Daily News From The World Of Antique & Classic Boats

Things Are Already Changing In Woody Boaterville.

2011-01-04T08:18:00.000-05:00

This is a photo of the new site in the process of being worked on.

I know I should be talking about boat shows and bung holes.. But as you know, we here talk about what happening at the moment. And right now, an epic event is taking place and a ton of time. As we have talked about for about a year now is taking place. Change is never easy, especially when you are comfortable in your ways. But with technology, it's death to stay in one place. When I started Woody boater I started on Blogspot because I did not know what I was doing...still don't... but as things kept growing, we needed to add things that blogspot just could not do.. So we have needed to move over to an entirely new platform. Word Press. I have painstakingly tried to design the change so it feels the same but adds better things.. This will be the one big change, others will evolve over time. And be seamless. The big changes are a 4th line of more permanent stories. That feature boats folks and places that we all like to see stay up there longer. Also each story on the big area, will be a single image that will help have more stories on the home page. That's really it.. The reason for the domain change for some of you is because the base on blogspot is its own hosting.. Now. if you go to the old adress it should move you over.. but its best to just use www.woodyboater.com, thanks again for being patent.. I am not.. You will start see ing some odd things on this blog spot page for the next few days as we transfer things over.. The new site should be live in a day.. Wooohoooo! Complaints! Ha.. WARNING! I have Pat Curtin running the complaint department!

Do You Have A Big Woody?

2011-01-03T07:25:00.002-05:00

Well, if you are on this list you do now.. Congrats to all the big winners.. We looked over all that was done this year and here are the results..

Woody Boater of the Year.. Herb Pocklington. That guy is a machine and lead the charge of the statue of Christopher Smith and Gar Wood. This was a major move forward towards honoring the history that was created by The Smith's and Woods.. Wow! Herb had to deal with nay sayers and a tough fund raising effort.. During one of the worst economic crashes in our lifetimes.. Way to go Herb.. You now have a Big Woody!

Woody Boater Show Of The Year. Algonac. There are bigger fancier shows.. But for Woody Boater and it's tragic un-fanciness, Algonac was the big winner. Located at the epicenter of the hobby. You could feel how it all started and the personality of the folks behind it. Summers in Algonac are a treasure.. That entire area and folks are the best.. I am proud to give Algonac a Big Woody.

Best Show For Show Boats - Bay Harbor ACBS International Show. Jesus Christ you had to be there to see what I am talking about.. The boats there were all best of show winners at any other show.. I got splinters in my lower jaw from scraping the docks.. The perfect docks.. Even that whacked out Duck head boat was killer..So here goes ACBS.. A Big Woody...

Woody Boater Best Website - Antique Boat Center. Finally someone gets it. Facebook, updated content, cool features, boats for sale. And according to the stats.. The largest readership.. By Millions.. Way to go.. You can put another Big Woody in the tent there..

Woody Boater Change The Game Award - Mecum Auctions. Not just the Warner Auction.. That was amazing.. But all the other stuff that they are doing to evolve the passion of classic boats.. Don't auction off your Big Woody.. They are priceless..

Woody Boater Road Trip of The Year- Texx. The Trip From Calgary Canada.. to Southern California, to Tennessee, then to Fla..for the big show And BACK! You get the Big Hemorrhoid award.. to go with your Big Woody.

Woody Boater Club of The Year. - It's a no brainer.. The Chris - Craft Antique Boat Club. With the Boat Buzz, and new features on the Web Site.. And... ... The Brass Bell.. Crap! No wonder it's growing at a such a fast pace.. Congrats to the team.. you all can share your Big Woody's.

Most Supportive Of The World Of Classic boating. Hagerty- They are everyplace and supportive of even the smallest shows.. They contribute time and money.. And make sure that when you smack your boat into a dock. The support is always there. So Carla.... A Big...... I can't say it.. it, just sounds creepy.. Chris you can enjoy the Big Woody.. Wait, that sounds worse.. Who named this dang award a big woody anyway..

Woody Boater Event Of The Year- The Warner Auction.. Hands down an amazing event. I am including the parties before and after.. That entire month was amazing.. Minnesota, you are now the home of a Big Woody!

Woody Boater Babe Of The Year. Amanda! She is clueless of her stardom, and clearly will run screaming if anyone says we have a Big Woody for her.. But with over 430,000 votes.. Clearly she is a winner with someone.

Woody Boater Film Of The Year- Mike Mayer from Lake Oswego Boat Works- For introducing original film, with words....to the hobby, not just shots of boats going fast on a lake.. or being put in the water...He is so avaunt guard! "I laughed I cried, I kissed my wife good bye and went to the Warner Auction" You can watch the film here.. Just please, no films with Big Woodys in them..

Woody Boater Barn Find Of The Year - The Third Rumored Thayer IV, and the US mail Boat Mariah.. These two boats created the biggest story of the year..the Harrison's Barn find Sportsman, which was a close runner up.. But with over 100 comments on the Golden Pond boats.. I will send Pat and the Family a Big Woody.. They can tuck it away and one day someone will find it.. ... I would love to give a Big Woody to who ever that is..

Woody Boater Boat Of The Year! Oh boy.. I am thinking here and trying to weed through which boat made the most impact on us.. Which is the boat that left me saying, god, I want that boat, I want to oil it, rub on it and just..... OK.. It's a toss up.. First, ya got Mr White, the nicest U22 on the planet Owned by the Kadimicks, . Or Foxy lady.. Also a very cool Higgins's owned by the Ploetners, Or Seth Katz's Cobra, or that Barrel Back in his show room at Katz's marina..... Dang that thing has a finish on it that I would kill for.. Or... wait.. Wait one second, they are all from Lake Hopatcong.. So.. The award goes to all the boats from Lake Hopatcong! You all can get in a circle and share your Big Woody!

Woody Boater Destination Of The Year. Michigan.. Between, Hessle, The St, Clair, and Bay Harbor.. It's an entire state of Woody Boat Bliss.. That poor state got the shaft over the past couple of years.. So now.. A Big Woody..

Woody Boater Thing I Would Not Miss Ever Award. Sunnyland Show- I can't keep giving this show the best show award.. But it should get one each year. The volunteers, the location , the time of year, the people, the boats, the weather, the food.. Wait.. the food is normal and boring..Wait, Chicken on a stick.. Ahhhhh! everythinge is fantastic, the flea market... The pals, the.. it goes on and on.. Just like a Big Woody!

Changes Coming To Woody Boater!

2011-01-02T09:35:00.000-05:00

Stay Calm! I won't be, so some of us need to be adults....

It's that time of year where I actually have some down time to rethink Woody Boater.. WAIT, don't worry, I know how sensitive folks are to change. me included. But things need to evolve.. I just need to inhale.. A lot...but not to much or I will black out.. In the up coming weeks we will be moving away from the address blogspot to just www.WoodyBoater.com please change your book marks. The reason for this is simple. We have out grown Blogspot and are really no longer a blog.. We have somehow turned into a online magazine / News / Community deal.. I still don't know what to call it.. I do know it's fun as hell, and growing ...fast... we have been yacking about this for about a year now, so the change should not all be that dramatic.. But for folks that still believe in flat head screws, this could be life changing.. With the growing demand for video and live broadcasting, a new platform will allow that easier.. And we want to add more sticky stories.. No not stories on gum or glue.. Just ones that hang around longer than one day.. We will still update daily, possibly more each day this way.. But now feature Woody Boater of the Month, Woody Boat of the month, and so on.. Some of the stories that Texx does should be up longer.. They deserve it. Now... Things may not exactly go smoothly for a while.. Commenting may change.. things may not click as smoothly til I get the bugs worked out.. Just let me know and we will fix it.. Thanks again for your loyalty, and keep click'n..

Happy New Year 2011 & We Forgot To Say Thanks To The Captain Of The Ship

2011-01-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

I would like to interrupt the regular scheduled programming - Matt's "Best of 2010 Series" to wish everyone a Happy New Year and to say thanks to the Captain of the Woody Boater ship.

We have lots of fun putting these stories together and Friday morning's "Best of 2010 - Woody Boaters" story was a good example of what it takes some days. At 3:00 AM Pacific Time I just checked in to a hotel after a 20 hour round trip drive to deliver "Zsa Zsa" (my 1952 Chris-Craft Riviera) to Ryan Trailers in Oregon for her new trailer. It was 6:00 AM Eastern in Virginia and Matt e-mailed me, asking me to proof read the story because he was concerned that he was going to forget to include someone in the story.

Matt's a "Morning Person" and I'm a "Night Hawk." If we are working on a story together, because we are on opposite sides of the country, it's very common for Matt & I to communicate live via e-mail in order to get the story out on time in the morning. Nine e-mails back and forth exchanging names and images and a few hours later the story was ready to be published. Matt went to work and I went to bed in the hotel for a few hours.

Later that day, we spoke by phone about how the story came together and we laughed and laughed like a couple of teenage girls at the beach... At one point I had to pull off the highway I was laughing so hard. That's a normal day behind the scenes at Woody Boater and that's why we enjoy it so much - We are always having Fun!

Here's the Captain posting live updates from the Warner Collection Auction on his trusty iPhone, Matt doing what he's best at - with his unique style of wit and humor like no other... What a great weekend that was...

Regardless if it's creating a story, attending a boat show or an auction, or just coming up with fresh new ways of presenting a Woody Boater story, Matt's "Energizer Bunny" level of enthusiasm and creativity in infectious.

In our efforts to get the Friday Woody Boaters story completed and published, we forgot to mention one important person. So please join me to say THANKS to Matt Smith, the Captain of the Woody Boater ship. We appreciate everything that you do for the hobby and the opportunity to stay in tough with the Daily News from the World of Antique & Classic Boats on Woody Boater.com

Now back to our regular scheduled programming... It's now 2011 and before long the snow will be off the mountains and the lakes will once again be ready for a New Year of Woody Boating...

I for one can't wait for the 2011 boating season to start again!

Texx

The Best Of 2010 - Woody Boaters

2010-12-31T10:08:00.002-05:00

The Boatress, The Boatress's Mother, and the Harvy's on Betsy

In the time that I have been doing this.. To be honest, the boats start blurring together.. On runabout starts looking like all the others.. When you pa-roooze through Classic Boating Magazine from years back it feels like sometimes we are just reprinting stories.. Which is one of the charms of the passion I suppose.. But the thing that has just dang slapped us here in the face is the people. Ya ya, I know, it's a cliche.. Ask any club or hobby, they all say the same thing.. But this is different.. The folks are generally all kind and helpful. And very inviting.. That is the part we here at Woody Boater love the most.. What was also surprising is that no matter how many miles we logged in.. Many of you also did.. I saw some of you more during the summer time than folks in my own family... So here is to you.. Thanks enjoy

The Kaptain Krunch - Clayton

Donald Ploetner and his Foxy Girlfriend. Clayton NY

Frank Miklos and his brother Bob doing the CSI thing for the Golden Pond boats

The Ploetners and the Kadimik's .. Cant anyone have a simple last name to spell? Clayton NY

OH God..Like Romper Room... Lets see.. I see, The Krunch, Ploetners, Dick Kish, Seth Katz, Paul and Karen Harrison, Texx, Mike Mayer, Al Shinnerer, cant tell, I do remember it was fun and in a bowling Ally. Warner Collection Buffalo Minn


That's Seth Katz from Katz's marina on the left have a Homer Simpson moment. Bob have I got a calender for you Kays on the right.

Dennis Ryan for Antique boat Center playing with Sylvia . Bay Harbor ACBS International Show Michigan

Chad Durren .. Its his better side.. Driving us around on Lily, Clayton NY

Carla and Chris from Hagerty marine Insurance.. And a prop from Coke..

Brian Robinson and Terry Fiest giggling like 10 year olds at Christmas looking over Wee Don one amazing original Chris Craft Warner Auction

That guy at the auction.. That guy could dance,

Jim "I hate the poparatzi" Staib

Todd Warner

The boys from the Antique Boat Center, Buying a boat at the auction

Dave Wright and Al Shinnerer out from the west coast. party in the lobby of the Country Inn

Brian Robinson again Tahoe. He is everyplace

Marty Feletto at the helm of Alan Weinstein's amazing Riva.. Marty is performing a reverse docking.. Its was fun to watch.. Since it was not my boat

The Arrrrgs.. Larry Nichols and Woody gal, Mt Dora, Tavaras FLA

Woody Gal..

Don Danenberg doing what he does best.. Telling the Judges at St. Marys Maryland about spark plug wires

Texx, We could not believe that we were give press passes to the Mecum Auction AND given Free donuts.. Shhhhh.. We would have done it for a glass of water.. Dont tell them.

Logan Wood and Chris Smith, Algonac dedication of the statue of Gar Wood And Christopher Smith

Herb Pocklington.. Giving a wonderful speech. Algonac Statue Dedication. This guy is amazing

Dale Kocian With his collection of beautiful gauges.

Alexander Watson, who has as many Boats as kids.. Dear god.. Mr Hessle Michigan..

Don Ayers, who takes amazing photos of everything.. except for himself. I had to steal this one..

OK, this is a building.. But its full of killer boats and fantastic people .. Thanks to Bruce Olson, Tom Juul and crew for making us feel welcome.. Minnesota is not a cold place.. OK, wait, yes it is.. It's freezing up there.. Minnesota Maritime museum.

James and Caroline from the Perlitta Two restoration.. and there beautiful love child.. They called him Scripps.. He screams all the time now... Lopez island.

Chad Durren's father.. March Durren.. What a great family..

Dan Nelson, Who is currently restoring another master piece..

Dana Mecum. We got donuts, He got sandwiches.. Warner Auction

The Chaps.. I just showed Sheila here.. She is the more attractive of the two!


The entire Algonac gang! What a fun group.. My new second... third, wait fourth home.. I love that part of the country. The Old Club St Clair Mich

Jim Shotwell, who behind the scenes helps out a ton. This is from is fancy story as a hall of fame guy from Hagerty.

Phil Jones. Who wins the good guy award Smith Mountain lake VA

Mike Mayer of Lake Oswago Boat Works, who made makes us laugh 24 /7 Thats him on the left..

Pat Curtin who also makes me laugh 24/7 and cry and laugh...! Ha..

Amanda, Miss Chris Craft, who has no idea she is even on Woody Boater

Phil Andrew from new Zealand not wanting to go home... enjoying Lake George.

The Stevenson's She is a looker but not much on the conversation..

The Turners. A real Class act..

Paul and Karen Harrison.. The biggest asset to the hobby in years.

Another lovely couple...Bill Basler on the right. with Chris Smith. Tavaras.

Jimmy Scott with his date Mariah.

Herb Hall From Sierra Boat Company who today is under 30 feet of snow.. Keep your head up herb.. its only 4 months til Summer!

Thanks to everyone this year for making this the best year yet.

Also a special thanks .. since I don't have your photos.. Tom Frye, Gary Gondek, Mark C, Bjon Borg..and his Beautiful Barrel Back Blog... Bob, and Jim Shapton, Big Al Benton. Wohooo Go Al... Kerry Price, Ginger and Randy from FLA. Steve Durbin, Charley Quimby from Maryland.. Still love Miss miami..., David VanNess, who can make one nice motor sing.. Peter melon from Antique boat America, Thom Hilliker, Allen Willy, Keith Colonna, Nancy and Paul.. You know who you are... And John Rothert from Powitan, as anonymous.. They guys from MBWW, Wooden Runabout Co, Bottoms Up, Mark Mcissac, Califonia Classics, Mitch and Kathy Lapointe, Mark Setterholm, Jeff Thom, Scott Ales, Sam Metaugh.The entire Smith Family.. Who ever that guy is who kept defending 1802 for no reason.... And of course.... Anonymous.. Who with out you, we would all be board to death.. My brain is drained and I am sure I forgot someone.. I am shocked I recalled all these names..

The Best Of 2010 - On The Road

2010-12-30T06:32:00.000-05:00

This year was the most traveled in Woody Boater history.. Texx and I seemed to be everyplace, because we were. I logged officially 40,000 miles alone in the Woody Boatermobile. Along the way certain things just keep us smiling.. Here are a few..Much more to come... MUCH more..

Signs Signs Signs.. The Mikkelson Collection

More stuff.. STUFFFFFF! The Mikkelson Collection

Very cool original Chris Craft Badge, On Wee Don at the Warner Auction

Jesus. This is one insane boat ! At the ACBS International Show In Bay Harbor

The Cozy Inn, in Salina Kansas

I was speechless, at the unveiling of the statue.

Woody's Boathouse at Lake Arrowhead. Cool iconic place on the lake

The water of Michigan.. This is what heavens lakes look like

My Church steeple.. Algonac.

Ya had to be there..

In search of boats in odd places

The road is a fun place. A motorcycle car

La Duchesse. The mother of all houseboats. Clayton NY

New Jersey!

Now I know why we don't have any readers in Wyoming!

The Best Of 2010- Top Ten Classic Boat Stories

2010-12-29T10:48:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again, where we look back... wait.. no it's not. It's that time of year where the news plasters us with looking back stories so we look back.. So.. here at Woody Boater we get the idea.. So starting today we will go back in time.. for just year and reflect on what was outstanding for the year.. Today.. Stories.. Tomorrow, something else.. and if you have any ideas. PLEASE chime in.. I can't recall yesterday...

So here goes.. Turn on your Wayne's World way back machine.. These stories were judged on readership and comments..

10. My Instructions For My Funeral. This one got us some fun comments, but near the bottom my son commented.. This made the story.

9. Misery Week. This was a reader favorite..An entire week of horror stories.. In fact it started week long story themes.. What a great time we all had

8. Stuck In The USA. What A Bummer. This was a fun story from fellow Woody Boater Phil Andrew on his trip to the US.

7. World Record Sale Of The Riva This story was a game changer for the hobby. We were happy to report it live. Also a new game changer for Woody Boater

6. Barn Wood, The Barn Find. This story was a three parter and folks tuned in big time

5. Algonac! This entire week was an amazing week, A real eye opener and being involved in the statue dedication was a humbling experience..

4. Minnesota Museum Week.. Not sure what to call this one. But the entire Week that Texx could not leave Minnesota.. HA.. I loved it, The readers loved it.. Readers love anything Texx does..

3. Last Gasp Week. Another big Week.. The images were fantastic.. Huge readership that week.. Thanks to the community for contributing.. And Fellow Woody Boater Alex Watson for having the idea.

2. The Warner Auction. Jesus, this was a huge month long event. The entire world tuned in and Woody Boater was right there. Texx and I were reporting so fast that folks actually found out they had bought a boat from reading it here.. Mecum changed the hobby in one week.. Dang...

And now, the number One Story of the year.. It was a toss up between the Mecum Warner auction and this one.. But hands down, according to traffic and comments.. this one was the huge winner. The warner auction was a massive month long event. But this one in one day broke every record.. And caused ulcers across the country.. Ladies and germs.... drum roll please...

1. The Rumored Third Thayer IV The barn Find Of The Decade.... Oh god.. No comments please.. I am just now feeling calm.. I am in a good place.. mmmmmmmmm This story brought out the best and worst in the hobby. But the fact that we were able to take all of our readers through a fun barn find..

Thanks to all the readers and commentary.. the comments are a huge part of the reading experience. And make it a ton more fun to do. Also of note.. Texx.... All the top 5 stories had Texx involved.. When Texx writes a story, readership rises.. I suppose when you put in the time, folks appreciate it.. I know I do..

1996 Riva Aquarama Special Headlines Rare Wooden Boats Offered At Mecum Kissimee Auction

2010-12-28T08:04:00.001-05:00

MARENGO, Ill. - After several noteworthy vintage wooden boat sales in 2010, Mecum Auctions continues its successful foray into the classic boat industry by giving collectors a chance to own "The Last Riva" - a 1996 Riva Aquarama Special Hull #774 that was the last Riva hand-built wooden boat ever sold to the public.

"This rare Riva Aquarama Special was purchased new on Dec. 23, 1998, and is still owned by the founding family of Sony Corporation, who professional stored, serviced and maintained the vessel since delivery," said Dana Mecum, president of Mecum Auctions. "It has less than 20 operating hours since it was purchased, having been used just one time more than nine years ago for a trip across Lake Garda, Italy for lunch. The Last Riva is one of just six 1996 'End of the Era' commemorative edition boats ever produced, making it one of the most original, desirable low-hour runabouts on the planet."

All original documents and paperwork supporting the sale are available. A video highlighting the Riva 774's second voyage can be viewed at www.Riva774.com.

Mecum will offer the Riva during its annual Kissimmee Auction, which has grown to a five-day event featuring 1,750 collector cars, boats and memorabilia up for sale. The auction takes place Jan. 26-30, 2011, at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla., and will broadcast with four days of live national TV coverage on "Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More" on Discovery Communications' HD Theater. Fans can also watch the auction via live Webcast at www.Mecum.com.

Terry Fiest' Rare Show Stopper Cobra. 21-046...

Mecum will auction five additional wooden boats on Saturday at Kissimmee, including a 1955 Chris-Craft 21' Cobra; 1938 Chris-Craft Model 801 Utility; 1929 Hacker Craft Dolphin Runabout 26' Triple Cockpit; 1970 Riva Aquarama Series III; and a rare John Hacker-designed Hutchinson Commuter 36' Boat that is one of just three known to be built in 1939.

The Kissimmee Auction is open to the general public with tickets available at the door for $15. Bidders are encouraged to pre-register to bid by visiting www.Mecum.com or calling 815.568.8888 today.

Schedule:
Mecum Kissimmee Auction
Jan. 26-30, 2011
Osceola Heritage Park
1875 Silver Spur Lane
Kissimmee, FL 34744

Preview: Doors open Wednesday-Sunday at 8 a.m.
Vehicle Auction: Wednesday-Saturday at 10 a.m. Sunday at 12 p.m.
Memorabilia: Sunday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Post Christmas Post - Is It Time To Get Started On That Wooden Boat Restoration Project?

2010-12-27T04:47:00.003-05:00

Well, another great Christmas is now in the record books. Mom and the family are in the process of returning their gifts and everyone is happy. Maybe it's a good time to get started on that wooden boat project that you have been thinking about. If your boat looks like this fixer upper 20' Custom (above), probably if you get started this week she will be ready to haul down to Mt. Dora for the 2011 Sunnyland ACBS Show at the end of March.

Or if your dream boat looks like this U-22... A little frame work maybe some stringers, a few coats of varnish, a new trailer and your on your way to Florida for the big show!

This nice runabout appeared to just need a little TLC and a tune up on the original motor... We all know that it's important to remain optimistic during the restoration work, and usually the old boat is done before you know it...

This old girl just needed some transom repairs, a windshield and a few coats of varnish and will be ready to hit the lake this summer to do some water skiing with the kids. Classic Fins Rock!

These original 1956 Chris-Craft 21' Continental's are rare and quickly becoming popular with collectors. The guys at the lake are sure to be impressed when you show up with a beauty like this in the spring, and you proudly say that you fixed her up over the winter. Classic Fins Too!

Or maybe all your dream boat needs is the bright work polished up to impress the judges.

I spotted this guy recently, he was well under way with his antique boat restoration project. He was just waiting for his new rebuilt motor and interior kit to arrive by FedEx Ground.

So why wait - take a drive down to your local Binford Tool Store, grab some tools and get started. Mt Dora is less than 3 months away, so get going and we will look forward to seeing you in March in Florida - WoooHooooo!

Thanks to Jim Staib from Fine Wood Boats for providing some of the images for our story.

Texx

Do Not Read This Story If You Want To Stay Normal!

2010-12-26T08:16:00.000-05:00

Just keep repeating.. It's just a mixer.. just a mixer.. DO NOT look at the deck seams..

It was bound to happen.. Poor Texx... The disease is strong in him.. He is sadly powerless against its will. It all starts innocently enough.. searching for cool stuff on the web.. And then you think, hey I recall old wood boats, those are cool.. Next you are on eBay.. Then you start googling around.. You come across the Antique Boat Center, and other brokers.. You sit and dream.. WOW, that would be cool.. To zip around in an old boat.. Then you go the next step, you buy one.. then two.. then you see wood and varnish everyplace. In old Woody Cars, furniture.. This is when you know you have the dreaded disease.. Mahoganyitus.. BUT!

Jet Drive? We warned you.. Turn away NOW!

When you start seeing boats in common kitchen appliances.. Dear god! There is no hope.. Texx sent these to me last night.. I thought, why is Texx sending me a mixer.. and then I saw it.. The seams, the lines.. The alternative rudder prop system.. Actually might work.. Just think of the water skiing possibilities.. Not to mention that you could whip up the lake into a nice whip cream... mmmm Just stop your mixer boat and plunge in to a nice lake full of whip cream... OK... It's official, I now have the dreaded combo case of Mahoganyitus and leftover syndrome... Hope you all had a great Christmas..
Texx & Matt

Merry Woody Christmas!

2010-12-25T05:03:00.000-05:00

I would like to thank everyone for giving us here the gift of a voice in the passion of Antique & Classic Boats. Your readership, comments and suggestions have made this a true joy to do. Merry Christmas.

Hocus Pocus & Sea N' Isle - Two Award Winning Lymans and Lily a 1952 Chris-Craft At Clayton

2010-12-24T03:45:00.013-05:00

During the winter months we have the opportunity to reflect on some of the Woody Boating highlights from the past year. For us, one of the many highlights was attending the 2010 46th Annual Antique Boat Show in Clayton, New York last August.

Some of the finest wooden boats in the country were in attendance in Clayton, which is held at docks of the Antique Boat Museum. Along with the rich boating history of the area, this was an unforgetable experience. We also had the opportunity to spend some time with many boating friends including Fellow Woody Boater's Chad & March Durren, who took home the award for Best Restored Classic Utility Under 22' with "Lily" an immaculate 1952 Chris-Craft Sportsman.

Among the award winning boats at Clayton were two original Lymans that deserve some recognition.

The first is "Hocus Pocus" a beautiful 1947 22' Lyman Utility, owned by Marc Hetzke from Coatesville, PA.

"Hocus Pocus" is powered by a 1947 150 HP Grey Marine 6, was in exceptional condition for her age and presented herself nicely at the show.

Marc Hetzke and "Hocus Pocus" received the award for Best Preserved Classic Utility Over 22'.

The next award winning Lyman is "Sea N' Isle" a 1940 Lyman 24' Sedan owned by Larry & Loretta Trumpore from Clayton, NY.

In 1940 this Lyman Sedan was purchased new in nearby Cape Vincent, NY just a few miles down the St. Lawrence River from Clayton. "Sea N' Isle" has been running on the St. Lawrence River for 70 years and has been used as a Guide Boat and a Mail Boat over the years.

The sedan is still powered by Twin 1940 103 HP Gray Marine 6 cylinder engines.

"Sea N' Isle" received the award for Best Lyman at the Clayton show.

For more information on the history of Lyman Boats you can visit the Lyman Boat Owners Association site by clicking here and it's also listed along the right side of the Woody Boater home page.

To learn more about the Lyman marque you can visit the Official Lyman Archive Site by clicking here. These sites are packed with great information on the history of Lyman Boats.

The historical photo shown below is courtesy of the Lyman Archival Site.

Here's a shot of "Lily" Chad Durren's Award Winning 1952 Chris-Craft Sportsman.

The correct restoration and attention to detail on "Lily" is exceptional.

Thanks to Chad Durren for providing many of the photos for this story.

Happy Holidays - Texx

The 1935 MV Kalakala - The World's First Streamlined Art Deco Ferry

2010-12-23T04:05:00.000-05:00

In November, Fellow Woody Boater Casudi brought this historic project to our attention. Much has been written about the history of Kalakala over the years. Certainly most folks around the Seattle - Puget Sound area and throughout the San Juan Islands are familiar with the life and times of Kalakala, but we thought it would be fun to share this story with the rest of the Woody Boater Community.

The MV Kalakala, world renowned as the “World’s First Streamlined Ferry” and named after the Native Chinook word meaning "Flying Bird" holds a nostalgic and magical place in the hearts of countless ferry-goers in the Pacific Northwest.

The Kalakala (pronounced kah-LOCK-ah-la) was notable for her unique streamlined superstructure, art deco styling, and luxurious amenities. The vessel was a popular attraction for locals and tourists, and was voted second only to the Space Needle in popularity among visitors to Seattle during the 1962 Seattle World's Fair.

She served over 100 million passengers in 32 years of ferry service, and was the second most photographed man-made structure in the world, second only to the Eiffel Tower! (Courtesy of Kalakala Port Angeles)

This photo (above) shows how revolutionary the KALAKALA was in 1935, compared to the BAINBRIDGE, a typical ferry of the day. (Photo courtesey Don Gray Collection)

On July 3, 1935 12:45 PM, the Kalakala (shown above) commences her maiden voyage with great fanfare. With confetti and ticker tape, an estimated 100,000 citizens crowd Coleman Dock and the adjacent water-front to witness this remarkable event. Under command of Capt. Wallace Mangan the Kalakala makes a speed of 17.3 knots and is expected to do better after refinements are made. On board are 500 guests of the Puget Sound Navigation Company. 8000 people greet her as she makes port in Bremerton at 4:00PM. At 4:30PM she departs with 2000 school children for a cruise of the sound and upon her return she is open to the public from 6:00 till Midnight when she leaves to return to Seattle. (Photos courtesy of Kalakala.org)

The sleek aerodynamic styled Kalakala utilized 5 decks and had room for over 2,000 passengers, plus automobiles on the lower deck.

The Kalakala starts daily service from Seattle to Bremerton. Starting at 6:30 am, she makes six round trips daily. Fares are 45 cents for passengers and $1.10 for autos and driver. Every evening at 8:30 she leaves Seattle for a "Moonlight Cruise" that lasts until 12:30am. Cost is $1.00 per couple to dance to Joe Bowen and the "Flying Bird Orchestra". The red velvet chairs in the forward cabin are moved aside to provide a dance floor and music is electrically piped throughout the ship to all decks.

Below, the Kalakala's famous "Double Horseshoe Cafe" which, in 1946 diners could feast on a full breakfast of Ham & Eggs with Toast and Potatoes (hey Matt - Mmmm Ham & Eggs) for .75 cents. Coffee was served with breakfast for an additional .10 cents.

The grand ballroom (below) was used for the evening "Moonlight Cruises" complete with 8 piece orchestra.

Passengers on the upper deck viewing area.

Postcards circulate around the country, showing off Seattle's newest ferryboat. The Kalakala is an international sensation. News reels, magazines and Sunday supplements carry stories. The Seattle Chamber of Commerce predicts that the success of the Kalakala will lead to contracts for new ships in local shipyards.

October 2, 1967 The KALAKALA completes her final run as a WSF ferry and is moored at Eagle Harbor in Winslow. She is sold to high bidder Robert Ressoff of American Freezerships Co., and be converted to a crab-processing vessel for Dutch Harbor, Alaska.

November 8, 1998 The KALAKALA triumphantly reenters Elliot Bay after 32 years. She is moored at Bell Street, Pier 66 where thousands wait in line over the Holidays for a chance to tour her once elegant decks.

September 24th, 2004 The KALAKALA is towed to her new home in Tacoma, WA.

After many years of failed negotiations to save this historic vessel and an uncertain future, it appears that finally the long awaited restoration of Kalakala may soon move forward.

On October 2010 the Art Deco Society of California (ADSC) recognized the unique historic and cultural significance of the 1935 MV Kalakala, and fully endorses the Kalakala Alliance Foundation's (KAF) efforts to preserve it. (Click on the Art Deco Society of California link above to read the complete document)

The Kalakala Alliance Foundation (KAF) has a great web site which has a complete detailed history of the vessel, a tour, and some real cool period video showing the entire history of Kalakala, click here to see their impressive web site and learn more about this story.

The Kalakala Port Angeles web site illustrates the long range plans for Kalakala's restoration and new home.

Many of the images for this story were provided courtesy of Kalakala.org, Don Grey Collection and the Kalakala Port Angeles site, thanks to everyone!

Happy Holidays - Texx

More Classic Boat Hats, Hat Pins! Per Request!

2010-12-22T05:37:00.000-05:00

A pile of nice vintage boat hats

Well, we now have about 10 hat pins in from scouring eBay and other places. They are the finishing touch to your classic boat hat. If you go the route of a gold bouillon on your hat they look fantastic, but if you are going the patch route its a no go. Here is a sample of what they look like.

Each pin has its own character and represents its home. This one Mastic Beach

This one is on an old hat, with patch sewn on

New hat

Old patches showing rank of the owner. And different styles. The one on the left is for the Chesapeake Yacht Club

How they attach to your hat.

We Did Not Know That Leeroy Jenkins Likes Classic Boats!

2010-12-21T07:15:00.001-05:00

Watch this if you don't know who Leeroy Jenkins is. Note this is a short clip from a group Video game

OK, this is now officially gotten out of hand. My pathetic 5 votes for Amanda seem rather insufficient now. Here I was thinking I was so clever using different computers to cast my votes.. Then I was told all I had to do was clear my cookies.. I even asked my staff and the readers to cast there votes.. We all were holding our own.. The social experiment was working, and fun.. Until the Sea Ray folks got involved.. with in seconds, they had matched a weeks worth of votes for Amanda for the swim suit edition competition.. And then it got even stranger. Chris craft would go up and sea ray would match to the vote. In a way sending a message that no matter how many votes are cast for Chris Craft, that Sea Ray was in control... OK.. That was over 100,000 votes ago.. YESTERDAY! Enter Leeeeroy Jenkins.. Some how over the last day, Miss Chris Craft has gained over 200,000 votes..

Rising at about 3 -5 votes per second. NOW... Our readership ain't that big, neither is the Chris Craft Antique Boat club.. So? Is this even a real competition anymore? Or has technology taken over? Did Leeroy Jenkins jump the gun? What will be interesting to see, is if Miss Sea Ray can catch up, and how fast.. Will it be in an instant like before. And if so? Someone has hacked into the system. We will be watching of course.. Painfully, since this story seems to be going down the rabbit hole of the Golden Pond boats again.. UGH..Maybe Joe Martel and Leeroy Jenkins know each other.. HA!

Life Is Simpler In Woody Boaterville

2010-12-20T08:35:00.000-05:00

McCall's Boater Babe Cover for 1911.. That turtle neck must have been quite the contoversy

If you have been following the now death match voting pissing contest going on at Boating Magazine you will see that over night 20,000 votes were added to both Miss Chris Craft and Miss Sea Ray.. All fun I suppose, this is not secret military documents being leaked... But it did strike me that as much fun as it is to play along.. I do miss a nice illustration, and the part where my imagination is involved. Don't get me wrong, Miss Chris Craft is nice.. So is Miss Sea Ray... and for sure Miss Donzi.. who now looks better even though she is getting buried in a sea of social media voting. Whats fun here... is not looking at the boat babes anymore, it's the involvement.. And that is why drawings are best.. They are not real, nor do they pretend to be. They are what these images are.. Fantasies.. No one did it better than Gil Elvgren, in our book..

Gil Elvgren, pin up.

They have it all, beauty, and history. And a way of looking at things in a blurry reality. No voting online, no borderline porn.. Just good fun.. For me, it's chicks no longer clicks.

Woody Boater Question Of The Week - Dec. 19, 2010 - What's Your New Years Resolution?

2010-12-19T04:31:00.000-05:00

The Question of the Week is "What's Your Woody Boater New Years Resolution for 2011?"

According to About.com here's a list of their Top 10 New Years Resolutions

1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends
2. Fit in Fitness
3. Tame the Bulge
4. Quit Smoking
5. Enjoy Life More
6. Quit Drinking
7. Get Out of Debt
8. Learn Something New
9. Help Others
10. Get Organized

We think there should be New Years Resolutions designed specifically for Woody Boater's, so here's a few suggestions. But if you have your own suggestions, let us know so we can help inspire our fellow Woody Boater's before January 1st.

"Buy a Classic Riva"

"Spend more time at home during the winter so you can go boating all summer"

"Buy your wife a new wooden boat and let her name it"

"Clean out the bilge in your boat before spring"

"Enjoy life more - on the water"

"Offer to take your wife on a summer vacation - near a boat show"

"Spend more time at the cabin"

"Phone in sick at the office so you can work on your boat"

"Offer to take your wife dancing in Tavares in late March"

"Go on a healthy diet of Cracker Jacks and Beer"

"Offer to take your wife on a gambling vacation to Lake Tahoe in August"

"Try to remember all the New Years Resolution promises you made in January"

Let's hear your ideas for 2011 New Years Resolutions, and remember at Woody Boater you can remain anonymous which always helps when your dreaming up New Years Resolutions!

Oh, and for the wives reading this, simply delete the word "Wife" and insert the word "Husband".

Happy Holidays - Texx

Bring Back The Chris Craft Silver Arrow, And Maybe I Will Vote For Amanda.

2010-12-17T07:01:00.001-05:00

What in the heck is going on? Just last week, our Miss Chris Craft, Amanda Lee was practicing her pose for the cover.. She was 3,000 votes ahead of the Donzi gal Michelle... Erin the Sea Ray gal was at least 7,000 votes behind... And today... Erin is ahead by thousands of votes... IN ONE WEEK! WHAT THE? Is it the boat? Is it to modern? Maybe, just maybe if Chris Craft changed it around as a new Silver Arrow? Just a touch of red and some small cosmetic changes...

Or maybe. Just maybe... Naaa, cant be.....Ugh...Someone is not playing fair! There are ways to vote over again..Not that we have stooped to such a low level... Nooooooo.. So here is how you do it.... Clear your cookies.... You need to do that before New Years Eve anyway....... A joke..... Loose your cookies......... Wow.. That did not get a laugh... Tough crowd today.. Anyway.. We all need to jump in here and keep Miss Chris - Craft from being out nerded... by out nerding the nerds.. GIVE HER ALL SHE"S GOT SCOTTY.. Beam up your votes.. Warp factor.. SO VOTE HERE! VOTE OFTEN.

Sunnyland's Ho Ho Holidays - Boating In December For a Good Cause

2010-12-16T02:45:00.007-05:00

For many of the folks in the Woody Boater community, the boats are now winterized and stored away for the season, and we are now experiencing the full force of winter in some areas of the country. But if you live in Florida and the weather cooperates, you can still go boating in December for a good cause.

On December 4th & 5th the nice folks from the Sunnyland ACBS Chapter organized their Ho Ho Holidays weekend beginning with a Picnic Run to Lake Griffin State Park on Saturday and then the Toys For Tots Run on Sunday.

The Sunnyland ACBS Chapter was established over 25 years ago and has grown to over 640 members, making it the largest chapter in the ACBS organization. Each year in March, they host the popular Sunnyland Annual Boat Festival on the shores of Lake Dora in Tavares, Florida. This is always an exciting spring event with a large attendance from the United States and Canada, and beyond.

Heres the story of the Ho Ho Holidays weekend from fellow Woody Boaters & Event Organizers Ginger Clark and Terry Ross.

Sunnyland’s Ho Ho Holidays

Sunnyland had been asked last year to join the Lake County boating community to collect toys for the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots Foundation and this year we were asked to host the run since they knew this would be something near and dear to our hearts as Randy (Ginger's Husband) is a Marine (1964-70).

Toys for Tots was founded in 1947 by Colonel William Hendricks of the United States Marine Corps Reserve. The official story from Toys for Tots is that the Colonel’s wife made a child’s doll and gave it to her husband to pass on to an organization collecting toys for needy children. When Hendricks could find no such organization in Los Angeles, he started Toys for Tots, collecting toys for over 5,000 families in the first year with the help of other reservists. The Marine Corps was struck by the program and made it nationwide in 1948. The Toys For Tots train logo was designed by Walt Disney and given to the Corps.

In Lake County they hold a friendly (cut-throat) competition along the lines of a bass fishing tournament with the groups weighing their toys to determine a winner. The groups consist of several organizations; marinas, housing developments, yacht clubs, bass fishing clubs, air boating clubs, Sunnyland and Sea Tow. The Toys For Tots run was moved up to the first weekend of December this year as last year they Corps had run out of toys until the boaters showed up in the second weekend with over 8,000 toys to save Christmas for the kids.

The new date coincided with lighted boat parades in Eustis and Mount Dora and the idea was hatched to create a fun filled weekend to try and bring in our of town boaters as well for fun and fellowship. Sunnyland organized a Saturday picnic run to Lake Griffin State Park led by Terry & Tim Ross. The weather was Chamber of Commerce perfect with sunny skies and only a light jacket needed on the lakes.

Seven boats came together for this run:

“Miss Babs” Terry & Tim Ross with her son Brian Shefchuk & Jere Ales aboard
“Wild Goose” Dick Dale & Riley Warddrip
“Scraps” Tara Richardson and her husband Tony Mills
“Almost Eight” Bill & Kathy Root
“Pumpkin” Larry Nichols & Susan Miller
“T-14” Craig Hartwig
“Copy Cat” Mike Yobe, David Doner, Jerry Valley and Clark Oltman

They made a full day out of it going through the Haines Creek locks over to the state park and back to the Gilbert Park docks not getting back until 6PM.

Sunday the day of our Toys for Tots run started off with a small front moving in and the weather not as perfect as the day before but still boats and boaters met at Buzzard Beach to deliver the toys that had been collected in the previous months.

Sunnyland gathered up a lot of toys and we would like to give a special shout out to Bill Feikert of the Temple of Restoration for not only being our collection drop off point but for also having regulars like Stan Peterson, Tom Flood, Mort Pomeroy and the others bringing toys over if they were going to hang out.

Boats for the Toys For Tots run:

“OoRAH” Randy, Ginger & Cody Clark
“Jitterbug” Tim & Terry Ross
We also had Dave Tilley in his fiberglass Chris-Craft
Linda Spenser & her husband Carl Herbst with guests in their deck boat
Jim & Denise Horton and crew with their Play Craft pontoon boat…that thing was amazing it scooted along at 52 mph…let me tell you being passed by a pontoon boat is humbling…
Larry Nichols & Susan Miller had trouble with “Pumpkin” at the dock and rode in various boats during the ride including ours, what great fun they are.

We filled the rear cockpit of “OoRAH” and had to distribute toys to other boats to make the run. We ran through Dead River where we were met by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and escorted to Leesburg to deliver our toys along with the other clubs.

Sunnyland delivered 321 pounds of toys!!! But remember we said this event was friendly and cut-throat…well one club showed up with two giant turtle shaped plastic sand boxes and the bags of sand to fill the darn things…they came in with over 2,000 pounds and won the $250 prize which was donated back to the Toys For Tots Foundation. It was decided that next year we will be bringing in weight sets!!! All totaled over three tons of toys and $3,100 was raised by the boating community.

What a wonderful way to kick off Sunnyland’s boating season and to gather for such a great cause…OoRAH! Thank you to everyone who donated toys we couldn’t have done it without you.

Ginger Clark & Terry Ross (Here's Terry - Always with a smile helping with the donations)

Thanks to Ginger & Terry for sharing this great story with Woody Boater and to the Sunnyland ACBS and it's volunteer's for assisting with the Toys For Tots event this year.

I am a proud member of the Sunnyland ACBS Chapter and am looking forward to helping Terry Ross with the Marine Youth Judging Program, sponsored by Hagerty Classic Boat Insurance at the 2011 Sunnyland Boat Festival from March 25 to 27.

Happy Holidays Everyone - Texx

Winns Boathouse For Sale!

2010-12-15T07:58:00.000-05:00

This is a good news bad news deal.. First the good news.. You have dreamed of owning such a place. This is without a doubt one of the top boat house dream houses on the planet earth. It's located in Michigan.. A classic boaters paradise, and the home is all set up for you to just bask in your woodyness. Here are some snap shots to start your drool machine..

Now, the bad news.. The realtors web site that shows the home is so over loaded that it ain't work'n... HA, how's that for torture... It's like it's right there at your fingertips.. And there is not one thing you can do.. Here is the image currently... I am sure the poor guy is scrambling to increase his bandwidth.. Give her all she's got Scotty.. Warp Speed!

Now... It may be working and this is a live picture of the place.. Like a painting of a white horse in a snow storm deal.. HA.. I have included the link here so you can keep trying if you like.. http://www.winnhouse.com/

It's Totally Terrific Tavares Tuesday! Today! Tonight! And Well.. Tomorrows Just Another Wednesday!

2010-12-14T07:46:00.001-05:00

For those of you that are counting such things. Today is only 101 Days til Tavaras. OK OK OK that sounds like a longtime away.. But it's only 3 1/2 months.. Or in the grand scheme of things.. Considering time and millenniums gone by.. A blink.. In fact according to historians.. it just happened while you read this one "word".. Poof gone.. Sorry you wasted all your time reading that darn "word". You should have been there, it was great.. For those of you that live in the present day.. You are in luck.. Lake Dora is still an entire 1/4 of a year away.. Phew, thank god! While you wait, you can bask in the sunny-land... website.. Its all new and shiny.. Happy Tavares Tuesday!

Betsy, A Wonderful Story Of The Power Of Karma.

2010-12-13T08:24:00.000-05:00

Betsy, a 1958 28' Connie last weekend on Smith Mountain Lake

It comes as no surprise to many of us here in the classic boat hobby that our wood boats are more than just inanimate objects that float around. They are living breathing things that we share our place on the planet with.. So.. you say, Woody's gone off the deep end here? He is about to get all spacey - tinkle on us.. Well.. it's true... Our boats are made from an organic matter.. They breath.. they soak in moisture like we do.. They dry out.. And left alone.. die.. And given love and respect, thrive and return the favor.. It does not take a huge leap to believe that they also soak in good energy.. or bad.. They for all intensive purposes have a spirit.. Come on.. It's all part of the hobby.. How many times have you fallen in love with a boat from across the marina? Why do folks restore the un restorable? Why do folks look for years for there long lost boat that they had when they were younger? How many of you long for that freezer that was in the garage when you were a kid? Or the lawn mower you spent your summers making money with? So, what in the heck does this have to do with Betsy, my old Cruiser... Well, about two months ago I sold Betsy to fellow Woody Boater Phil Jones on Smith Mountain Lake.. Folks asked why? We all helped in the naming here of Betsy, we followed her repairs and know her history, why would I sell her so fast and loose money in the deal. KARMA! It's that simple..

The day we picked up Betsy, her with her past name Odyssey

For those that are new to the Betsy story.. We picked her up this past spring for about $2,500 in a Marina here in VA.. She had been let go for a couple years or so, and she needed a home.. What was different about Betsy though is that in the late 90's she had been beautifully restored and loved.. Over restored... Her name was Odyssey.. Now.. nothing special about that.. BUT.. turns out the restorer was a woman named Betsy.. Betsy was an artist like my mother, did landscape painting like my mother, was about my mothers age.. And died suddenly exactly from the same cause of death as my mother.. On top of that, when we were pregnant with our first child, we did not know what it would be.. A boy or girl? if it was going to be a girl, she was to be named Betsy.. So all these things came together regarding naming the boat.. Betsy was a clear favorite here on Woody Boater when we all voted.. Betsy was brought home to Reedville, and her transom was repaired and some bottom planks.. We spent the summer on glorious sunset cruises.. That boat made this summer one of the best we have had down there on the water..

Betsy, after her repairs and about to be put in the water..

But things were changing, Our sons are going off to school, and have not gone down to the river in years.. Woody Boater is demanding more time away on the weekends, and the idea of owning a un attended to cruiser was not in the cards.. Also Phil was looking for a worthy project with a twist.. And that is were Karma comes in.. Turns out Phil sponsors kids with special needs.. and is part of a group of families that also have kids with special needs.. They wanted a project that they could all work on and then enjoy the results.. Betsy in a sense was going onto to help these kids feel joy and giving them an opportunity to learn and enjoy the joy of boating

From Phil. "Wayne is perhaps the most disabled guy I sponsor. He shows little interest in any type of unfamiliar surroundings and often exhibits behaviors during outings into the community. BUT Sunday for four hours he laughed and smiled and would say "water" "boat" "Dad's boat" laughing loudly every time the boat changed speed. He will be with me most days on the water from now on."

WOW.. Betsy was put in the water on Smith Mountain Lake about 2 months ago and has not stopped.. The reports of Betsy and her crew have been heart warming and joyful.. The kids LOVE it.. Betsy the artist who donated her paintings to good causes is still helping.. Her simple choice to save a boat over 20 years ago is still passing forward good things.. And now Phil is doing the same.. Thanks Phil, Betsy would be proud..

Betsy still going strong... Note the date..

Glen-L Boats... Much More Than Boat Plans

2010-12-11T09:23:00.003-05:00

Ever since I was a kid and dreamed of building a cool boat with my pop in the garage, I knew of the Glen-L name.. The name is as iconic as Chris-Craft and many others.. But to be honest, I only thought of Glen-L as boat plans and kits.. Wow.. could I have not been more wrong? Thanks to the folks at Glen-L and their smarts with the web, the Glen-L community is growing. And more importantly from the look of things.. Fun as hell. And even more shocking.. and hold on here.. Women.. real women... HOT Women! And it doesn't matter what your boat looks like.. Or how big it is.. They have women at there parties..

"Deck Swabber" Wiley & Gayle in Lola's boat

Oh not the kind of women that get dragged along. Or are hired to drape themselves on the bow of a boat.. Which reminds me.. Keep Voting for AMANDA.. Here.. Anyway... These women actually seem to participate! What the heck is that all about? Oh we have Woody Gal.. who I love and is great.. But they have more.. they have Woody GalS...with a plural S,,,, wives and girlfriends, and get this.. They have a real woman who is charge of all this..Yup... Gayle Brantuk is the VP of Glen-L Marine and the daughter of the founder Glen L.Witt and is doing an amazing job... My world is all messed up now.. It's not about the hats? Or the fact that my boat is 60 years old? What? Could it be that maybe its all about being out on a cool boat that you built with as a team, a family.. That maybe, just maybe its just that? And the fact that you have other things in your life to talk about.. WHAT! Please help me here.. Does this mean that the fact that I used a #8 screw instead of a #6 is not interesting to women? OH GOD!!!!!!!! Waiiiit, wait one minute..Wait.. Maybe it's not us and them.. they are me, these are cool Woody Boats.. We're all Woody Boaters.. Been around since the 50's, have history, patina.. And for the record, never stopped.. Maybe Glen-L is one of the icons of the classic boat hobby.. It certainly represents the best aspects of the hobby of Antique & Classic Boats.. If you want to see how much fun this community has.. Click here to see there gathering last year.. and their fun awards that they handed out.. here ..... if you want to sign up for next years.. click here.. But hurry, its 70% booked up already.. Dang!

Holiday Classic Boat Cards!

2010-12-10T07:39:00.000-05:00

Heather and Chris Atwood out in there 2010 Home built Glen-L Zip Named First Born they built . The photo was taken at the 4th Annual " Gathering" Of boat builders on Lake Nickajack, TN..

OK, this was no last gasp week.. I am shocked with the little volume,.. BUT, we did get some good ones in yesterday thanks to those who took pity on me.. There I was flopping out in the breeze.. 1802 fans all shooting at me, and no Xmas card love.. But thanks to some... we have a story today.. And don't bother feeling sorry for me.. It's to late for that now.. I don't need your cards anymore... WOW.. that was my wife channeling through my finger tips.. Sorry... Keep sending.. phew.. I am back now.. These are great..

This in from Dan Ward of his first Woody.. Boat.. man those Woody Jokes never get old.. .. to me.. sorry.. Anyway.. its a 2010 20 footer ski utility made by Classic Craft. It has a hand laid fiberglass hull with Mahogany framing and deck.. Wait.. wait one minute.. Its a half woody.. thats an entirely new set of jokes.. Thanks Dan!

This fun red and green one from Bob Kays.. This image was used for the Katz's marina Holiday Card.. I like the concept..

And this last one that is more than a card idea.. As many of you know.. or not.. a couple years ago fellow Woody Boater Chad Durren rebuilt one of the nations finest utilities.. And he did it as a gift to his daughter Lily.. That was sweet enough.. But each year he takes a transom shot with Lily and the boat.. Imagine when she is 30 though.. Those photos will be priceless treasures.. Here are the first two.. Dang almost makes me want to have another kid, just so I can do this.. But my wife is pissed at me for my smart ass comment at the top of this story.. Ugh.. I can't catch a break.. Thanks Chad!

Lily's First Transom Shot..

Lily's second shot.. Wow what a difference a year makes.. Thats Chad on the left.. not Lily by the way..

Happy Holidays.. From WoodyBoater

Late Breaking Useless News- Miss Chris-Craft Breaks 10,000 Votes

2010-12-09T20:20:00.000-05:00

Image from Boating Magazine Swim Suit Edition.. Miss Chris-Craft Amanda Lee.

As you may have been following here on Woody Boater we set out with the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club to vote for our Queen of Boat Babes. Miss Amanda Lee, Miss Chris-Craft for the new Boating Magazine Swim Suit Edition cover.. Just one week ago she was in the center of the pack with 44 votes. Then in one day after we started this push. 1,300, then 3,000 and today as of about an hour ago, she broke 10,000 votes.. She is 3,000 or so votes ahead of the Donzi gal who is keeping up the pace.. While the third place is at 1700 votes and then.. well it just gets sad.. They are all nice girls, with mothers and fathers.. boyfriends and husbands.... and nice cooks, I am sure... BUT they don't represent Chris-Craft and follow in the tradition set close to 100 years ago with the very first Chris-Craft girl.. So once again.. We raise our cans of Varnish to Miss Chris-Craft Amanda.. Keep up the voting.. We need that cover!

Holiday Cards! What A Disaster!

2010-12-09T08:01:00.000-05:00

Santa's Slay does weigh something.. thanks to Bill Brindamour, AMS and Hagerty

So.. we do the big story asking for wonderful images for folks Holiday cards.. And .. Cue the Crickets... Except for my trusty pals at Hagerty Marine Insurance.. Ya see, they are always there when you need them.. And I needed them. So.. They sent in some images of recent problems... So.. I made cards out off them ///Here goes. The First of the Classic Boat Holiday Cards .. From our Pals at Hagerty, who remind us all that a ton... couple tons, of damage happens during the off season.. Keep those policies live.. And send some images in..

Image Bill Brindamour, AMS

Image from McCrea Marine Surveyors

And this Card that Hagerty made....... Those darn elves are work'n hard now!

Merry... Christmas. Hanukkah, Kwanzaa To You.. Now Send Us Some Images!

2010-12-08T07:37:00.000-05:00

Here is a nice Card from Fellow Woody Boaters, Lee & Randy Rush-Shot on his homemade 1959 boat on Lake Winnipasaukee NH Randy is the one that suggested a contest.. So here goes... Thanks Captain Grumpy!

It's that time of year again.. The time to send out your Holiday Cards and good wishes.. So, knowing that many of you either have not done that yet, or spouses have bought some lame pack of cheesy glitter packed Christmas balls card to send out.. We here at Woody Boater decided to give you a hand.. No not an applause.. Jesus.... And not like last year where we did them for you.. But from you.. Our viewing audience.. Like Last Gasp Week.. This is Ho Ho Happy Holiday Week.. Here's how it works.. You send us a great holiday image that you think would make a fantastic card, or your card already... or we will make one from your image if yours is worthy.. Which of course it will be.. We will then put it through our Magical Ho Ho Holiday Card Machine and broadcast it back to the world... All your Woody Boater Pals can get a card just by going to Woody Boater and comment.. You don't have to lick a stamp,, and you get to save a tree.... For later.. when you need it for something useful.. Like a side plank... So send away.. Matt@WoodyBoater.com

Pentagon Finds Wikileaks Solution From Within The Classic Boat Hobby!

2010-12-07T07:44:00.004-05:00

Living next door to the Pentagon, occasionally every day citizens are asked for help from time to time.. Really.. Take lunches over to the big shots.. Watch the generals kids.. Just the sort of thing that good neighbors do.. I should have questioned why so many new generals were showing up at the house to look at my boat.. But my ego just thought it was the boat.. Oh no...nooooo... It all started with a joke to my Pal General Richard Cranium.. We were talking over some suds about how my boat used to leak, and I fixed it with a new bottom bedded in West System Epoxy. Really? He wanted to know more.... Next thing I know folks from the White House are over in the Garage.. And two weeks later I am watching the local news.. And POW.. You could have knocked me over with a feather..

Introducing.. West Wing System.. I know.. seems fare fetched.. But they are soaking all the documents generated from the White House now in this stuff.. I bet you don't see many more leaks from now on... And if they do.. Its the stuffing box.. Really...

NEW! West Wing Epoxy System!

CSI: On Golden Pond

2010-12-06T07:26:00.002-05:00

Starring Frank Miklos - He's out to prove U-22-1460 is the real deal!

Well... I don't know what's harder, allowing comments attacking Pat, Frank and I or writing this and starting up all the crap again. The week of the U-22-1460 Golden Pond boat discovery was supposed to be a celebration, and instead it turned into a Jerry Springer show moment.. It was not what we wanted to see, and certainly did not cast a nice light on the hobby that we all enjoy. We left that week, with some very nice peaceful classic boat art, classic boat hats and toilet humor.. Bob Ross can sooth the savage soul.. HA.... All was well again in Woody Boaterville..

Until this week.. Several anonymous commenter's commented on several posts that Pat, Frank and I were fabricators of these boats. That somehow this was all because Pat wanted to buy U-22-1802 back in the day. So? For the record..again...so did I on the eBay sale.. Hell I still would like it.. It's a cool boat..They all are...I want every boat I see.. But these boats are special in my mind... The Mail Boat is my dream boat though.... Not sure what the point was, claiming that I wanted to buy it.. It's no secret.. Why is that a bad thing? I duth covet another mans boat is not the 11th commandment. If that's the new rule.. you can kiss any boat show you want to go to good by... Also Jeff Thom is a great guy and caretaker of U -22-1802 and has done a fantastic restoration..

The accusations further accuses Frank and I some how got dragged into Pats master web of manipulation.. Really? Sarcasm alert here.... So....Some how Pat snuck out of his apartment and added a bunch of secret parts to a generic U-22 boat, and made up the US Mail boat? Really? Then hired some actors to play a very nice private family.. had all the paper work stashed in there file cabinets...... That we then drove from all over the country to document these things.. for what? So Pat could make a couple hundred bucks.. Pat for the record does NOT want the boats.. I asked.. The debate would not be left alone... I was more than happy to move on.. Why couldn't the fans of U 22-1802 and U 22-1460 just get along? Rodney King had it right... I get along with Jeff the owner of 1802? If anyone wanted to talk to me, Pat or Frank about it.. We were very open to doing so one on one through email or phone so as to not continue the meaningless debate..... But accusing us publicly of being dishonest put me in a tough spot.. I could not, not publish the comments, and then be accused of not doing that? Either way, I was screwed... And if just left it alone, made us all look like it was true.. Especially when it's done anonymously and multiple times..

For the record defending U 22-1802 seems pointless to me...since it has so much press...it really does not need to be defended in my book.. It's like defending one Lassie over another.. Tearing us down to do that is just wrong.. Our focus on the stories was a celebration of U-22-1460 and the US Mail Boat Mariah.. The well known star of the press U-22 1802 had just been restored and thought it would be a good tie in... I personally wanted to move on to more positive things. Pat.. As he said" I left that film 30 years ago. "But Frank Miklos of CenturyClassicPowerBoat.com felt like the comments were personal, which they were.. unfair, and frankly offensive.. So.. Frank spent countless hours going frame by frame through the film... to prove that U-22-1460 had a place in the film...to prove a point.. Since U-22-1460 has no press, or history from the past 28 years.. The only place to go other than Pats word, which was being challenged.. He needed to go back to the start. The footage... Not the in between part, the press that does not exist on 1460.. He picked apart each boat.. Plank by plank.. painful detail by detail, film frame by film frame.. We could go on and on about this.. But won't.. The story is now beyond complete in our book.. I hope.. If you want to look at Franks site.. Click here.. if not.. we completely understand, frankly.. no pun intended.. but it is funny.. "Frankly", both boats U-22-1802 and now U-22-1460 deserve a place in the films history..We should celebrate that fact.

I personally look forward to some sort of reunion of the boats...and a positive conclusion to this. This summer will be the 30th anniversary of the release of the film.. Let's celebrate 1820 and 1460.. and the Mail Boat and the hobby.

In this story for a one time event.. I will NOT allow any more anonymous negative comments. It's to destructive, and gains nothing more to the story since there is no point of reference to whom is making the comments. If you have an issue.. Do it the way you used to.. Behind our backs. HA....

I raise a can of varnish to 1460 and 1802.... To the mail boat Mariah.. a can of paint..and bug spray!

Woody Boater Question Of The Week - Dec. 5, 2010 What's Your Sea Queen?

2010-12-05T03:00:00.014-05:00

This weeks Woody Boater Question of the Week is...

What's the Perfect Boat? With so many designs out there, is one better than the other?

Or does SIZE MATTER?

Does age matter?

Does color matter?

Does Patina matter?

Does Sleek and Sexy matter?

Does Bling matter?

Do you like your boat to stand out in a crowd?

The folks here at Woody Boater would love to hear "The Answer", so Let 'Er Rip!

Texx

The Bristol Palin Effect Works For Chris Craft

2010-12-04T06:29:00.001-05:00

Keep Boating and Keep Voting.. Image from Boating Magazine

Two days ago we featured Amanda the Chris Craft girl in the Boating Magazine 1st Annual Swim Suit Edition. We wanted to show our support to our brothers... and sister.... over at the Chris Craft Antique boat Club and toss her some votes... Holy Crap! When the story broke, she had 44 votes.. The leader,the Donzi gal was ahead by a mile 1,200 votes.. The next was in the 400 range.. This morning.. our Chris Craft Gal Amanda hit over 3000.... because of you and a bunch of Chris Craft nerds.. Me included.. Amanda zoomed her way into the lead.. In one day.. Although last night there was a moment when the Donzi gal went into the lead by 10 votes.. And then pow.. Amanda took off again... And she is still going full throttle.. Way to go.. Way to show the power of The Boat Buzz and Woody Boaters, and the Chris Craft name.. And of course huge thanks to Amanda's gene pool... Keep up the voting.. Here ya go again.. Vote often! Vote Amanda! Vote here!

Watch Out For The Mahogany Fish In Argentina

2010-12-03T07:23:00.000-05:00

It all started while on a fishing trip to Argentina. Fellow Woody Boater Claude Owen caught himself a very nice custom Mahogany runabout. We all have been there.. No not Argentina.. But we all have been sucked in by the call of the Mahogany.. Claude could not stop himself. What also added to the whiff of the aphrodisiac called varnish, was that the boat was being used in a German Beer commercial.. The deal was done.

I love the lines on this boat.. No one has a clue as to what it is.. It was built around 1975 off plans from a old Chris Craft is all Claude knows about it.

Claude's pals, set up the boat, and got it shipped up to him in North Carolina.. Ain't fish'n buddies great? Hey at least Claude did not bring back a Lama... The boat... and Claude then moved to Lake Anna in Virginia.. Where she sits today.. She also is sitting on eBay if you are fishing around for a cool one off boat.. And if you want.. the eBay listing.. Right here..

Ahhh, didn't expect this did ya? Thought it would be some bad VW bus engine? Nope.. A very cool ford marine engine.. It does have Spanish numbers on it.. This was the detail that gave me a clue that who ever built this thing had fun with it. The lines on the boat are gorgeous, but the motor was the touch that put me over the top.. Its been serviced and the boat refreshed according to Claude.. If any of you know what this could be.. Chime in.. It all adds to the fun..

Brrrrrr Boat Babes! Vote For Your Favorite One! This One!!!!

2010-12-02T07:20:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Boating magazine we can warm up today.. All you folks in the deep south.. Well you can just sweat some more and enjoy the insects.. The good folks at Boating Magazine have done there first Swim suit issue.. It's doomed to fail...No one likes babes is swim suits.. But for those of us that still appreciate a good pose on a boat... Have at it.. Now.. all we ask here on Woody Boater is that you pay homage to the folks that made us aware of this.. The Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club and the boat buzz forum...... All you have to do is vote for Amanda.. Our very own Chris Craft gal..

If you go to the site there are also some great videos of the shoot and each model. We had it posted here but it would go live each time you clicked on something..That got annoying...

"Lazy-S" Part Two - Gathering Information From The Woody Boater Community After 80 Years

2010-12-01T04:03:00.004-05:00

The Antique & Classic Boating Hobby is like no other hobby on the planet, with some of the best people on the planet. Any time you attend a boat show, a seminar, or just visit one of the many social web sites or forums dedicated to the hobby, it's almost guaranteed that you will meet someone who is willing to share their knowledge and experience with you. The diversity of the folks in the hobby is also what makes it so great, from the collectors, to the brokers, to the restorers, to the vintage fiberglass folks, to the engine builders, on and on... all with the same common passion.

I have only been involved in the hobby for about 8 years and still consider myself as a relative newcomer to the hobby, but I have made so many good friends and contacts it's just incredible. A perfect example of this was when we attended the Warner Collection Auction in October. It was almost like homecoming week or a family reunion, it was that much fun to get together with everyone and talk about our favorite subject - antique boats!

I have been blessed with the opportunity to contribute to Woody Boater for a while now, and as a result I have made many friends along the way. When we do a story about a fellow Woody Boater or their antique boat, you quickly make a new friend and create relationships. The most recent example of this was yesterday when I recieved an e-mail from Matt Smith at 4:30 PM to say that he was on assignment in Maine and had no access to the internet. The e-mail simply said... "Texx - I'm not going to be able to post anything tonight, it's 4:30 PM, it's dark and it's cold..." That's my cue to come up with a last minute story for Tuesday. I had some photos of "Houston Girl" from Tahoe this year, and called my friend John Allen in California for some help. By 6:30 PM I had the photos and information from John to do the story.

If I didn't have to work for a living, I would still be driving around Minnesota visiting folks from the boating community!

So by now your probably thinking to yourself, "Texx, what the heck does this have to do with the "Lazy-S" story?" Well, one of my newest friends is Greg Suldan, the owner and restorer of "Lazy-S".

Last week when we first published the story about "Lazy-S" Matt and I received many e-mails and phone calls from the Woody Boater community with questions and comments about the authenticity of Greg's boat. Some of the folks also commented on the site with their observations and concerns. In the spirit of responsible reporting, we decided to follow up on these comments with Greg Suldan in attempt to gather more information about the boat for both Greg and the Woody Boater community. Maybe we could help set the record straight?

The challenge I was faced with was to phone Greg Suldan while he was on vacation in Arizona and figure out a way to tell him that some folks in the hobby were questioning if in fact what he had, and just spent 10 years restoring, was actually an original 1928 28' Gar Wood. I was guessing that the conversation could have gone two ways - He could have cussed at me and hung up in my ear or listened to what I was about to say. Thankfully for me, Greg was wide open to any suggestions or comments from folks in the community, that could possibly shed some light on what it could be. We shared a few laughs and Greg told me that based on his knowledge, the boat has been titled as a 1928 28' Gar Wood for over 60 years.

Greg Suldan has known of this boat since he was a kid and it has been in or around his family since 1967 when his father Byron first bought the boat for him and his son (Greg) to work on together. Greg first dated his wife in this boat, and he loves it as it's become a part of his life. Now some dude named Texx is calling to say that after all those years, it may not be a Gar Wood. Fortunately for me Greg patiently took it all in stride.

Greg has been very gracious and has offered to take more photos of the boat, share any information he has about the structural aspects of the boat and help in any way he can to work with us with the objective of learning more about the boat and it's history.

However, Greg is my friend and I don't want this to become confrontational or negative. I would like to think that together the Woody Boater community can share their thoughts and vast knowledge in a positive way, for a common goal. That's what the Antique & Classic Boating Hobby is all about.

So that said, we encouarge anyone out there to share their thoughts with us either in the comment section at the bottom of this story, or by e-mail or phone and together we can have some fun with this. After all winter is here...

I have included many of the same images that were shown in the original story last week for purposes of reference and comments. Also some old black & white scanned images that Greg had of "Lazy-S from back in the day.

Here is an image from 1999 when Greg bought the boat for the second time, just prior to starting the most recent 10 year restoration.

Removing the old cabin top.

And a few shots of the restoration work. The rivited bottom may provide some clues to the boats designer or original manufacturer. Greg has some knowledge of this if necessary.

Below are a few photos of "Lazy-S" after she was restored and re-launched this summer. Not the best quality photos but I wanted to include them to get across that at the end of the day, regardess of what we learn about the boat, it's beautifully restored and will be enjoyed by Greg Suldan and his family and friends for many years to come. That's important.

One of the many e-mails we received at Woody Boater regarding the Lazy-S story last week was this one from Bruce Middleton at Absolute Classics Marine in Kelowna, B.C. Canada. Bruce said...

Just a comment regarding Texx's story yesterday about the Rum Runner (Lazy-S) story.

Based on the pictures shown in the story of the boat as a cruiser style I immediately thought of a boat that is for sale in one of our listings that looks remarkably similar - as shown below.

It was built in 1926 as a 30' runabout in Nelson B.C. (Canada) by Walton Boats from a Hacker (or possibly Gar Wood) design along with two other identical hulls, all three of which still exist. It was converted to a cruiser style much later but is well documented and I'm guessing like the boat in the story, could easily be converted back to the Hacker runabout design.

Of the other two built one was shipped to the coast (Vancouver, Canada) and is currently also one of our listings as a project boat - as shown below.

The third hull was the locally famous Lady Bird race boat (shown below) that at one time held some kind of world Speed Record in the 1930's and was raced up into the 1950's. It was restored in the late 1980's in it's final revised race shape of the late 1940's complete with it's original Liberty race engine supplied by Gar Wood and is now on permanent display in the Nelson Museum in Southern British Columbia, complete with its trophies and memorabilia. The museum has a lot more details on that one as well as Walton Boats - could be a story in that on it's own.

As for the boat in Texx's story - my guess is the boat could have also been built locally from a Hacker or even Gar Wood design as that was common practice on the west coast since it was costly and difficult to have eastern built boats shipped out west.

As another example we also have a listing for a 1928 Hacker design runabout (shown below) that was built here in Kelowna B.C. by Jones Boats (by Art Jones) for a prominent local family that was originally powered by a big Kermath that, for all intents and purposes, looked identical to a Hacker Dolphin. It was restored a number of years ago by Dave Lobb when he was still in Seattle.

So I guess the gist of my comment is that there is a chance that the boat in the story could in fact have been possibly a Hacker or Gar Wood design probably built in the Pacific North West possibly in Seattle or even Vancouver, Canada and yes was likely built for the Rum Running side of the story as that certainly happened in these parts. Don't know if this helps the story or quells the masses but just my two cents.

Bruce Middleton
Absolute Classics Marine
Kelowna, B.C. Canada
http://www.absoluteclassicsmarine.com/

Thanks Bruce. We would enjoy hearing anyones comments or receiving any positive feedback about "Lazy-S" and hope to learn more about this beautiful piece of boating history. If you prefer, you can also e-mail your comments, photos or information to me at texx@woodyboater.com As they say in the radio business, the phone lines are now open for callers!

Texx

Houston Girl - A Few Days In The Life Of A Lake Tahoe Show Girl

2010-11-30T03:05:00.003-05:00

"Houston Girl" is a 1928 17’ Custom – Hacker 151 Class Pelican single step racing hydroplane. She's a John Hacker design which ran in the limited 151 cu.in. displacement class in the late 1920's and early 1930's, a support class running with the APBA Gold Cup race series.

Commodore Henry Faulk of the Houston Yacht Club and President of the Mississippi Valley Power Boat Association had her built. She was campaigned from Havana, Cuba to San Diego, California. Below is a photo of Miss Houston when she was found in Buffalo, New York back in the mid 1980's.

The original type Peerless 151 4-cylinder race motor for the boat was found in Vermont.

The Peerless 151 motor was restored by John Allen of Allen's Marine Engines near Sacramento, California. John Allen is considered to be one of the top vintage marine engine restorers on the west coast. I had the pleasure of first meeting John Allen at the 2010 Lake Tahoe Concours, and it was great to learn about some of the old antique motor restorations he was currently working on at his shop. One his many specialities is restoring period Hispano Suiza marine engines which he refers to as "Hisso's" as well as Chris-Craft A-70 marine engines, a pair which he was just finishing up for a customer.

But not only did John Allen restore the motor for "Houston Girl", he completed the restoration of the boat and the original vintage trailer too. She was completed in 2010 in time for the Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance in June.

"Houston Girl" is owned by Douglas & Pamela Elmore from Sacramento, California and was awarded the Most Unique Boat of Show and Best Hacker Craft of Show at the prestigious 2010 Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance.

During VIP Day on Friday at the Lake Tahoe Concours many of race boats on display simultaneously fired up their motors which was a crowd favorite.

But on Monday after the crowds leave and the awards are handed out, "Houston Girl" had to be carefully removed from the water and lifted back on to her original trailer for the ride home to Sacramento. We often focus our efforts on the time leading up to the big boat shows and the time during the show when all the beautiful antique and classic boats are shined up and on display for the everyone to see and appreciate.

We thought it would be fun to give the viewers a glimpse into what happens on Monday after the big show, and to see what goes on behind the scenes at Sierra Boat Company to get a classic show boat like "Houston Girl" ready to return home. Your probably thinking to yourself right now, "What's so interesting about seeing a boat being loaded after a boat show?"

Here's "Houston Girls" original restored trailer, complete with Model T Ford wheels and tires, waiting in line for the gantry at Sierra Boat Company.

"Huston Girl" has a custom made spreader bar that John Allen made just for lifting the boat.

Herb Hall and the crew at Sierra Boat Company have the gantry procedure down to a science, and the entire operation happens within just a few minutes.

The crew makes sure that the boats are carefully loaded on the customer's trailer, each boat receives the same care and attention from the crew regardless of size, age, or value - they don't discriminate.

Once loaded, the boat and trailer is carefully moved (manually) across the road to an awaiting enclosed trailer. And yes I did help to push between photographs...

It's hard to imagine that this boat was towed across the country from race to race with an old Model T Ford. We have all heard stories of what the roads were like back in the late 1920's.

It's just amazing to see this boat and motor up close and appreciate what things were like back in the 20's & 30's. The attention to detail on "Houston Girl" is exceptional.

How she's carefully moved in to the enlcosed trailer and ready for the trip home.

Once "Houston Girl" was loaded in to her enclosed trailer, it was time for John to help move "Lemme Go First" in to position for the Sierra Boat Company gantry. "Lemme Go First" is a stunning 1929 28' Gar Wood Baby Gar 28-40 owned by the nearby Tahoe Maritime Museum, Homewood, Calif.

Thanks to John Allen from Allen's Marine Engines for helping Woody Boater with this story.

Stay tuned on Wednesday for Part II of our story about "Lazy-S" from Port Orhard, Washington.

Texx

It's Not Cold In All Of Woodyboaterville!

2010-11-29T04:05:00.000-05:00

Thanks to fellow Woody Boater Phil Andrews.. We can all pile on an airplane and chase summer to New Zealand... mmm lamb... and go Woody Boating! If you don't want to have your junk peered at, at the airport though, since it's cold here and all.. Might be a tad embarrassing.. just click on the video.. Thanks Phil..All our shrinked manhoods thank you..

Woody Boater Question of the Week - Nov. 27, 2010

2010-11-27T17:32:00.004-05:00

Imagine for a moment that you just won 10.0 Million playing the Irish Sweepstakes Lottery.

And next week some unusual environmental legislation goes into effect that states you can only own one Antique & Classic Boat, and it had to be purchased prior to the legistation going into effect.

So if you could only have one Antique & Classic Boat and money was no object, what would it be? and why?

My Favorite Things - Woody Boater Version

2010-11-26T04:40:00.004-05:00

At some point during the holidays you may hear the popular song "My Favorite Things" the show tune from the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music.

In the spirit of the holidays, we thought it would be fun re-work the lyrics and do a Woody Boater version of "My Favorite Things" - It may not make the America's Top 40 but here goes.

Caution this is NOT the Julie Andrews version.

If you would like some background music for effect, you have to Hummm

Pinstripes on deck seams and fresh scent of varnish,

Old plated bow lights with no sign of tarnish,

Bright coloured Rivas built mostly for Kings,

These are a few of my favorite things!

Blond colored Chris-Crafts with red Kapok cushions,

Old wooden Gar Woods with tin combinations,

Wild sounding hydros with spray on their wings,

These are a few of my favorite things!

Centurys in yellow with period correct dashes,

Smooth water mornings with little or no splashes,

White painted Sportsmans open for wingdings,

These are a few of my favorite things!

When the dog bites,

When the bee stings,

When I am feeling sad,

I simply remember my favorite things...

And then I don't feel so bad!!!!!

Lake Dora In March - Wooo Hooooooo!!

Many of the boat show photos for this story are courtesy of

Fellow Woody Boater Chad Durren.

Happy Holidays from Woody Boater!

Thanks To All Woody Gravy Boaters!

2010-11-25T09:07:00.000-05:00

Wow! What a year.. I would like to take this chance to thank everyone for reading, commenting and contributing to Woody Boater this year.. I was going to sit down and single out all the players like I normally do.. But to the list has gotten to large.. And I fear that the music would stop half way through and I would be shoved off the stage. We will be having our big year end awards for that.. As to next year. I want to shout out to our sponsors. Who with in hours of being asked to contribute to keep this going and grow it, not only jumped in but blew us away with support and kindness. As Chris from Hagerty said. " WoodyBoater has been about the only true “new” thing to happen to the Hobby in the last 5-7 years!! It will be a must have “go to” for the next generation afflicted with this mahogany & glass obsession." And Mecum's instant response .. "We are in" Antique Boat Center.. "Of Course we are in.. We love Woody Boater".. And new Sponsors like Katz's marina.. " I tell everyone about Woody Boater it's the future" Herb from Sierra Boats... "See you in Tahoe this year.. Count us in" Along with Hagerty and Antique Boat Center, original founding supporters like Dale from Kocian Instruments and Dan Nelson from Nelson Boat Works all jumped in to support this madness.. Texx is still sitting up in Canada smiling.. We all are.. We get to live out a passion in a constructive way now because of the support we get.. You to can thank these companies and support them.. We are after all all in this gravy boat together.. Thanks for reading, clicking and sending us stuff.. We look forward to more fun and exciting things in the year to come.. HATS!

Next stop.. Lake Dora!.. only 4 months away.. Dear god.. that's always supposed to sound close.. UGH.. We need to make something happen here... Did you know there is a 4th Thayer IV boat? Nooooooo, just kidding....

Happy Thanksgiving..

Matt, Texx, and crew!

"Lazy-S" A Former West Coast Rum Runner

2010-11-24T02:51:00.007-05:00

Following an 11 year restoration, in 2010 Greg Suldan re-launched "Lazy-S" on Mason Lake near Seattle, Washington. After 82 years the 1928 Gar Wood Baby Gar 28 once again brings smiles to people faces when they see the her back in the water. "Lazy-S" first brought smiles to peoples faces during the prohibition in 1928 when she began life as a Rum Runner, transporting illegal liquor to from Vancouver, Canada to Washington's Puget Sound region. Powered by a big 1414 Cubic Inch 300 HP V-12 Kermath Sea-Raider engine and 310 gallon fuel capacity which made her fast and hard to catch in 1928.

This particular Gar Wood has quite a history. Greg Suldan told me he remember's hearing stories about the boat and her colored history when he was a young boy. Byron Suldan, Greg's Father, first purchased the boat in 1967, fixed her up and later sold her. Greg Suldan then purchased the boat again in 1999, restored her and proudly owns her today.

Suldan’s Boat Works Inc in Port Orchard, Washington (near Seattle) was started by Byron Suldan in 1946 and has remained a family owned and operated ever since.

The vintage Baby Gar 28 has also had many names over the last 82 years such as "Lazy-S", "Hoot", "Toy Yot" among others and is once again named "Lazy-S", or "Lazy-Scoundrel" to her friends.

Here's the story of "Lazy-S" in Greg Suldan's own words...

Over the years I have heard many stories about the 1928 28’ Gar Wood known to me mostly as the "Toy Yot".

The one that has always intrigued me the most is about how the "Lazy-S", (what she was named at the time) came back in the Puget Sound area.

Around 1945 Don Bancroft, a friend of my dad’s and his brother in law, John Willock were hunting over in the Coeur d’ Alene area of Idaho and spotted this old boat in a field. John said to Don, “If you want a really fast boat, this is the one you should get.” John proceeded to tell Don about the time he spent in the US Coast Guard, during prohibition, and how this was one of the boats that they knew was running booze from Vancouver, Canada to Port Townsend, Port Angeles and surrounding areas of Seattle, but they could never catch her. Due I’m sure, to her heavy construction, twelve cylinder Kermath power plant, and bulked up fuel carrying capacity of approximately 310 gallons.

In 1927 a smaller version of the original Baby Gar was introduced at the National Boat Show in New York. The new 28' Baby Gar was an instant hit and sales exceeded those of the larger 33' model. In addition to these stock runabouts the small Algonac plant built high speed custom cruisers and the Miss America racers. According to the book Gar Wood Boats - Classics of a Golden Era by Anthony S. Mollica Jr - In 1928 the company (Gar Wood) sold 70 units of the 28-foot Baby Gars. The production included 29 Runabout Models, 40 Sedan Models, and 1 Limousine Model. - Texx

To make a long story short, Don did purchase the boat, (about 1945) and brought it to Port Orchard, where he used it for pleasure. He changed the name of the boat from "Lazy-S" to the "Hoot", his wife Hertha’s name. During the summers he would often borrow Howe Ford’s tow truck and transport the boat to Ilwaco, Washington for salmon fishing. He claimed it was the best fishing boat that he ever had.

Below is an original photo of "Toy Yot" from 1955 - Texx

Another story that was told by Don Bancroft, was about the time he got into a heated discussion with a propeller shop over the size of the prop he wanted to buy for the boat. The prop provider, in no uncertain terms told Don that he was all wet and there was no way that the prop he wanted would accomplish the desired results, the boat just couldn’t be that fast. After bantering back and forth for some time, Don and the guy came to an agreement; if Don could make it from Port Orchard to their dock in Seattle in ten minutes, (as Don bragged about), he would give him “the damned prop”. Don always claimed that he came back with a new prop.

Not long after Don bought the boat, he pulled out the 12 cylinder Kermath Sea-Raider and installed a 6 cylinder Kermath Sea-Wolf. He said that he was tired of having to fuss with the quirky dual distributor set up that the bigger V-12 engine had.

Sometime in the 1950’s, Don sold the boat to a couple of guys that worked with him at Van Vetters, a sheet metal shop in Seattle. Not much later Emory Austin, also from Port Orchard, purchased the boat. It is not know for sure when the 6 cylinder Kermath was removed and the 312 Mercury engine with tri power carb set up, was installed, probably the same time that the name of the boat was changed to "Toy Yot". It was either the guys that Don sold the boat to or Emory Austin. Burt Connell bought the old gal from Emory sometime in the early to mid 1960’s. Burt brought the boat to our marina, Suldan’s Boat Works, about 1966.

When I saw the boat with that tri power set up and heard the rumble of the exhaust, I knew I had to have her. She was beautiful even with the mushrooms growing from the sides of the cabin. After talking to Burt Connel and (begging) with my dad, it was decided that this was just too big of a project for a 15 year old kid. Dad (Byron Suldan, Greg's father) would buy the boat, bank roll the project and I would help in replacing the cabin and bringing the old girl back to life. August of 1967 was one best years of my life. Dad showed me and my brother Mark, how to layout and build a new cabin and fiberglass that year. We also learned how to pull an engine and replace it with a new short block.

After cruising the boat for a year with the 312, it was decided that we needed just a little more power. Dad picked up a used 427ci Ford Trojan conversion from Doc Freeman’s in Seattle and had it rebuilt by Bremerton Charleston Transportation in Bremerton. The bigger engine was just the ticket, it gave us about 17 knot cruise at 2750 rpm’s, with a top speed of 32 knots at 4200 rpm’s.

The family used the boat for vacations, fishing and just having a good time. The first date I had with Sherryl, my wife, was on the "Toy Yot" with my good friend John Holladay and Sherryl’s friend Gail Plummer. There was also the time, (Sherryl was 9 months pregnant with our son Chad) we took that the boat to Blake Island and walked the island and she delivered early the next morning. Was her mom ever mad! As all things in life, times change and we move on and Dad bought a bigger, newer, 1958 Hunter boat that was big enough to take the whole family on. He sold the "Toy Yot" to Dan Stotsenberg in the mid 1980’s.

Dan had the boat for a few years and completely refurbished her and installed a 390ci Ford using the marine parts from the 427. He sold her to Scott Vagrin on a contract and then ended up repossessing her for nonpayment. Dan later sold her to Steve Sauers, Bruce Albert and a couple of other partners, I don’t recall their names. Later on Bruce and the other partners were bought out by Arlond Goodwin.

After being pushed and plied by drinks supplied by my good friend, John Lee, I purchased the "Toy Yot" from Steve and Arlond in March 1999 and have been working on her ever since. The photo above is right after Greg Suldan purchased the Gar Wood in 1999 and they were getting ready to begin removing the cabin top from the boat. - Texx

I, along with my friends; Andy Schwartzbacher, John Lee, Marshall Maring and Bruce Bronson, cut the cabin off the "Toy Yot", repowered it with a 534ci Ford Sea-Master, 1.5:1 gears, 18x21 prop and started her journey back to what she has become today, the “Lazy-S”.

Greg Suldan

Here's Greg and his buddies below after the old cabin top was finally removed from the boat.

After all those years, numerous owner's and three different cabin configurations, Greg Suldan respectfully restored the 1928 Gar Wood back to her original form. Once the old cabin top was removed from the boat, the decks were carefully replaced. Greg noted that after the cabin top was removed, a careful inspection of the original bulkheads provided evidence that lead him to believe the Gar Wood 28 was originally delivered with a sedan top in 1928. - Texx

The hull side planks were replaced starting from one plank above the water line. Greg also noted that to his knowledge, this Gar Wood still had the original rivited bottom from 1928. Although this remains a mystery, during the restoration he observed that not only was the bottom rivited, but the boat appeared to have twice as many frames (on 11" centers) as was the norm for the period. Greg speculates that this may have been done to further strengthen the bottom for the V-12 Kermath and the high speeds it was capable of back in the day.

During the retoration, a new transom and stem was also installed.

The restoration work began in 1999 and was completed in the Summer of 2010.

And once again the "Lazy-S" is back where she belongs in the water near the Seattle area where 82 years ago she was used to illegally smuggle liquor down the Pacific Coast from Canada, doing her part to keep Seattle wet during the prohibition years. If only a boat could talk, Im sure she would have some interesting stories to tell.

Thanks to Greg Suldan for sharing the story of "Lazy-S" with us and for transforming this beautiful, rare Gar Wood 28 back to her former glory for everyone to see and enjoy.

Texx

Katz's Marina - A Northeastern Landmark.

2010-11-23T08:53:00.000-05:00

One of the big reasons that Lake Hopatcong is littered with killer Woody Boats is not just that the lake is lined with boat nuts..It is by the way.... But it's because there is a fantastic support system in place.. When I was going up there for a quickie last gasp run, I had to stop by and visit.. I was not prepared for such detail and perfection.. It does not fit with my image of a old wood boat place.. It was like a new car show room.. A very high end car showroom.. The work shops look like a hospital.. You could eat off the floors, and everything had its place.. But the center of attention is the boats.. Everything in this place is and was set up to produce some of the top boats in the country.. I say was because Katz's marina also has a great history.

Even out in the yard, These had just been laid out there to go to the owner of the boat for his boat house

Starting with Wayne Moxfield, Then John and Kim Kadimik and now Seth Katz.. Seth though has kicked it up a notch, with a Two million dollar renovation, new docks, new interior, exterior.. He has put the Katz touch on things..

New glorious docks

Seth is extremely passionate about the place and the work that he does.. So passionate that he also puts a Guarantee on the boats he sells and works on.. He owns his inventory of boats that they sell.

This is just on section of one barn.. There are several barns.. Floor to ceiling.. UGH! close to 80 boats..

All so he can better control the high quality of his inventory. To look at the finish being applied on his boats takes a second.. We are talking pebble beach car concourse finish here.. It's varnish.. Brush applied varnish.. I swear the varnishers must be on Varnishing enhancing drugs.. I cry foul.. Perfect finishes..

shhh, I am eating my lunch.. on the floor.. pass the fries please..

I am still in disbelief regarding the finish jobs..

It's not just me saying this by the way.. Seth's boats win big at all the shows, his Cobra, Finito is one the nations top boats. the place is littered with them.. So.. if you would like to do the world good, go up to New jersey and pick up some litter!

Here is a fun tour of Katz's Marina..

Seth Katz on the left with another Woody Boater Bob "Have I got a Calendar for you" Kays

Don Ploetner yacking it up with a pal in one of the work rooms.

Don Ploetners Gul wing Century that had just arrived from Virgina .. First time in the water in years. Turns out the stuffing box was loose.. That'll hurt.. This great area is perfect for soaking boats and general maintenance in the water

To say this Barrel Back is perfect is a gross understatement. Its the perfect color, perfect details, orange stripes, pigskin interior.. And the finish is perfect.. Ahhhhh! it hurt to look at..

Need a part...parts.. NOS parts.. Ahhhhhhh

And yes, as promised.. just to add to the insanity.. The Bat Boat..

One Last Gasp.. Lake Hopatcong!

2010-11-22T07:40:00.000-05:00

Afternoon cruise on Lake Hopatcong.

Last weekend at the end of what was an interesting week. I made the call to some pals up in Lake Hopatcong.. I had a free day and had never been there.. 5 hours later I was cruising on the lake in fellow Woody Boaters John and Kim's award winning U-22 "Mr White".. I also visited Woody Boaters Bob Kays and Seth Katz, Seth owns and operates Katz's Marina on Lake Hopatcong.. I was back home by mid day Sunday.. I see a lot of trips up there in the future.. I had no idea it was so close.. I took some fun photos of the lake.. enjoy.. I did.. Tomorrow.. A tour of Katz's Marina..and the Bat Boat! WOW!

One of the many killer boathouses on the lake... This one was the coolest .

What an amazing lot.. On a point, no houses jammed up next to it.

"Redwing". One magnificent 25 Sportsman.. These darn things are taunting me.. Out on a normal day.. we were not alone in our classic boat splendor. This lake has tones of these cool old boats on it.

Katz's Marina from the water. Katz's is a classic boat landmark on the lake.

One more of many very nice homes on the lake. The lake shore is littered with unique homes, both old and new..

And of course if you want to enjoy Lake Hopcong all year around, you can with this nice 2011 Calendar .. Just click here.. Tomorrow, we take a tour of Katz's Marina.. You don't want to miss this.. It's worth the trip to your keyboard.

Ahhhh, One Last Classic Boat Road Trip!

2010-11-20T06:22:00.001-05:00

Got the call.. Bat Boat in a Barn.. Booooyaa! Had to go.. Where did I go? Here is a hint.. This was on the door of the bathroom in the town! Does it have anything to do with Classic Boats or the town.. NO!... Tune in Monday and find out where I went...

Shot from my phone.. Sorry about the shaking.. I was laughing.. ALWAYS READ THE FINE PRINT!

Bob & Alex Kays- The Classic Boat Photographer's To the Lake Hopatcong Stars

2010-11-19T07:47:00.001-05:00

Boat Show Poster Image

I have known Alex and his Dad Bob for some years now through Woody Boater. Alex and his Dad have a great eye and a good camera's.. A great combination by the way.. But add on the fact that they live around some of the finest classic boats in the country on Lake Hopatcong and we all get to benefit from that Eye Camera combo.. Alex's and Dad Bob's work is all over the place up there and is also featured in there local ACBS chapters annual calendar. I just visited Katz's marina for a fun story later and their work was plastered all over the walls there as well.. Alex is in collage right now.. I wonder what Alex could find around a Co-ed campus to photograph...mmmm?

Titled.. "August"

Titled BE%206424.. Ugh.. not again.. What is it here.. these guys can shoot the heck out of a scene.. I will admit the use of the % mark.. does add a flair of New York Cab driver.. but may have gone over folks heads..

"Chris Craft"

IMG_5155a........ Alex...... really.. I think thats been done..

Yacht%20Clun%20Redwing.... Two percentage marks.. Wow.. this must be special..

"Last Ride"

Finally a real good title.. Look at the finish on that boat.. Dang.. Alex, you are the man.. take an English class will ya! Thanks again for sending in your stuff and having a great sense of humor..

Roy Dryer -The Classic, Classic Boat Artist.

2010-11-18T07:28:00.000-05:00

"Riva"

I met Roy at the Warner auction a couple months ago. But I have known Roys work for years.. Roys art is one of the mainstays of the classic boat hobby.. Just look through some old Classic Boating magazines, or old posters for Lake Tahoe.. He also has a web site with a gillion posters and art on them.. Here are some samples and his bio from the site..

"Cobra"

Born In San Francisco and raised on the San Francisco peninsula, Roy spent ten years as an art educator in Northern California before devoting his energy full-time to his career in fine art.

"Apache"

Over the past 3 decades Roy’s artwork has focused on commissioned work celebrating peoples’ passions for exotic, classic, antique, and racing automobiles, the beauty of wooden boats, and aircraft. Roy ’s passion for his art has paid tribute to beloved pets and racehorses, showcased the true beauty of scenic wineries and high tech businesses, evoking a sense of movement and wonder in each instance.

Poster for Thunderbird

A long-time resident of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Roy is the artist and creator of official event posters for some of Northern California’s premier events. His portfolio includes official artwork and posters of some of Northern California's premier events.

Roy also does private commission work.

Since 1984, Roy has created the official poster for the Lake Tahoe Wooden Boat Concours de Elegance held each year in Carnelian Bay, the Ironstone Classic Automobile Concours de Elegance held each year in Murphys, and during its tenure, the Silverado Automobile Concours de Elegance

Roy ’s unique artistic style is perhaps best described as photo impressionistic which creates a wonderful sense of believability by involving the viewer in the piece. In essence, the art becomes a living entity rather than a static object.

There ya have it.. Roys Bio and some very nice art.. And best of all.. I have some nice comments coming in and peace and quiet.. All is calm in Woody Boaterville.. Tomorrow, photography..

Remy Champt - Classic Maritime Art.

2010-11-17T07:43:00.001-05:00

Looking to snazz up your board room? How about a series of fancy pants classic speed boats.. And while you are at it, you can have your boat commissioned, while your clients are complementing you on your good taste and dribbling on about how they remember as a kid... on the lake stuff.. You can slip in.. Oh yes and this one is my boat.. It's that important of a boat.. Would you like to go out on it one weekend.. And pow, you just got the Pinky's Grocery store account.. You can come up with slogans like.." My Grocery's Aren't Stinky at Pinky's." and be a marketing genius.. So see.. great art can pay for it's self in one meeting..

Meet Remy Champt, combining the talents of a master illustrator with a deep appreciation of maritime history.

After studying art in Belgium, Remy chose to pursue a career on the water. He sailed around the world, and in 1980 he immigrated to Michigan, joining family already in Northern Michigan. His sailing career on the Great Lakes includes classic freighters and tugs. Champt has also served on many of upper Lake Michigan's modern-day schooners, and he holds a Master's ticket. Today he sails and works out of Traverse City, Michigan.

This wonderful rendering is a sample of a commission.

Remy Champt's renderings are exhibited and sold around the country. His work has been featured at the Mystic Maritime Gallery, the Great Lakes Art Gallery, the Leelanau Historical Museum, the Shipwreck Museum White Fish Point, among others. And now, Woody Boater.. Sorry Remy! Next week.. a line of 12 year olds birthday cards.. "Happy Birthday, Your ship has come in" Ugh! All kidding aside.. An entire set of these is a great christmas gift idea.. Or do it for your self.. BUT.. have your wife drawn into the boat.. Now that's a chess move..

And yes.. Lymans!

You can simply click here to par ooze your way through Remy's head.. Have fun..

The Real Fine Classic Boat Art of Larry Steinrock

2010-11-16T08:11:00.001-05:00

Fellow Woody Boaters.. Meet Larry Steinrock. I noticed Larry's art on the web one day.. What I loved about it was that it captured the romance of the moment.. Lots of energy and his use of colors is correct to the period.. His art would fit into an old 1940's home as well as one of those only seen on CSI Miami penthouse apartments.. Thats the sign of timeless art.. One might ask.. OK, one just did.. me... is Larry kin to another great timeless piece of art.. Ann Margrock? No.. Ann is a cartoon.. Larry is the real deal.. Turns out Larry is an avid Woody Boater reader and totaly into classic boats..

Larry grew up on the Ohio River in Louisville Ky but it wasn't until he was in his mid 20's that he held the title to a '49 22ft. Sportsman.

Larry's U22 after a big rain storm.. Back in the 70's

Larry started drawing when I was 4 and has’nt stopped yet and being around the water his whole life, it has always been his best inspiration. It was only about a year ago that he decided to return to his roots and begun to do classic boat paintings. "It wasn't until I researched on the internet that I recognized such a huge and loyal following. I found a niche that I was fairly familiar with".

"Morning Storm"

"Misty Morning"

"Glassy Morning"

Most of his paintings are done in oil, but just within the the last two years he has been using Corel paint on the computer. As Larry says.. " It's very similar to when I do commercial airbrush illustration, except there is no mess!"

"Best of Both Worlds"

"Jagboat" Inspired by an old Etype that Larry used to own.. Dear god.. Lucas electric and water.. Run larry.. Run!

Larry often use's the sportsman model in his art, and only just discovered , through Woodyboater, of the "Utility" model that Chris Craft made. I have also discovered that there are many, many boats yet to paint.

"Foggy Creek"

"After Work"

"Waltz"

"Paradise Found"

Larry's wife calls him a" between boater", and he still dreams of skimming across the early morning glass in that ole' Chris. Mine had twin carbs, it sounded great even in idle.

"Summer Morning" This is the art in the header

Original oils sale for an average of $280.00 this is for an 18x24 size depending on the complexity of the over all subject Most the art you see here, has already been sold to a collector in Canada But Larry holds all rights to his art, so posters can be had of all work for about $75ea.

"Late Summer Ride"

You can visit his website at Steinrockart.com His next series of paintings will be very large size, "Most of those of my memories of the Ohio River and the boats I was surrounded by although I’ll continue to do smaller work."

Thanks Larry for sharing your passion for Classic boats and your art.. Are you sure you don't know Ann Margrock?

"Naptime"

The Art Of George McInnis

2010-11-15T07:43:00.000-05:00

To start off the week.. George McInnis...We have been reporting on George for years.. During this past last gasp week George floored us with some new images.. Wow.. Thanks George for sharing that eye of yours with the rest of us..

Titled...."Morning" OK.. Wait a minute.. We need to work on the titles here.. Morning run... Fishing friends.... Golden morning..

Titled "DSC 0695" Oh.... George... How about.. Dark run... Or Time Warp

mmmm what to call DSC 0484.. mmmmmmm

DSC 2766.....George... Your killing me here.. I need emotion.. Chaps last lap? Summer reflections?

"pg5".... George.... George.... Ya got the perfect boat in the perfect place on a perfect day with perfect light.. Its all perfect.. At least make this one "pg1"

"Under the bridge" All right George.. A title.. Way to go!

mmmm wait... its coming to me.. hold on... wait a minute... just a minute..

I love this one.. The subtle hints of morning warmth with a hint of aqua tint that evokes an early morning moment of contemplation before a day of work.. You can almost feel our driver thinking about the day ahead.. Maybe he is supposed to be at work and he slipped out for that first run.. Or that feeling one gets on a saturday morning in the warm sun just slowly driving around the lake.. With a due damp towel... Titled appropriately.. pg 7...

Thanks George.. all kidding aside on the titles.. what a great way to start out the week..

As Promised... More Hat Images..No More Yelling!

2010-11-13T06:51:00.000-05:00

From it's A Mad MAd World.. seem a good way to start out the new week!

I have very left to say about anything. So.. Hats.. Nice peaceful classic boat hats.. No Barn find hats, no, not one of these is Bogarts original hat.. found in his closet.. Erol Flynns hat tucked away with Elvis's hat in a fake grave.. Ahhhhhhhhhh... No.. nothing.. Just HATS! Make a comment and I will stick a hat pin in your forehead! I just want to sleep.. in a corner curled up..with my hat... in my special place of peace and quite.. Jim Bakker had it right...

We Interrupt Today's Comments For This Moment Of Reflection

2010-11-12T17:06:00.000-05:00

Please take this moment to reflect.. Tomorrow, hats.. Then Art.. peaceful art..

An Un Edited, Uncensored Unplugged Day With Pat Curtin..

2010-11-12T07:18:00.000-05:00

Pat today. Standing in front of Thayer IV U-22-1460 for the first time in 28 years.

In order to set up what you are about to read.. I thought it would be a good idea to set the tone and what you are about to read. Pat Curtin for many years was the go to guy in the film business when it came to marine coordinating.. He worked on films such as Water World starring Kevin Costner, Striking Distance starring Bruce Willis, Interview With A vampire starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, and of course On Golden Pond with Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda .. Oh and Jane Fonda.. Ohhh Jane Fonda.. He also worked on a slew of others.. But it kinda gets boring.. He was personal friends with Henry Fonda and many of Hollywood's top execs. Needless to say Pat knows how to play in the big leagues of the film industry. He also ran a very successful classic boat ship in New Hampshire, Judged at many shows including Clayton and is part of a small group of legends in the hobby. He was general manager of Donzi boats and now is happily retired in New Hampshire and Maine.. At the age of 68, he still is full of energy, and has the luxury of not having to be patient with anyone. He speaks in a direct way and his speech pattern is direct and to the point.

When I was putting this all together, along the way over the past few years, it's became clear that because of Pats pointed way of talking that folks that don't understand that to be just a way of talking would steer clear.. They would not ask the question, and avoid it and look for the answer in another place. So as you might expect.. Things got distorted.. And that has led to a mistrust of the press. So.. I thought, fine.. I will give you a forum here.. What ever say. I will print. Without interpretation or any other sort of filter.. If you are easily offended or prone to posting anonymous jabs.. You may want to just click here.. if not.. Please enjoy the ride.. So without further ado. Pat...

Pat..

"The boats are what they are. The wheels tell the story. You now have the boats and most of the details, your answers are all on film.. You can draw your own conclusions. Thanks for the opportunity to tell my story".

Thank you Pat.. .. Pat has now left the building..

Tune in next week.. We are doing a story on hats..and babes and toilet seats

What In The Heck Was I Thinking?

2010-11-11T07:18:00.000-05:00

Mariah and Thayer IV together out in the work yard where we found them last month

Imagine for a second that you are riding down the road one day.. you see the transom of a Wood Boat hanging out of a barn... as you zip by, you see it.. Thayer IV on the transom.. SCREEECH! You go up to the guy in the shop and ask.. He says it's the boat from the movie.. he also shows you the U.S. Mail boat, and reams of documents including a hand written Bill of sale, and a typed one.. Photos, scraps of stuff....Then imagine that you tell this story for the world to know about it.. What do you think would happen?... Well.. First thing is that everyone would say.. All roads lead to Pat Curtin.. "The elusive Pat Curtin".. Good Luck.. And then many of you would toss this aside as just another one of those boats.. Well.. We did better, we got Pat, we showed up with Pat.. Pat went on record.. And yet.. still.. some of you don't buy it.. Do I care? Not one bit..It was fun and Woody Boaters are fun.. the debate is fun, even the puffers and anonymous.. Even poor John Rothert from Powhatan who after 4 years still cant figure out how to sign in.. I LOVE IT... Texx and I have been belly laughing all the way to the .. well.. dang, there is no bank.. We're going to go broke doing this.. Hey wait a minute.. What in the hell are we thinking?

Today marks the end of a journey for me. As I stated it all started with a rumor and I played it out.. Rumors are never good to follow, but this one rang true in what I knew about film and production. That and many folks knew about the possibility of a third boat..That was not news.. It was to me at the time though and started the fire.. I had to find that boat.. What a great story... It also marked the start of my friendship with Pat Curtin.. many of you may seem horrified that I would openly admit that considering all the comments from this last week... A smarter man should just sit back and let it all play out.. sit back and say.. oh you know Pat... I am not that sort of person. I strongly believe that some people get along and some don't; I get along with Pat.. I may not agree with him at times, and clearly have better social skills. But in the end, Pat has not faltered to tell the cold hard truth.. At least it's the truth I believe.. Every detail of this journey played out to be true. The family, the history.. All of it.. I like many of you was skeptical because of what I had heard.. I learned a lesson when I was a kid about listening to what other people had to say about other people.. They are usually wrong.. Oh they might all be based on some sort of truth.. But its up to you to make that choice. I am no dummy, I have looked at all the sides on these two boats. I get all the confusion.. I have read the articles.. I get it.. Clearly there is some double talking going on here.. The big question is.. Why now? Why all of a sudden is the third boat appearing. Is Pat pissed that the 1802 boat did not talk to him... I have no idea.. I know that I spoke to the families.. I found the boats.. Pat helped with the families name.. But that is not the new family name.. Was Pat playing me like a puppet, to play out his plan to get attention.. Really? Woody Boater.. that's attention? Being attacked by anonymous readers and called a lyer.. That's a goal? Woody Boater this week as been accused of being like Giraldo.. not telling the truth and worst of all a sensationalist.. We are not and will never be like that.. Although if you find Gar Woods safe, I will open it live on Woody Boater.. Just kidding.. Its all fun... But, maybe the find its self is like that, but if you read what we had to say. We have been extremely careful to spell out the facts as we know them. Did we screw up with giving credit to Wilson Wright for starting the Chris Craft club.. Yes.. are there other screw ups? Are you kidding.. I spell like a third grader.. No journalistic training and according to my wife.. Spend way to much time smelling varnish.. One image though stood out here.. One dang dumb image that on the surface means nothing and everything.. The second I got the first comment I wanted to puke.. I thought.. again.. What in the heck was i thinking.. But as it turned out.. I am happy I did.. Its this image..

This image of U-22-1460 started a war.. It has no ladder and as I just found out yesterday.. Was also in the Hendricks scrap book.. I got it from the 1460 scrap book.. I was never sent this from Ken Miller.. He had no part in that.. That's the confusion that plays out here.. It's in two scrap books.. actually three. it's also in Pats since he shot it and it's his image.. It captures the essence that the boats were not hermetically sealed and tucked away.. So thus for ever creating doubt in folks mind.. In an essence both boats became mashed together.. Like peas and carrots.. Thanks Forest... It's a rabbit hole to look into each image and decide which boat is which.. I desperately have tried to stay out of that.. That is up to you.. Not me.. For the record though on this one image since I did step in it.. Here is what I know.. Its 1460 NOT 1802.. Thats from Pat.. and from the 1460 owners.. Its got the three spoke wheel. it has different scoops on the rear deck that 1802 had at the time.. Now changed since the restoration, and has the IVALITE knob on the dash. The IVA LITE on the dash is not a bolt on feature.. I also looked into, did anything change when Pat restored.. refreshed the boats.. We asked folks on the film.. NOT Pat, was anything changed? The answer was NO.. Hendricks.. NO.. so say what you want.. believe what you want.. I am sure you will.. regardless of what this is.. I am sorry that I ever posted it.. it continues a debate that is for another place.. Not here on Woody Boater.. Its like debating Reed and Prince screws or philips head.. Not here..

For the record. And this is also not from Pat.. Pat had promised the U-22-1460 family 28 years ago to stay quite, and he did.. He promised Hendricks to promote U-22-1802 and he did.. to his credit.. Has Pat pissed folks off? You bet, me included.. But that does not take away the fact that U-22-1460 is out there..The comments here on Woody Boater in this past week, focused on Pats credibility. He and us were attacked by anonymous readers.. That's fine.. We expected it.. And honestly enjoyed the conversation.. For us here at Woody Boater , it's all fun.. They are boats.. Not life support..

A funny thing happened during this research.. In a strange way two families were re united again by choices that there long gone fathers made 28 years ago..That was a very cool thing to see.. Both families I am proud to have talked with.. And now with Jeff Thom, proud to know as well. He has been a trooper through out all this.. Imagine buying a boat, spending a fortune restoring it.. And then this crap happens.. Jeff, you are a class act.. The boating world is better off for what you have done!

Tomorrow.. Pats unedited interview.. In an attempt to see what Pat is all about.. I agreed to let it rip.. Un plugged, un edited.. Word for cus word from the gut.. Pat does not pull punches. He is from Southey.. Boston. He is rough and tough and full of spit and vinegar.. But his heart is big, and he wants the truth to be told in his words. Not a reporters or third person. Yes some of you will say he has said it all in his stories.. Read them again.. or not.. the point is, this is 30 years later and he is going on record here and now.. Here he is.. Not being elusive.. or cagey.. For better or worse it will be interesting for sure. But this way there is no editorial, or interpretation of what in his mind.. I hope you have enjoyed the past month of stories, on the Warner Auction, Texx's excellent adventure in Minnesota.. I personally am looking forward to showing snap shots of babes in hats again...

If you think for a second that I am going to get caught up in the canoes and other boats in the film, you are nuts!

Mariah, The Barn Find Of The Century

2010-11-10T06:35:00.001-05:00

Frank Miklos and his brother Bob inspecting U.S. Mail Boat "Mariah", the Golden Pond U.S. Mail Boat

When I was on the trail for the 3rd Thayer IV to be honest the U.S. Mail Boat Mariah was the last thing on my mind.. "Don't forget the Mail Boat" Pat would say... Honestly I laughed.. Ya.. a Century Raven.. Ya ya.. If it's there.. fine.. I'll take a photo.. Compared to finding an icon of film history... Well.. I could not have been more wrong.. Pat was right, Frank, Bob, Jim.. all of us loved that boat... Pat knew every detail of all the boats.. Down to screw holes and where they are.. This little Mail boat blew me away.. It blew us all away.. What a cool boat.. This is the find! First there is only ONE! Not three.. It's got lettering all over it.. And is a plain Jane type boat.. mmm Jane Fonda.. more on that later..A work boat... Here she stood.. It's the boat I secretly wanted..well and now the world knows I want it..

A family snap shot of Mariah sitting at the dock. Jane.. Where are you?

The Thayer IV is nice.. but I would be chicken to use it.. This sucker.. Dang that would be fun.. She had not been touched.. Not one coat of varnish or paint..And Jane Fonda and her bikini ripped bod was all over it.. Watch the movie clip here.... I aint kidding.. Even hotter than Barbarella.. and a ton hotter than in a army helmet..

Mariah today.. Uncovered for the first time in clearly some time. Bob Miklos is on board taking snap shots and finding the registration number.. Bob and the Bees.. All working hard..

The bee's seem to have enjoyed the heck out of it over the years as well. But she was all there..un touched. We had invited Frank and his brother Bob Miklos, experts on Century boats to inspect it and document it.. Frank and his brother also knew Pat from the film Striking Distance where they worked together.. So this was a fun way for the gang to get together again.. As Frank put it.. Pat fired me twice.. Pat said only once.. And it all started over again.. What a fun day with the little Mariah.. One of the interesting things about the innocent Mariah is that in a way she helped U-22-1460 prove her place again in film history.. You have to admit that seeing the two together is rather compelling... Forget the scoops, wheels and small details that have been commented about for the past two days to death..... This boat was never restored or touched.. It is what it was.. and is..was.. is... In all it's bee hive infested, moth nest rotten transom faded glory.. To me the star of the show now, no longer the a bit player. So here ya go... I will again, let the photos tell the story.. Enjoy....

Jim Scott, taking the wrapper off.. This was my Christmas gift..

Needless to say hauling it home on the trailer won't be happening for a while

More Busy Bees! The Mariah was covered in a plastic wrap..

Note on the engine cover some of the dark paint is still on it covering the red.. Oh the magic of film making

Bees ahhhh... Had to give it time to breath

Helm

That extra seat

Motor serial number

Peeling varnish and Bobs shadow.. Bobs shadow is 100% original as well.

Her deck..

There.. she is.. again

Original lettering on the windows.. The wood looked good under all that flaky varnish

Love those century details

Fellow Woody Boaters.. I am done!

Tune in tomorow for a wrap up.. And then an un-edited interview with Pat Curtin.. You may not want to have your kids read it..as if they care.. As the Aug 1995 Vanity Fair story on Water World where Pat was the marine Coordinator, they quoted a worker on the film about Pat.."Curtin, a hard-nosed but experienced coordinator, was grudgingly admired but not well liked. [ says one crew member, "his attitude was 'if you don't like it, get the fu.k out' he was awesome"]

U-22-1802 The Most Well Known Thayer IV

2010-11-09T05:36:00.006-05:00

It's tough to report something on this boat that's not been covered before. But we will try of course.. I am sure the peanut gallery will chime in today and let me know what's right or wrong with the story.. But we did find some stuff out along the way that is worth a mention.. It would not be fair to do a story on U-22-1460 and not give equal time to U-22-1802 not to mention , but of course I will. U-22-1802 is one very cool boat..

Newspaper article with Hendricks and Curtin. Pictured is U-22-1802. For those of you that look way to closely at such things.. What appears to be a 3 spoke wheel is the throttle appearing as a spoke. This was confirmed by Curtin as 1802.

Jim Hendricks bought U-22-1802 from Pat Curtin in 1983... After Hendricks bought 1802 and the Crash Boat, he enjoyed taking the Thayer IV around the country and talking about it... 1802 in a way became the road show boat of the film and clearly the most well known.. Or in the case of until yesterday the only film boat because of all the press and exposure.

The Wreck Scene Thayer IV.. Now in a dump.. After loosing a long battle with termites, this shot I think is from a Classic Boating story on the Thayer IV's, if it is.. please give them credit, if not.. they deserve the credit anyway. They do a great job..

Hendricks also owned one of the boats used in the Film African Queen. Turns out it was less of a love affair with boats as it was with Katharine Hepburn... 1802 was used in the film and was fitted out with a ladder, scoops, etc just like its older twin. Only Hendricks did not want any of that...

The Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club's Brass Bell showing Curtin and Jim Irwin prepping a boat for a show.

When Pat Curtin restored U-22-1802, it was finished without those details. There is no record of the date of sale. Pat told us that it was after the sale of U-22-1460. That's when he advertised U-22-1802 in the wall street journal.

Classified ad that ran in the Wall Street Journal. This image is from a scrap book found by Ken Miller and emailed to us 2 years ago... in regards to U-22-1802. I have added this because there seems to be some confusion regarding what this ad was for.

Hendricks came by and bought U-22-1802 and the crash boat.. U-22-1802 was shipped around and is credited for helping the hobby grow, and thanks to Wilson Wright of the Chris Craft Antique Boat Club... Also credited for making any varnished boat a Golden Pond Boat.. Which is why today we have hundreds of them all around the country..

A "Golden Pond Boat " sold last year on eBay. No its not even wood!

It starts this way... "On Golden Pond Boat For Sale".. The guy buys it and when he sells it.. It's a Golden Pond Boat.. My neighbor at the River even has one.. It's a 193? runabout for gods sake.. At least watch the movie... U-22-1802 is the real deal - Period. It was purchased for the film, used in the film and showed as the film boat, reported on as the boat.. Only now that U-22-1460 has been found can it be part of a family again... Choosing which boat appears in which scene is in is up to you.. I would rather scratch my eyes out than get into that..

Letter from Hendricks regarding U-22-1802 with a purchase of 1983 you can blow it up and look at every word.. If you note the seal on the bottom is slanted.. I don't think that means anything.. But I am sure one of you does......HA.. I also removed any first names.. and addresses to protect the Hendicks family

U-22-1802 is registered as a 1950 Sportsman but her hull card shows a New Hampshire delivery in early 1952..Which explains the two spoke wheel. That is the only difference. After some time, U-22-1802 seemed to disappear from the scene until it was sold through the Antique Boat Center.. Pat Curtin at that time was asked to make a document stating that U-22-1802 was in the film. Pat said.. " If that's the boat I would like to by it, but I need to see it" The boat was sold before Pat could see it. Thus creating a riff between Pat and Antique boat Center.. The boat then seemed to disappear again.. and in December 2008 it popped up on eBay...


These two images are from the eBay sale. According to Jim Hendricks nothing was changed before this sale.

Those of you that read Woody Boater on a regular basis will no doubt remember that hoopla.. She sold for $47,000 to an unknown buyer, the seller a James Kohout. You can read all about this in the star tribune article here. Who got it from Gary Beeman of Minnesota that is the person that got U-22-1802 from Antique Boat Center. About a year ago we got wind of her restoration at Sunrise River Boat Works. But where sworn to secrecy. We held our lip.. Wanting to run up to Minnesota and snap some pics.. Just a couple months ago, 1802 was finished to great fan fair.. We where close on the trail of 1460 and wanted to bring you a complete family reunion of sorts here on Woody Boater. The new owner and savior of U22 1802 is Jeff Thom.. Jeff is a very quiet guy who cares deeply for the boat and all he wanted to do was save it, and preserve it.. Jeff clearly sets a plan and follows through. The boat was restored saving as much of the wood as possible. A new bottom, chrome.. the works.. The only thing of note is that the wheel was changed to a three spoke wheel. We looked into that and checked with Pat and Jim Hendricks, who stated that they did not change the wheel. Jeff has the wheel and its tucked away and is part of the boats history.. Jeff stated that he wanted to save the two spoke wheel and preserve it without restoring it. From this point on... as before.. I will let the images tell the story again.

U-22-1802 At Sunrise River Boat Works

More Restoration work

Engine rebuild

More restoration

Restoration and a new three spoke wheel.

There....she is.. no more puns.. Ready for the water!

Thayer IV U-22-1802 Is in the water again..

And yes.. another scrap book..

The Rumored 3rd Thayer IV.. The Barn Find Of The Decade!

2010-11-08T06:39:00.002-05:00

Woody Boater and U22-1460 Thayer IV - October 2010

In what is to be the barn find of all barn finds. Woody Boater has been on the trail of finding all the Golden Pond boats used in the film On Golden Pond. This adventure started for us when fellow Woody Boater Ken Miller stumbled across a scrap book of Golden Pond production photos and clippings in a yard sale. The scrap book was from Jim Hendricks the guy that bought one of the boats from Marine Coordinator Pat Curtin.. This all came about on the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Clubs Boat buzz on July 2008... .Folks chimed in and one post stuck in my mind. It was from Wilson Wright on October 14, 2008. Former Executive Director of the Chris- Craft Antique Boat Club and made this statement..

"May depend on which boat you or they are talking about...There were three...One for the surface shots and one for the crash scene that Hendricks bought. The latter is still at the Holiday Inn in Key Largo with the hole in her bow. I've heard no more on the other after she went to Minnesota...I guess a call to the guy who took her there might reveal some details.
Then there was rumored to be a third boat used for the aerial shots which I'd heard went to somebody in Ohio. This boat could be that one....Maybe ??? Maybe not."

Wilson Wright
Executive Director Emeritus
Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club

This is what got my motor running.. A rumored third boat.. That's the day I started my search... And then.. Dec 23rd 2008.. eBay!

Image of 1802 from the eBay sale.

A boat claiming to be one of the Golden Pond boats pops upon eBay.. After some research it appears to be the boat owned by Hendricks the owner of the scrap book purchased my Ken Miller back in July.. But the boat is bought and disappears.. Until last month where its unveiled launched and brought back to its public place in Classic boat history.. Hull number 1802 is now lovingly owned by Jeff Thom of Minnesota..Restored by Sunrise River Boatworks. More on that tomorrow.

But what about the rumored third boat? Knowing about film, I knew that it only made sense to have multiple boats.. Cars.. Whatever you shoot.. How many Bat mobiles, General Lee's... Lassies...Rin Tin Tins are out there? So is the third boat still out there? What about the US Mail Boat Mariah? I called Pat Curtin during the eBay boat sale. And he confirmed the third boat right off the bat, in fact there where four....Thayer IV's... One was the Hendricks boat.. U-22-1802 a 1952 Chris Craft 22ft Sportsman ... which has been reported on over the years, ..... One was the wreck scene boat also sold to Hendricks. And a third U22 was also a boat used in the movie. U-22 1460. It was bought by a family in August1982 along with the Century Raven.. Mariah US Mail Boat.

So? Are both boats still in the same family? Maybe.. No one could know with out digging.. I love to dig by the way... What about the 4th boat? First anyone had heard of this... Dear god, not another one! I don't have the energy... Not really...It was bought and never used or refitted with the scoops, ladder.. etc.... So it was sold off and has no connection to the film..not worth another mention... and better yet no digging. Just a great teaser to get you folks to tune in.. Sorry, it was too easy... We knew that the wreck scene boat was in FLA now, the 1802 boat was in Minnesota safe and being taken care of again...the only difference between U22-1802 and U22-1460 was the year of the boat and the steering wheel. 1802 had a two spoke and 1460 a three spoke.. A very tiny detail... Hendricks did not want the ladder or scoops or compass. So he had them removed.. This has been confirmed by Hendricks son and Pat Curtin.. Both boats were restored after the film by Curtin before they were sold..

Last week.. after about two years of digging searching and making painful calls to folks that did not either know what I was talking about or did not want to be found. We found the rumored third boat. And what a find it was.. Located in the same family since purchased from Pat untouched.. With all its original movie items on it. With one stipulation... The family does not want there names mentioned or the location of the boat.. Can you imagine all the calls wanting to buy the boat.. I don't blame them one bit. But they did want to get the story out to protect its legacy. They had over the years read newspapers stories of the Hendricks Boat, and just recently the story of the restoration of that boat, U22 1802.. It was time, and since we were on the hunt and relentless, they agreed to do a story. That was the deal.. So here it is.. I will let the photos tell the story.. Enjoy.

The second we got permission to go see the boat we climbed in the truck and headed North.. Pat Curtin, and Frank Miklos, his brother Bob and Woody Boater Jim Scott, all headed from different parts of the country for a once in a lifetime adventure..

OH -MY- GOD! There she is.. Tucked away in a barn in original condition.. The ladder holders still in place.. Just sitting there.. It's officially no longer a rumor..

Jim Scott just taking it all in.. We all dream of moments like this.. No, not looking at Jim.. Looking at the boat..

We moved it outside and get a look.. Here is Pat Curtin on the left and Frank Miklos on the right.

There is the odd ball scoop! Originally used to cover a hole from the search light it had.. Who would have thought of such a small thing 30 years later would mean so much. It's one of the key details that makes this U22 1460 so special.

The Compass close up

The ladder, found at home.

The location of the original ladder holders on the deck

The 3 spoke wheel seen in many of the scenes of the film. It's not black. That's mold from sitting for years. The boat has not been touched.. Just used and enjoyed.. But mostly tucked away.

The Serial number stamped into the wood. Matches the Bill of sale issued from Pat Curtin to the family. Sold on August 12th 1982. You can click on these and enlarge. According to Pat. "That boat was not going to be sold. Period. I was holding onto the 1460 boat for myself. I met the person that bought 1460 at the Boston Boat Show.. It was not advertised at the time, the boat at the show was 1802... They were going to purchase 1802.. Made the deal a week earlier - But the buyer showed up on the same day about an hr after I heard that Fonda had died.. The family really wanted 1460 instead - The two boats were sitting side by side in the shop"... Curtin a friend of Fonda's was upset and said.."Take the God Damn boat I really don't care" And that was that.. This boat was sold a year before Hendrick's bought 1802 according to Hendricks affidavit. Note...I have blacked out the names as promised to the owners of 1460.. Also Note that the typo in the typed bill of sale reads O-22 and the hand written one reads U22.. below.

In the scrap book is this newspaper from the date Fonda died.

The scrap book that the owners of 1460 have. There mother saved everything.. Thank god!

A call sheet for the film, you can click on the image and blow it up.. No not that type of blow up... its safe....

Also in the scrap book, shots of when the boat was bought and shown at a local boat show. Note the dash. The light handle and three spoke wheel.

A photo taken in 1998 on a family outing. You can just make out Thayer IV on the transom

The Hull Card Courtesy of the Chris-Craft Archives at the Mariners Museum from Newport News reports 1460 as a 1949 or could be a 1950 model.

OK back to the Thayer IV today..

This image by Frank Miklos shows all the goodies together. Note again the Iva-light knob on the dash..

Thayer IV's original motor, which was rebuilt several years back.

Here is a cleaned up detail call out of the U22-1460 boat - you can click on it and blow it up

So! Thayer you have it.. yes that's the last time I will use that bad pun...This family could not have been nicer and helpful. They are extremely private and still in love with their boats.. As you can imagine, how to restore such a boat is critical and also can be very expensive, so right now the boats are in storage for the right time to make that choice. Thayer IV, U22-1460 needs a new bottom for sure, a strip and varnish.. The interior was just dirty. It also looked as if much of the chrome could be cleaned up.. The question is, do you restore it at all, considering that U22-1802 has been restored? A last note. We realize that the finding of U22-1460 will change the history books Wikapedia and other places that have reported that there is only two U-22's. We are not reporting here to create drama or be sensational.. But as the two years played out.. The true history of these boats needed to be reported on.. And that became our goal.. It ain't our usual story on a toilet seat in the shape of a Chris Craft hatch on eBay, that's for sure... And to be honest, maybe more than we should be reporting on.. But we had the story and access so here we are.. We made sure that all the facts were true and followed up on all of them. Tomorrow...U22 1802, then the US Mail Boat Mariah... Did you know there where 2 mail boats..... Just kidding... Only one, and we have her here for you.. Happy commenting.