had just sold several boats last month and had just sold, that tasty 25 foot sportsman right in front of me. Dang!... Fellow Woody Boater Warren through his 19 foot century on eBay, SOLD in one shot!

So? Why? Why despite all the bad news is this going on? Well, because it's worth it I suppose. If the dollar is now worth less, than hard assets are not a bad place to put your money...if you have a ton of it. You can't spend a nice weekend at your bank sniffing your savings account. But your sure can enjoy the smell of a too rich mixture in your Zenith Carb! mmmm the smell of summer... Another thing is these are more than boats. They are art, antiques, collectibles, and then boats. So for the same buck you might spend on a new plastic boat, you get all that. Add to that, after 3 years when you are bitter and ready to sell, your Antique boat, could actually be worth more than what you paid for it. I don't know of any new boat that can claim that. Not one! So, when you think about it, buying a nice classic boat seems like a smart place to put your money right now. After all a boat is what you want when everything else is sinking....

Ohhhhh! Bingo. 1940 22 Foot Deluxe Utility.

I am not sure whats going on. Maybe its the 70 degree weather, but I got a hanker"n for a new boat. And as you can tell it's a utility. A 25 footer is great, but rare and hard to find in a reasonable affordable fashion. So I am flip flopping and what ever comes across my bow I seem to want. Maybe I just need to collect these things. Have 20 of them and...wait....it's a depression, and my kids want to go to collage, and my wife ...well is still my wife.... Dang it. I just found this new listing on Antique boat Center. Damit. This is perfect. It's a Utility, It has the cool Utility type on it, blue face gages. Even the leather/vynal on the whicker chairs....fresh restoration....snnnniiiiiiifffffffff I can smell the fresh varnish.... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! This is the one. The one and only....the one I always wanted....for today. Listing here. Buy it and I will hunt you down...and beg for a ride.

More Crap From eBay!

I was all prepared to do another story on a very nice 300K restoration. Feature every nut and bolt, a grain by grain explanation of the difference between African mahogany and Philippine. And then it happened. Fellow WoodyBoater Bill sent this to me. STOP THE PRESSES! Forget the stimulus package vote. Forget the Chris Craft belt buckle.... Forget it all. This is it. Now you will really be the king of Classic Boating, because you will have the ultimate thrown.. You will be the the big cheese, no matter how you cut it... Your bung hole is now at home on this sucker... I have more... But I thought you might enjoy this as well... Happy commenting... Sold Listing!

Another Cool 25 Foot Sportsman....Top That!

My new love affair with the 25 foot sportsman now has a twist. A nice hard top. This would be the perfect boat if I lived were it rains all the time, or use the boat to get places.. Like the Thousand Islands... Dang! I live were it's sunny most of the time...Skin Cancer! Maybe this is the way to go....This one is for sale through Mitch Lapointe on the Trading Dock

Lake Dora. Just A Little Over A Month Away!

Make your plans now!

The One Tip On Buying An Antique Or Classic Boat.

You have been bitten by the bug. You saw a photo, one on a trailer driving by. You had been thinking about a new boat. but for some reason it just does not do it for you. What ever the reason, you have to have a cool old Woody Boat. You go on the web, you search, you go to eBay, and it's all very confusing. Mostly because you are not just looking for specific boat, you just want a cool old boat. Here is what you find... The ACBS, a club, several brokers, restoration places, a ton of local chapters and a bunch of one off odd ball web sites that may have a one off boat for sale.

Now the questions start flying. Runabout, utility, outboard, inboard, new bottom, orig wood? All that. The other thing that you feel in your gut is that speaking to a broker is bad. They are just like car dealers right.... WRONG! This is were you make your first error. The major brokers in this passion are amazing assets to the community. They are trustworthy and very helpful. Trust me, I have bought boats both ways, and each time I have used a broker, it has saved me a small fortune and headaches. Also in the heat to get something, they offer options. You want a utility. Which one? What kind, Century, Chris Craft, Hacker, Garwood......Crosby, Dinky Craft....how bout the one in your neighbors grandfathers barn. By the watch out for that one... These boats are all emotion. A good broker can help you through that process.

While speaking to F. Todd Warner at Mahogany Bay. Some 25 ft Chris Craft Sportman are far better than others. It's a serial number thing. Well that's a tid bit that would be helpful before laying out $110,000 on a boat. Greg Jackson at Carolina Classic Boats, pictured above. He is helping a pal of mine negotiate on a boat and helping the seller realize that the price he wants is not the market anymore. Dang! Owners of boats can have an inflated value in there head. That does not help them sell there boat, or help a buyer buy one. Another issue about buying from the owner is they all think they restored it right. Ugh! Or it ran when I put in the barn 5 years ago! Lou Rauh at the Antique Boat Center has created a massive web site and showroom to help buyers and sellers meet in an environment that immerses you in the hobby, really, there is even a tank of water to put the boat in to test it....and be a help through the process... Mitch Lapointe at Classic Boat will actually buy the boat from the seller and then finds new owners. Mitch is a hoot to talk with, he has a very real world view of the hobby... He is a master at finding amazing barn finds by the way.... The secret with him though is his amazing wife Kathy...don't tell him shhh.... she is he web queen of the www. Dang! Al Gore you got some major learn'n you could get from her. Sierra Boat Company in Tahoe. That's an amazing resource as well. Almost every boat out there has some bit of Sierra in them...

Mahogany Bay has a policy that they will with in 24 hrs be at your boat with in a certain mile radius to help you out with service. Most of these brokers will maintain and service your boat as well. So a local one is sometimes a good idea. Like on Lake George. Halls Boat Club. It's a one stop place, heck you can even rent a cottage there and really live the woody boat lifestyle for a week or two. Another massive web site and helpful guys are Antique Boat America, these guys help with the big boat auction in Clayton.

Books are written by these guys they support the shows and are there to help in times of need. So when you are thinking about buying an Antique or Classic boat. The first tip and only tip. Use a broker.

Cristi-Craft... Hey, It's Almost Valentine's Day!

As a public service, we are proud to offer up a nice Valentines Day gift idea for your significant other. Christi-Craft has some very cool shadow boxes, and hand bags. Not sure how long it all takes. So call now. Here is the link. CristiCraft

Classic Boat Inspired Furniture!

Now when you sit down to eat your vittles, and your kids are chewing with there mouths open, and your dog won't leave you alone because at one point in time you gave in to the "eyes" and she now thinks that she eats what you eat. Anyway... While you are sitting there you can now just wander away to woodyboaterville, because you are sitting at a very nice Classic Boat inspired table. Just think, you can go out on your boat and eat every day..... Now all you need is some cool chairs with floatable cushions. Leave an open small cup of gas in the dinning room to complete the effect. Made and sold by Pastore Design Group

What Year Was This Photographed? And Where?

Oh this old gag! Come on we all know that its a newer shot! Or is it. Did I do a switch-aroo! There is only way to find out. mahoganybay.net
Happy hunting!

Your Kids And Classic Boats.

I've found that when it comes to my two boys, getting them interested in anything that I am interested in is a dead end. Boat shows, Chapter meetings...none of it. Imagine? HA. But, have a fun speed boat around on a hot day, and there is a connection. Forget the jet skis. And the aluminum John Boat, you need something cool. Maybe even a kit boat. OK it might seem a tad over whelming. It's the time building it that's the magic, not the boat. One great resource is James Craft Kit Boats. Jim Shotwell started this company years ago, and is very big in promoting the hobby to kids. Another fun thing is to find a small restorable boat, like a whirlwind with a cold molded bottom. Something that just needs some varnish and time.... The interesting thing is that to kids, there is nothing classic about it. It's just a cool boat and the open water. But what they wont realize is that while you were building the boat, they were learning about the value of the craft. I have seen this with myself and my kids. They take care of the boat when they had something to do with it. It will fade while they get older. But, when they start dreaming of owning there own boat in there later years. the memory that you helped them with will be there guiding light.

1900's Yachtsman Hat On eBay..

This one is for you if you have a very early Antique Boat... Something to put on the seat of that nice launch, or triple. Very hard to find in this shape. Click Here