Taking Dad Out On The Lake – A Sons Surprise Ride.

Fellow Woody Boater Andrew Foote sent us in this nice story about our friendly community. We love this stuff here at Woody boater! Take it away Andrew.

“I spent my childhood summers on Lake Minnetonka. My dad (John) is a wooden boat fan, so at an early age he introduced me to the art of restoring boats back to their original glory.

Sanding a 1930’s Dunphy. Middle: Maiden voyage on the Dunphy; Bottom: Squared up against my dad’s Chris-Craft Sea Skiff)

For health reasons it’s been about 20 years since my dad has restored boats and that the two of us have been on Lake Minnetonka together.

Left: Piloting a Pen-Yan; Top Right: Side shot of the Pen Yan; Bottom Right: Looking tough in our Century Raven)

I recently planned a trip to MN and wanted to surprise him with a boat ride. There are unfortunately no wooden boat charters on the lake, so my options were limited to pontoons.

After searching high and low, I contacted Susan Tenney, president of the Bob Speltz Land-O-Lakes chapter of the ACBS. She immediately offered to help and said someone would be in touch. Shortly thereafter I received a call from a man named Todd Warner. I didn’t realize it at the time, but Todd is a vintage boat legend. Turns out he knew my father from a long time ago and said he’d by happy to help make my wish become a reality.

I brought my dad to Lord Fletcher’s on Minnetonka where Todd and Susan pulled up on a gorgeous Hacker Craft.

Dock: Andrew Foote, John Foote. Boat: Todd Warner, Susan Tenney)

Needless to say he was completely surprised and excited. It’s difficult for my dad to walk, but we made it to the docks and got him in the boat. Success!

: Quick stop for gas in Mound, MN)

Although the rain gods didn’t cooperate with us, it didn’t stop us from getting out on the water and recapturing the magic of being on a classic boat.

a little rain never melted anyone)

It means a lot that both Todd and Susan volunteered to make this happen for my dad and me. I’m grateful for their kindness and am now looking forward to future boat trips with my father.

Ps – Dad’s now sending me eBay links to boat sales on a daily basis. Seems this experiment has successfully unlocked his classic boat addiction. Mine too.”