Van Ness Engineering Turns Up The Heat.

Considered by many as the premier engine builder in the Antique & Classic boat community. David Van Ness of Van Ness Engineering is launching a full out marketing campaign. So you ask Mr classic boat fan. What does a marketing campaign have to do with news. It's news because it shows that... Ahh hell, it's not news.. I just like the ad, I also like David, and this is my story. So..there...

All kidding aside I have known David for a while and he does amazing work. I also can not find one person out there that has one bad thing to say about the work. In fact folks go out of there way to say nice things. I am talking nation wide, it's worth the shipping from California to New Jersey. David has gone to great lengths to make sure that you not only get a very strong engine, but that it looks the part. Note the color on this ad. There is a difference in a pre war Chris Craft blue and a post war. How the wires go... the texture of the black paint.. See it's not just about valve seats... So back to the ad.. This ad marks a time were niche palyers are stepping up there game and going main stream.. That is good for the hobby.. What I like is that its more than a yellow pages ad or reprint of ones business card like most folks do. He is staking a claim in your mind. Van Ness is saying, we are that place to go for the guy that wants it done better than best. After all god is in the details... Very very smart..The ad was created by designer to the classic boat community, Bill Basler of Basler design..You may also know him as the guy that designs the Brass Bell..

Legends Of Algonac - One Way Or Another, Contribute.

As we get closer to the dedication of the Chris Smith and Gar Wood statue we are all putting in a big effort to get this thing properly funded. So in an effort to help out, Woody Boater and The Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club have set up an Easy Peezy Lemon Squeezy way to contribute. Just click on the contribute thing here and it will dramatically convert that 50 bucks you give into a well deserved over due statue
And when you go up there with the rest of us, you can whisper into your companions ear.. "I helped pay for that"... if not, then you can bow your head in shame and just sliver away in shame while those of us that helped get to take pictures with big shots and feel important...maybe that's a tad harsh... How bout this... Your contribution to this worthy cause will go a long way in helping preserve the legacy of not only two fine men, but an entire community.... egh! how bout this.. You have spent tens of thousands on your Chris-Craft or Gar Wood on wood and screws... Frearson Screws NOT PHILIPS!.... It's in your best interest to glorify there names. It's a good investment in the value of your boat...... There. You have at least one reason to contribute you cheap ass read this web site for nothing boater... Shame on you for sitting there with your $5 cup of coffee on your fancy computer.. Ouch there I go again.. Just pay up.. Anything will help.. Come on... It wont't cost you an arm or leg.. But it might actually help make one!

Classic Boat Screw Trivia - By Herb Pocklington

A while back a Woody-watcher took another to task for saying Chris-Craft were held together by "Reed & Prince" screws...... not "Phillips-head" screws as alleged.

Actually they were "Frearson-head" made by Reed and Prince (then in Worcester MA, now in Leomister, MA. My friend Alton Reed, CEO of R&P decided not to utilize the name Frearson and lamented the fact that he couldn't get people to stop calling them Phillips.

Frearson's claim to fame was that the screw's 75 degree recess descended to infinity, thus opening the door to the phrase"one (bit) size fits all screws."

I can say with impunity that Gar Wood, up the road 18 miles in their new Marysville boat factory, also used R&P Frearson for, when they stopped production, I bought their large stock of screws to use in our Algonac, and other factories.

The "one size fits all" was later a factor in our kit boat program for we got away with supplying one number 710 R & P "hand-operated" wooden-handled screw-driver - to go with screw kits that varied with boat size. We did that with a straight face, realizing that our friends at Black and Decker would later do us a good turn, so to speak.

The tremendous popularity of Chris-Craft kit boats, and the sample completed boats we furnished to dealers, led to the creation of the Cavalier Division. I understand the some of those kit boats, and many of the Cavaliers are now classified as antiques....as am I.

When a Chris-Craft technician (actually as they just "worked" there they called themselves "workers") was screwing a hull planks to a frames with 400-500 2-1/2 inch number 12 flat head bronze screw with an electric driver, he used a much larger bit than did a guy in the trim department attaching chrome-plated hinges on a dish-locker with a 1-1/4 inch X 8 chrome-plated FHB brass screws - with a #710 hand-driver, or, in the case or our northern factories, with what was known as a "Yankee" screw-driver. I do not know what they were called at our factories in Salisbury, MD, or Chattanooga, TN.

Classic Boat Story Of The Week - The "A" Ticket Ride

Here is a great story from Fellow Woody Boater Craig Schmidt.

In June of last year I took my 1938 Chris-Craft 17" Deluxe Runabout to the Eagle River, WI Antique Boat Show. The venue, the Wild Eagle Lodge, is on a chain of 28 beautiful lakes and has excellent accommodations for exhibitors and their boats.

Following the public viewing on Saturday, captains were invited to participate in a high speed photo shoot and cruise. I was somewhat reluctant to join in the high speed run-by, but welcomed the opportunity to cruise the river and lakes with folks who had local knowledge of the waters. I should have been more reluctant.

About a dozen boats lined up for the high speed run. I and my three guests found ourselves to the starboard of and somewhat astern of a big Shepherd. At the signal from the photo boat, everyone charged ahead and came up on plane. About twenty seconds into the run, I started to cross the wake of the Shepherd to my port side, but my runabout broached and spun to starboard, rolling up on its port side to what seemed to be close to 90 degrees. Everyone aboard felt the boat was going to completely roll and sink. I killed the engine when the propeller came out of the water and the engine started to redline. The boat seemed to hang on is side for a second, and then flopped back on its bottom.

As we broached, the passenger sitting in the rear starboard seat was ejected, flying completely over the head of the passenger seated next to her. We threw her a flotation device while I quickly checked the
boat: She had shipped about five inches of water but was not leaking. I was able to start the engine and the boat could respond to the helm. By this time, another boat had arrived and was holding onto the ejected passenger who was still in the lake. A nearby pontoon boat with a boarding ladder was summoned and our swimmer was safely boarded and given a blanket for the return to the lodge. After a hot shower and change of clothes, she was fine.

As a result of the broach, two cameras were soaked, a hat, a sandal, a pair of glasses and some cosmetics were lost. I pumped out the boat and was surprised to find that there was absolutely no damage.

I didn't realize it at the time, but the lady on the photo boat, whose name I do not know, was able to snap an incredible picture of the broach! The photo shows the back half of the boat as she is starting to roll on to her port side. The passenger with the blue hat, who was sitting on the starboard side, is about to be ejected over the head of another passenger who is hidden in the spray, but who managed to hang on as the port side was partially submerged.

I was later sent a copy of this photo, which I call the "A" Ticket Ride. It is prominently displayed on a wall in the lake cottage. I've already sent in my check and registration form for this June's boat show a Eagle River.

Hacker Video - Happy Monday.

Thanks to fellow WoodyBoater Bjorn Bakken who was kind enough to forward this to us. You can also catch Bjorn's progress on the restoration of his Barrel Back on his Blog here...Bjorn Bakken's Barrel Back Blog...Thanks Bjorn...

Sunnyland's Silver Springs Event - Boat up the Ocklawaha

Want to boat up the Ocklawaha to Silver Springs? The “SILVER RUN” is about to happen!

The Silver Springs Antique Boat Show and boating event is back! This used to be an annual Sunnyland event. 2005 was the last time our fearless adventurer, Gerald Dake, led us up the Ocklawaha through the locks Moss Bluff, into the Silver Run and finally to the Springs itself!

Silver Springs –Nature’s Theme Park – is excited to have us back and it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to be allowed to bring our beautiful boats to spend a weekend in this beautiful park!

Mark your calendars for the weekend of May 14th – call Day’s Inn (352) 236-2575 for $50 per night “Sunnyland” rate– and plan to come! (Campers call Silver Springs Campers Garden $32.95 night.) Reservations for the hotel and the event are a must and availability for boats on water (IN THE PARK) and on land is limited so please starting thinking about this great trip and adventure!

Launch your boat at Gilbert Park in Mount Dora. Leave your luggage with our transporter. Pack a great picnic lunch and embark on a weekend of fun at Silver Spring’s Nature Theme Park.

Departure is scheduled for Friday morning about 8am – May 14th. This is a fun-fun-fun and relaxing trip of boating and sight-seeing. We arrive at Silver Springs and tie up for the weekend at the Springs allowing the public to enjoy seeing our boats –AND for us to enjoy the park, Sunnyland workshops, dinners & just some general R&R.

Registration forms will be available at this Sunday’s 2010 Boat Show Volunteer Appreciation Picnic –or- via email or phone request next week! Space is precious for tie-up at the Springs – so don’t delay in Registration/RSVP!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: For those who may have an interesting boat in process that they can transport, would like to display and discuss with the public, please consider attending as “Land Display.” We will be looking for a few finished boats and some works-in-progress for the public to enjoy.

For more information contact
Terry Ross (terry@ttross.com) Cell 352-223-0167

Boat Babe Shows Us Mt Dora....

It's saturday and I decided to go varnish. Thanks to fellow Woody Boater Neil from Port Carling we have a nice way to start our weekend. Now, this was shot back in 07 so.. she most likely is bitter now from all the attention. Has an agent and only does theeeeater... Thanks Neil, we all needed that.

Woody Boater-Official Sponsor Of The Antique Boat Auction In Clayton.

Woody Boater is proud to announce that we are one of three official sponsors of the Antique & Classic Boat Auction in Clayton in Late July. Put on by Antique Boat America and the Antique Boat Museum. We join Hagerty Marine Insurance and Tommy Bahama as co sponsors. This event is always a fun event and gives you a an opportunity to purchase some very cool stuff normally not available. This year is no exception. More on that later. Last year featured some very exciting boats including some of the collection from country music super star Alan Jackson. This last winter we all saw an amazing Riva sell for over $750,000 on Mecum Auctions on TV. Don't miss this years surprise event in person. Oh... and start saving, cause I have also seen some jaw dropping deals on some very very cool boats. It's always a large crowd of fellow woody boaters during one of the top shows of the year in the best location on the east coast. My favorite - The Thousand Islands...... So put it on your calender. July 30 - August 1, 2010 The Auction is actually on Saturday the 31st  click here for more info ... see you there... I'll be the one that just bought 6 boats...

Hi, My Name Is Woody.. And I Have ABD...

Below is a comment that came in yesterday, it came in Anonymously... This quote summed up the situation best and was actually surprisingly comforting. Thankyou...I was having an attack of ABD.. Attention Boater Disorder....It is very active in the Springtime. It must be activated by the sun, because ever since Lake Dora it's taken everything to not fill up my barn.. Thanks Anonymous.

 Anonymous said...

First eat BBQ and drink beer to settle the nerves. Second remeber you cannot own all the boats that there are or that you are attracted to. Third remember that you have an advanced case of wood boat madness in full bloom. Go see the racer. It will probably be too expensive. Go see the big Chris. It will be cheap to buy and too expensive to own, in time and money. You might want to still to get the Whirlwind but do it only if you can get it at a good price and get it later when it is more convinent. Then take one of the boats you already own or borrow a local craft and go for a boat ride. And always remember that it is alright to keep dreaming. Good Luck. Better You Than Me.

Vote For What Sort Of Classic Boat Weekend I Should Have.

OK, it's going to be raining here in DC and Reedville this weekend. I have three options for something to do. And I can not decide. So, I will let you, my fellow Woody Boaters help. 

 1. Buy that dam Whirlwind in yesterdays story... Drive to FLA a 16 hr drive...... Each way document the journey and eat BBQ.  This vote will require help in FLA. As in: Anyone near Tampa that can haul that thing to at least Lake Dora? You'll get a tshirt, Water Bottle... and hat... plus gas....Not BBQ gas....

2. Go up to Baltimore.. 1 hr away and look at a possible dock ornament. I need guest quarters at our River house.. How bout a 1956 Corsair?

3. Go up to Maryland..1 hr... And look at a killer Barrel Back Racer I may want to get. I will also do a story on that.

So there you have it.  You have the power. UPDATE! THANK GOD SOMEONE ELSE BOUGHT THE WHIRLWIND! I am off the hook and feel relieved. I was about to buy it.

Another Whirlwind For Sale. Please Save Me From Myself.

As many of you already know, I have a weak spot for these little Whirlwinds. Every now and then I stumble across one and find myself writing a check before my brain can say no. But after about 5 of them I have learned to at least slow down. BUT... This little 1961 14 footer has me twitching. This thing is perfect. It is bone original and does not show any signs of abuse. I spoke with the seller who is selling it for a friend. It was the friends fathers who passed away. Always garage kept and well taken care off. The set up is perfect. A 40 hp on that boat is PERFECT and it is the PERFECT motor.

It has the cut down windshield...ahhhhhhhhhhhh and its priced right... actually very right, about $1,000 under value. It's listed poorly, and only has 500 views, so it's one of those odd eBay deals that you get to talk about at the show... For me posting this is a sort of therapy to say let it go.....But...For gods sake one of you please buy this boat and put me out of my misery. PLEEEASE. I do not want to drive down to Florida this weekend. Dammmmmmmm ... Click here and save me..

"Sois Sage II" - A Classic French Liuzzi Racer

During this year's Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival at Lake Dora, we were invited to attend an open house at Rejuvenation Woodworks in nearby Lake Eustis, Florida. Richard and Kathy Arnold put on a great spread in their fabulous 100 year old work shop, which featured live music, great BBQ food and your choice of beverages. After lunch we just had to investigate further and have a look around the yard to see more boats and stuff.


That's where I met my new friend, Hardy Bassington and was introduced to his recently restored 1957 Liuzzi Lido Runabout. This folks - is what makes going to antique and classic boat shows so much fun! My first question to Hardy was, what the heck is a Liuzzi? He smiled and explained that it was designed and built in France by Frantz Liuzzi. Mr. Liuzzi began building canoes in Neuilly-Sur-Seine on the outskirts of Paris in 1937, and after WWII became one of the most prolific constructors of the post-war period in France, and had a reputation for designing and building high performance wooden boats.

This actual Liuzzi Lido, one of only five surviving Lido's known to exist, was originally owned and raced by Roger Brunet. Carrying his famous Number 11, Roger won the prestigious Paris 6 Hour Endurance Race aboard "Sois Sage II" to take the Class II European Championship in 1957. The phrase Sois Sage (pronounced swa-sauge) in French means "Be Good" or "Be Wise."

Liuzzi speedboats of the period were originally fitted with BPM engines, which were designed by former Ferrari engineers Botta and Puricelli. With power outputs from 125 to 250 HP available, even standard production Liuzzi-BPM's were capable of speeds as high as 60 MPH.

After being retired from competition, "Sois Sage II" was put out to pasture and used as a recreational ski boat prior to a long spell of storage, until being discovered in a barn 1975. The 17'6" classic was later restored in Europe and the original BPM power was replaced with a newer 260 HP Chrysler 289 V-8 and a Velvet-Drive transmission.

Hardy Bassington, a classic car collector and importer, purchased "Sois Sage II" 4 years ago, to use in the south of France, where they lived at the time. After sitting in their garage (in France) for a year, when Hardy and David Gluckstein (Hardy's partner) decided to relocate from France to south Florida, and the Liuzzi was also relocated to her new home on Florida's Intercoastal Waterway. That's when they met Richard and Kathy Arnold from from Rejuvenation Woodworks and commissioned them to restore the boat.


In 1957, the Aux 6 Heures de Paris (Paris 6 Hour Endurance Race), which was held on the Seine River in Paris, was the largest national boat race in the country. Here are some images of the historic race and of Frantz Liuzzi's history which was provided by Cercle du Motonautisme Classic a French historical boating site.

Roger Brunet with his mechanic aboard "Sois Sage II" racing along the Seine River (circa 1957) and celebrating their victory & Class II European Championship.

While researching Frantz Liuzzi and his boat designs for the story, I was amazed to learn just how influential Liuzzi was in Europe at the time. From the images, you can easily see how his boat designs also emulated the radical automotive designs of the late 1950's and early 1960's, as well as the blond deck styling commonly associated with American and Canadian designs from the same period.

Another later color photo of Roger Brunet aboard "Sois Sage II" without his race mechanic.

Rejuvenation Woodworks recently completed the restoration on the rare Liuzzi Lido for Hardy and David, here's what Richard Arnold had to say about the project.....
When I accepted the commission to restore the one of a kind boat for Hardy and David, it was made very clear that the original colors and vintage distinguishing marks of age would need to be preserved. The unique diagonal double planking was a first in wooden runabouts for me. I have seen a few canoes built in this manner and although rare seemed sound and tight. Originally she carried a mechanic during races and rear seating was nonexistent. The owner's wanted me to design comfortable seating that would fit with the front and that required a new fuel tank configuration. I used as much of the original wood where it was to be seen as possible. Several coats of varnish were applied to build on original patina and then carefully hand sanded between coats. All of the custom hardware was re-plated and the windscreen, delivered opaque, was restored to clear original condition.

It was great fun for us, this was their first boat project, although they were both well versed in unique and rare auto collecting, so they were active in the process and visited the shop to watch the progress.

Richard and Kathy Arnold
Rejuvenation Woodworks

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Sorry, No Story Today, I Am Varnishing

Off to see Kaptain Krunch and his wonderful gold leaf brush at Wino Signs. That and two cans of varnish from our pals at Southern Boat Works. So I won't be able to do a story today.... hey wait a minute, this is a story, you are reading it, I am writing it.. Dang it. Well at least it has no redeeming value... Wait a minute, nothing we do here has a redeeming value.. So it's like any other story. Dang it!  So don't read this.. There.. wait a minute, if you are reading this, its now a story. Dang it! I need my medication... snnnifff, ahhh fresh varnish...

One Beautiful 35' Hacker- It's A Good News Bad News Deal.

The good news. It's one amazing boat. With an Allison Chambers motor...1,300 hp......It even comes with a spare motor. It also has two separate driving systems.. So. You want the coolest boat on the lake. This is it.

The bad news.... While you are driving it around, you have to tow a target boat, while STUDENT pilots take shots at it... Now to be fare... it does have two separate driving systems, so in the 50/50 event that your shipmate takes a bomb in the head not you, you can still make it home....and, well.. it's 35 feet.. So what, that half the boat got blowed up real good.. That still leaves 18 feet...see. It's like buying two boats in one.. See .. that's good news... Right... If you are interested.. It's just one click away.. one flick of your trigger finger.. Right here at the Antique Boat Center.

The Perfect Way To Go Woody Boating.

Here is your way to go Woody Boating and never flex a butt cheek. You can now just plop down in your Chris Craft Couch, turn on the computer and have folks call you so your Riva Ring tone rings and you are all set. If it helps you can have someone splash a glass of water on your face.. and run a small gas engine in your office so you can smell the smell..mmmmmm exhaust with a slight hint of gas... ssnnnnnnnniiiiiiiiiiifffffffffff.... then when you are done. You can go up to Michigan and have a cool frosty with Chris at his Bar. This classic boating thing is fun.. Who needs a boat?

Chris Craft Dealer Lighter. It Still Can Help Sell Your Boat. Here's How.

First. You need to buy it on eBay. Click here.  But hurry, the auction ends today. Now. You have this old ratty boat in your garage that you got a year ago with dreams in your head... but don't even have the energy to look at it anymore. That's OK. You buy this lighter, and take it to your boat in the garage sitting under that pile of old plumbing supplies and broken stereos that you will also fix one day. NO! you don't light it all up... Jesus.. give me some credit here. Now... You put the lighter in the boat.. In a tucked away place.. That's right.. a place that someone might find it. if they are looking for something... OK..

Now, do a yard sale slash garage sale and put in the listing.. Plumbing supplies, old stereos, Barbi dolls... old wood speed boat..children's cloths... you get the idea. Now.. any picker worth his salt with just read old wood speed boat. For gods sake don't explain what the boat is. Yes we all know you know the date it was built and the wood grain supplier. For gods sake just play dumb here. Trust me.. So. a new dreamer shows up to your "yard Sale" he will fish around and look at some of the crap that you have laying around, and ask about certain things... Like tell me about your Barbi collection.. And then he will wonder over and ask about the boat. Like its a find for him.. But if you look closely, he has traveled three states to look at your Barbi collection... Mmmm maybe..that's another story... Anyway.. you say. Oh ya, it was here when I got the place.. My wife wants the space for her mini van. I have never even cleared it out. All that crap on top has been there for a while. The new dreamer will be trembling inside. He has found his treasure. At this point. YOU SHUT UP! let him look in private... He will clear the dang thing off, and will look around... And then it will happen.. He will find the lighter. And the deal is done. It tells a story of were the boat was gotten, that the guy smoked and died of cancer and that's why the boat is there... And he has found it. You are merely a ignorant mini van man with a killer barn find boat in your garage. Tell him to make an offer. And you have now at least gotten a conversation started. At this point it's all in the numbers. He thinks he has a barn find and you my friend have a possible new space for another dream.. All because you bought a lighter on ebay today. Happy bidding.

It Ain't Over Til The Sign Painter Steps In. Or Sings...

Hats off, or on to fellow Woody Boater Norm for going all the way with his 1955 Tollycraft 14 foot Rumpas. He not only did not use vinyl... BUT went for the full courage move of painting on the side. I suppse with a name like Little Pal.. You want your Pal to be by your side... Not on your back side... Old School sign painter Derek from Made For Glory Signs in Reno is pictured here doing his magic... Enjoy the finishing touches...

So You Think You Have A Real Chris Craft Boat Bar? Think Again!

 

 Oh sure Mr fancy wood worker pants. You spent all winter making your own bar out of your great uncles pile of worn out mahogany. Well my internet friend, no matter how perfect it may be. It will never be a real Chris Craft made bar.. as a bar... by Chris Smith... That's right here it is! A gorgeous real bar made by fellow Woody Boater Chris Smith for his granddaughter and family Shawna and Jeremy Baum. Dang! What a treasure for future generations. No black and white photos to research, no discussions of screw sizes needed.. It's real, it's signed, it's original and its a slam dunk conversation piece... until after 5 , then it's a ...well... bar! Way to go Chris...Now if I order a Screwdriver... will it be a Philips head, or.... Oh god!

Sweet Dreams of Dora - 2010 Sunnyland ACBS Festival

Two weeks have passed since we were at the 2010 Sunnyland ACBS Antique Boat Festival at Lake Dora and as I go back through my photos from the show, I can't help but have Sweet Dreams of the entire experience. What makes this event so unique is the diversity of boats, displays, folks and activities on hand - something for everyone. If your interested in the antique and classic boating hobby, there's a good chance you will find what you are looking for at Lake Dora. Riva Guru, Alan Weinstien's magnificent Riva Aquarama kept up the tradition of having an amazing Riva at the show.
"Sugar Loaf 1" is a 1956 16' North American Marine runabout owned and restored by Ron Hooker, from Columbus, IN. Ron is also the original owner which is very cool.

"Eulipion" is a rare 1947 Chris-Craft 25' Express Cruiser owned by Ken Ledonne from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This is my best attempt to get a shot of the boat from the front, sorry about the dock post Ken.....

Mr. Jim Staib from Fine Wood Boats in McHenry, Illinois was on hand again this year with his huge selection antique marine hardware and parts.

The traditional Amphicar "Splash In" on Saturday was, as always, a big hit (or splash).

Charlie Peet's 1929 Chris-Craft 24' Triple Cockpit "Margaret" from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Wow

Here's a 1959 15' Feathercraft Vagabond II c/w period correct Super Gator deluxe trailer.

Shaken - Not Stirred

"Shore Hugga" is a 1958 Wagemaker Seafarer 15 Custom, twin cockpit.

They named it "Gator Bait" - Yikes

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