Classic Boat Truck Bed Lid!

Idea of the day. Take that hard covered truck bed lid and add some woody boatness. It's simple really. It can all be done with vinyl.www.phoenixgraphix.com has the wood grain for mini vans and such, you can get it by the roll and it just goes on with water. I was thinking getting two shades, so the covering boards are darker. Add some pin striping, boat cleats and you are crus'n.

Can You Catch Swine Flu From Classic Boating?

In an effort to jump on the swine flu hype bandwagon, I felt it necessary to try and connect swine flu and classic boating. So here is my thought. Ya see, there are pigs on farms, and there are farms near were I use my boat? OK, how bout this, I eat BBQ on the weekends... Wait, ya can't catch it from eating pork...... maybe it's all the other boaters out there? The ones that have the flu and are out boating and sneezing! Seems like the thing to do when one is sick.... But I need to be at least 6 feet from them when they sneeze...mmmmm From what I can tell, actually Classic Boating might be a great way to avoid getting the Swine Flu! May I be so bold to suggest that to avoid catching the flu this weekend you take some friends out on your boats to save them from this upcoming pandemic.. Never mind the fact that your chances of dieing in a boating accident with some smart ass kid on a jet ski are much greater, or that while you were wearing that stupid mask you could not smell the gas leak in the bilge and you got your self blowed up real good...But at least you wont have the swine flu!

Fish Love My Boat, By H. Percival Johnson

Dave first contacted me by e-mail two years ago with some questions about restoring his 1955 Chris Craft Sea Skiff. Gradually we became e-mail friends; I took pleasure in following the progress of his work. He was able to make it to our show last year, on Sunday, and toured the St. Michaels area with a shake down cruise. To my surprise he kept the boat in the water near Fenwick outside of Ocean city, Md., and used it for fishing. Imagine, all those hours and varnish and he’s actually going fishing! He sent pictures of big ones coming in over the side. Late in the season he revealed an embarrassing problem. If a fiberglass boat was fishing nearby, they would notice that he was catching more fish than they were.Again and again he would be approached about what his secret was, and he could not explain. Yet, fish would be around his boat and not around the other ones, - every weekend. He took to finding lonely areas before getting out the rods.
What makes his boat different? Well, it’s wood, and that is probably more harmonious with water than fiberglass. It’s also lapstrake, and it has an old time shape underneath. Are fish nostalgic? They only see the boat from the bottom. Do they like seeing the shape? Is there some kind of harmonic or sensory attraction to the wood? What kind of bottom paint is that? Fish oil base? - No. Well what about the lapstrake hull?They make all kinds of trickling and brunch sounds other boats don’t have. If you ever spend time on one, the sounds are very nice. The laps chop each wave with several edges with every movement of the boat. Then little bubbles roll all along the laps and pop out somewhere else making for constant music that no other hulls have! The fish love it! They come for the clinker hull music. Dave said once a fish just jumped into the boat all by itself.
Classic wooden lapstrake boats may be the secret to rewarding fishing trips, but since overfishing is such a world problem, - please keep this to yourself!

Dave offered to bring the boat to our show this year but I told him I didn’t think we wanted all those fish around our classic boats!See the Antique and Classic Boat Show, June 19 – 21, at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, in St Michaels, Md.

Chris Craft Duck Decoy?

Only on eBay. This Duck Decoy, wait.... the seller of this Duck Decoy claims to have been made by the Chris Craft plant during WWII. So, is it a pre-war or post war duck decoy? And does it have a new bottom... Is that apple green I see, did they use flat head or reed and prince.. click here! It's for sale of course.

30 Restored Outboard Motors To Be Auctioned Off! Putt Putt Your Patootie Over To Oregon.

This could be your big chance to start your own vintage outboard business. O'Gallerie auction in Portland, Oregon is featuring 30 restored outboard motors from 1915 through 1950's in its May 4th and 5th auction. The outboards will sell to the highest bidder. For more information and descriptions visit www.ogallerie.com or call 503-238-0202.

Old School Communication Can Still Be A Work Of Art!

I just got my latest issue of Classic Boating magazine....Looks great with it's glossy cover and killer photo's. The highlight of this issue is Dick Kish's 1947 Gar Wood Sedan with Chris Smith at the helm. I can feel you all reading thinking, here it comes, WoodyBoater is about to slam Classic Boating for it's lack of online exposure. Just like the ACBS... It ain't gonna happen! And here is why - Classic Boating magazine is a magazine, and has clearly chosen to stay that way. No website, not even sure if they have a fax machine yet. They have not gone half way...It's all one thing. And you know what, the hobby is all about that... I applaud that, not that Classic Boating needs my adulation, or nod... in fact I need there's. The articles are dead on. The one by Don Danenberg on serial number punches is very timely and much needed. Thanks Don... The article on Steam boats was also timely for me, since I had just spent a day talking with a guy about steam boats.... OK it was an hour, it just felt like a day... Anyway. The timelessness of Classic Boating is why I will always subscribe and no doubt why they are worth the same used as they are new. Way to go Norm and Jim.... Stay the course....

And Now A Comment From Bill Basler of The Chris Craft Antique Boat Club.

Normally I would let the comments be in the comment section, but for new readers who may not read the 20 comments or so I hope you don't mind if I highlight the big ones regarding this story line. The two letters speak for themselves. That's Bill on the right and Dick on the left by the way. Here is Bill Basler's letter..

Thanks for the kind words regarding the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club, and Basler Design Group. I'll let everyone form their own opinions on that one.

When I started with in my role with the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club, one of the things that we immediately set our sights on was our web presence and tools, addressing "back end" systems before we worried too much about putting a beautiful "paint job" on the web site. In a few years, we have developed Boat Buzz, the online Archive (still in its infancy from a development standpoint), our online Hull Registry, the online Membership Directory, TradingDock.org and now the Wiki. In fact, even today, we have not quite gotten to redesigning the Club’s web site, but the site offers some really exceptional features.

Each of these technology bits create value and benefits to our members. Some of them also serve our needs from an admin side. For example, the online Member Directory, provides our membership with all the information they need to get in touch with other members. But, from an admin side, the programming that makes the online directory work as a member benefit, also helps us manage email addresses, mailing lists, and so on.

Simply, we could not operate without our web-based tools...with the added bonus of providing benefits to our members.

The hull registry is a similar scenario. To manage hull records, via paper, or offline through an Excel database is just impossible for a whole host of reasons.

The ACBS has a few different challenges, given their chapter structure. This is where relational databases shine, however, so the solution is doable.

What is difficult though, is that custom development, (ie: SQL, PHP or ASP, server-side functions, hosting) is not cheap.

This is likely one of the reasons, the company that the ACBS contracted with is no longer around. These membership management systems are the culmination of thousands of hours of programming, at whatever the going rate is for such tasks. A "system" cannot be a "system" without investing the hours to make it such. And once those hours are invested, the quickest path to financial health is to kind of "shrink wrap" it, and sell it as a package to others who need a similar solution. The problem is, that few companies make it over the hump. They invest the time, often cash flowing the investment themselves or with investor money, and never quite make it to the point that they sell enough copies to recoup their time.

This is one reason why our system is in an ongoing, steady state of enhancement. It takes years to do, unless there is a budget available to make it a “real job.”

A couple of years ago I talked with Gene Porter (then President of ACBS) about ACBS’s needs. It was a good conversation, but it never went to the next step. We were willing to help, but shortly after that conversation, the company (that recently went out of business) was deemed a better route to go.

Honestly, I can understand what the ACBS has gone through. It happens fairly often in software development. I am hoping that only time was lost and not a pot of money.

A Comment From Dick Werner President of The ACBS Regarding The Amish and The Rain Forest.

I had it coming! Way to go Dick, this is a great letter back to WoodyBoater, and more importantly shows that the ACBS is trying new stuff, and has a fantastic sense of humor about it all. This is a hobby after all, not world hunger! Here is Dick's Letter. Dick is the one on the left by the way on the shot above.... Enjoy.

Matt

Well, as Ronald Reagan said in one of his campaign debates, "Here you go again".

I am sure you must know that ACBS is and has been computerized for at least 15 years! The only consolation I will make to you is that our present software does not allow us to do everything on line that an organization of our size should have the capability of doing.

Unfortunately the software that would satisfy all our needs including the 57 chapters, you cannot go to office depot and just pull it off the shelf. Several of our board members have spent countless hours researching out software that would meet our present and future needs. It would appear to be a rather simple task with all the different software possibilities out there. They found relatively few that could provide everything we needed.

A little over a year ago they hit "pay dirt" and a software was found that could do it all. The company came with good references and we went for it. More time was spent as well as money and just as we were within weeks of going on line, the software company closed its doors.

What a disappointment! We are still computerized, but with older technology. On the bright side, we have two other promising possibilities. By the end of the summer, hopefully we will be up and running with new high technology software.

I am again disappointed in your over all impressions of ACBS's ability to communicate with their members and probably think we only use a tin can and a string.

Also, I imagine there are more trees wasted producing the amount of junk mail we receive in a week that would be used to produce a lot of directories.

How important is the directory to the members? Two years ago we did a membership survey (electronically) and the directory came back as being one of the more important perks for belonging to the association. Hopefully next year we will offer to the membership the directory either in hard copy or electronically. My guess is that most members will elect to receive the hard copy. Interesting enough, only about 65% of our members have e-mail.

Also Matt, how many Amish do you know own a computer? The Amish I know do not own computers, phones or FAX machines. I believe they can only use these methods of communication if it is owned by non Amish.

How do I know this? I have draft horses (Percheron) and when I need parts for some of my horse drawn equipment, often times the only place I can obtain them is from the Amish. some of the Amish shops in the Midwest run adds in a couple draft horse publications. There will be an address listed but no phone, email, Web site or FAX numbers. I do know that there are some so called Amish companies that have Amish working for them, but are owned by non-Amish and therefore have computers.

Matt, I am just trying to keep you honest, but in the other hand, maybe the Amish in Virginia have computers.

The invitation is still open for our quarterly meeting in St. Michael's in June. At that time maybe we can discuss a little more about the Amish and even about a few boats.

I am now trying to decide how best to send this to you.....Pony Express or telegraph. Possibly, I may have a neighbor that has one of those new fangle email machines!

Dick Werner
President ACBS

Holsclaw Roadster Trailer, Just Lift And Carry!

Thanks to Bonny Ruhland we can now see some of the more clever trailer concepts of the day. This great Roadster trailer was one of the more interesting things at the lake Dora show. You don't see these every day. Thanks Bonny!

Reedville Classic Boat Show Is Back. Woohoo!

It's not Lake Dora, or Tahoe. But for me it's better because it's in my back yard and I could not be happier. For the past years the show was stopped for insurance reasons. With the tireless work of Clif Aims The Reedville Virginia show is up and running again...boats are invited for September 11-13, visitors are invited for September 12th Saturday is the big day, Flea market, food, Boy scouts music and I hope funnel cakes..the show in comparison to others is small, but very cool. It's mostly large cruisers and spread out around the town in folks back yards and docks. There will be around 20 smaller boats, and a larger amount of stunning cruisers. The back yard deal sounds strange on paper..or web.. but the homes are magnificent Victorian Captian's homes. Reedville is considered one of the most active fishing towns in America. This year is was #2 Some town in Alaska is #1. It's also home of WoodyBoater. So we will be a proud sponsor and doing the live reporting thing. Of course I will have to do one boat per post.. The show is centered around the Reedville fisherman's Museum. And most of the folks in the area come on by and reminisce about the races at Glebe Point were Whirlwind's and Aristo crafts raced. Also the very next weekend is Smith Mountain Lake... So it's Woody Boat heaven in September in Virgina. For more information contact Clif at macames@netscape.com

One of the many Yachts that dock in the back yards of Victorian Homes.

Speed Boats from around the area come out of there barns.

Here is an ariel shot of Reedville, Located on a point off the Great Wicomico River off the Chesapeake bay in Virginia

Could This Be The Most Perfect Classic Boat Photograph Ever Taken?

While cruising through countless boats for sale on my weekly journey of frustration I came across this little charmer at The Antique Boat Center... Whats cool about this photo is how simple it is and yet says it all. No fancy angles or dramatic lighting. Its just simple. Like the boat. The lack of stuff that distracts the eye. The clouds are flawless, the water has just the right texture. Even the drivers shirt is the perfect technocolor red. The splash from the cutwater is perfect down to the last drop. There is a "George Stubbs" quality of focus on the object that is wonderful to behold...OK that's enough art for the day. Hope this makes up for calling those lamps art...I am going boating! It 80 degrees.. Woohooo, pass the soda pop.

Please, Someone Buy These Lamps, And Save A Marriage!

This could be the perfect set of lamps for your new bedroom. You know the one that you now live in because your wife kicked your patootie out of the house, cause you smell like varnish and read old boat magazines all day! Please buy them, if you don't I am... The only problem, I actually still love my wife.. Click here for the ebay sale.
UPDATE, my wife went to this site and read this. Oh boy. I ain't touching these with a 10 foot pole now. Dang it... Darn web thing, anyone can read it...

Sometimes Your Days Are Just Like This!

Having trouble getting going this morning? You're not alone... Crank it up! It all gets smoothed out in the end. Now if i just could get my computer to have a old gas smell..

You Have Not Arived, Until You Are Sporting The Joe Martel Way of Life!

For all you Joe Martel fans out there, have we got the t-shirt for you. These are available at the Old School Boat School. Click here.

The Fine Classic Boat Art of JC Parker

One of the things that is always in shortage for this great hobby is art. The irony of course is that the boats are art. But the world around them has mostly been lost. Not many folks of the day had paintings done of there boats... I can see it now. "Honey that painting of the Sea Ray is stunning over the mantle".... The art we find is usually commercial art. Old signs, illustrations from covers of the rudder... So it's very cool when we find great artists that paint the scenes that we like. Meet JC Parker. Meet him here www.owlsperch.com, and if you like he will be glad to paint your boat as well. For your wall. Not the boat, that's between you and a can of varnish! The two images above are prints for purchase if you like as well. Happy Monday...

Classic & Antique Boats In Hessel Michigan. Well Worth The Click.

Three generations of Mertaugh's since 1925 have been in the classic wood boat business. Of course in 1925 it wasn't considered a classic boat business. It was just a business... with modern fancy new fangled boats...Located among Lake Huron's beautiful Les Cheneaux Islands. It's better to visit them in person. But today just click here. This is a fantastic website. It's simple, cool ...very cool logo, oh and very cool boats. And right now, most likely very cool weather...

The New ACBS Directory Is Here! The New ACBS Directory Is Here! Now Can I Have My Rainforest Back?

Oh god, here I go again. I might as well go run out on the beltway and just jump in front of traffic. But what needs to be said, needs to be said. I have no members or dues that need to be paid or sucked up to. All the ads are free, so if you want. I will take yours down if you don't like this. Here goes. Gulp......Let me start by saying that the ACBS does many amazing things. Shows, lobbying, Insurance deals, and organization of the chaos of 8000 diverse folks that all have an opinion...... But..... I am stalling..........So........Here......What in the heck is the ACBS thinking? There is this thing in over 80% of America's homes. It's called a computer, it does amazing things. You can play games on it, write letters, search for a Russian bride, and you can actually look folks up and talk to them. I even think the technology is available to access a directory on it...Now it may be a little cutting edge...for 1980.... but it can be done. It also would allow a user to search for other members faster, and post photos of there boats and comment. So.. ACBS.. Come on.. You can do it. It's just a click away. Even the Amish have one... Let's save those tree's for..well... our boats!

eBay Photo's Of Chris Craft Dealership.

Here are the perfect photo's to frame for your restoration shop. Or boat house... or in my case a closet in the guest room. Just click on the image and it will take you to the eBay listing. They are all separate. Or Click Here for the dealers page

More Photo's Of Classic Boats. Dear God, My Index Finger Has A Blister On It!

Thanks to Vance Jochim of the Sunnyland Chapter of the ACBS, you can now spend the rest of the day looking at classic boats. You might want to go to the bathroom first... And stock up on food. Vance has compiled thousands of them in one place....including over 1500 of this years Sunnyland Lake Dora Show,and the Bat Boat and the...... Click Here!

Like Austin Healey's? Have We Got The Boat For You!

Here ya go, right out of the land of obscure conections... a 1956 Healey Ski-Master, produced by the Aqua Craft company in Bridport, Dorset, England. Hull #157 is made from molded plywood with African mahogany framing, Believed to be one of only 2 in the US. Yup the designer of Austin Healey's, Donald Healey could not just stop with designing one of the coolest sports cars in the world. He had to go Aqua on us. Heres the coolest part. It's for sale, and at one of the premier antique car places in the US. Hyman LTD, you can visit the boat here. God, I hope there are no Smith Gages or Lucas electric wirring!

It's Spring, Get To Work. Your Boat Needs You!

Well, it's spring time here in Virginia. And time to see how the boats did over the winter. It's amazing how fast they age and need some TLC from just sitting. With that said, here is what happens when that Spring time clean up just kinda gets put off a week or 300.... Thanks to Jim Staib at Fine Wood Boats Enjoy. And get to work, your seams are splitting!