Woody Boaters – Classic Boats

As you no doubt recall we all lost Syd several weeks ago. Syd, suffered a severe heart attack on January 22, 2026 while shoveling his snow at his home in Auburn, NY. His care involved two transfers between hospitals, one including a flight,…

Remembering Our Pal Syd

Uncategorized, Woody Boaters

I was on the phone yesterday with several folks talking about Syd, and as sad as it is. And it is. We couldn't stop laughing at some of Syd's stuff. His different collections of odd ball stuff and how passionate he was about, well, everything.…

Breaking News, Syd Marsden Passes Away

I just got the news this morning and am devastated. It has taken me a bit here to even write this. Syd, of Syd's Text Message Museum as we know him, sadly passed away, This isnt another old person passing on that lived a very full life.…

Meanwhile, Up In Michigan, It’s Just Another Day… Of Toy Building.

The Michigan Gang is not gonna let natures bitter fury slow down it's fun. While here in Virginia we are on lock down cause its 20 degrees and 3 inches of snow. And 2 inches of hard ice on top of that. Power on/off/on/off, bathtub full of…

Welcome To Woodyboaterville – Rocco’s Barrel Back, A Reminder That You Can Do It Correctly.

Restorations, Woody Boaters

The other day while on Facebook, I saw some photos posted by Rocco, and his Barrel Back project he is doing himself. So I reached out, and we got to talk'n. I love the way he is going about this. Taking his time, and doing it right. And…

Happy “B” Day To Mr B

Today Mr B is 5 years old. FIVE! Good god, how time flies. The little man has brought such joy and companionship to me. Always ready to GO! And loves everyone. Especially the ladies. And if I fly happens to fly by the house, he lets…

Fitzke Boats + The Huntsman Work Together To Build The New Collectable

Art, Classic Boats, Woody Boaters

A huge thanks to fellow Woody Boater Kevin Fitzke not only for sharing this, but also a reminder that the future is very cool for the WoodyBoater universe. These are also a complete contrast to the Woody Floater Challenge. And…

Second-to-Potentially The Last Gasp

We aren't throwing in the towel yet for the season! But oh man this weather ain't helping the case. Hey everyone, Hank here. I'm jumping in this week while my dad is at a work event. Anyways, since my last trip recounting my cross-country…

Happy B Day Wayne Bomb, Wait, What? You Were Where?

We just got the report in that the Pebble Beach Best of Show was a 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo shown by Penny and Longtime fellow Woody Boater Lee Anderson Sr. of Naples, Florida. Yes that makes two times. WOW! Wait. HAPPY…

A Century of Chris-Craft Boats Takes to Lake Coeur d’Alene

Art, Boat Shows, Destinations, Woody Boaters

A huge thanks to long time fellow WoodyBoater Wes Yandt, and a team of passionestas, including Carlo's collection. WOW, here is Wes' note to me. So as you can see, I get to make up the captions. "Here are a couple of links to google…

Miss Moonshine Prototype Is Getting Ready For The International

Art, Classic Boats, Woody Boaters

Fellow WoodyBoater Kevin Fitzke is getting ready for the big Clayton ACBS International show in September. An event that will of course be a whopper and going to see Kevins Prototype is worth the trip alone. Here is the note from Kevin.…

On the Road Again

Back in October 2024, my little family (pictured above) moved from Berlin, Germany to the US. We made a criteria that we needed a change: less bratwurst & more boatings, to cut the rant short. Matt wrote a quick story about our journey…

Hemi Hoarding, And Dumpster Runs

This is the time of year when things get a little wonky. Reports come flying in all in different formats, which is troublesome to navigate through, shows are all over the place, Tahoe, and Clayton dominate the news, and yet, life at HQ still…

If You Are Asked To Go To A Boat Show With Your Boyfriend. BE WARNED.

Boat Shows, Community/Web, Woody Boaters

A huge thanks to Syd Marsdin for his report from the Skaneatles show this past weekend. And it happened AGAIN! This makes two this year. One more of these boat show proposals and we will officially have a trend. And in a public service to…

A Classic Boat Commute. mmmmm, Which Boat Is Right For Today?

Todays story in no way is about Oh Look at me and my ship...s. In fact from a money perspective, I have less tied up in all this stuff than a new pontoon boat. So it's more of a Oh look at the life style choice, than the bank account story.…

“Knot That Jeff Gordon” Slips Deeper Into His Addiction

Barn Finds, Classic Boats, Woody Boaters

Fellow WoodyBoater "Knot That Jeff Gordon", just took the next step into the abyss of classic boat addiction. Falling for the most simple and yet diabolical trick. A great price on a time capsule. Oh, and just we all know, there is no cure.…

Happy Boatress Day

Well, she is finally of legal age to drink. 21. I know this is kinda taboo for many of you, but love is ageless and yes, if you do the math, 38 years of marriage, I married her before she was even born. Hey, when you know you know. Okay,…

Bob Murdock And Pete Fish Spark An Insight That May Save Our Planet From Ourselves

I know this may seem like a rather dramatic headline today, but reading yesterdays comment section and some self reflection regarding Pete Fish, started a thought process that may just be the key to helping our little and large universe.…

Late Breaking News – Pete Fish Passes Away

Monday this week we got news that Pete Fish an icon in our community passed away. I didn't know Pete, and the little I knew about him, I knew he knew his stuff big time, and was always helpful to others and was pushing our little universe into…

Happy Hank Day – Next Gen WoodyBoater?

Today, many years ago, my life changed for the better. I have had other days like this, my wedding day and my other sons birth. Each one of those days I can recall to every detail, and although none of them were light switch moments, you…

Six Degree’s Of Separation, Or Maybe Just One Click.

I have been sitting on this story for a bit, and to be honest not really sure how to even get into it. It's one of those strange universe is smaller than we think stories, and even more small, the Woodyboater universe which is a Horton Hears…

Do It. Open That Barn Door, And Go Play.

Community/Web, Rant, Woody Boaters

As the years seem to creep up on me, okay, race up to me, I have become more and more convinced that the regrets I have are the ones where I stalled and didn't do it. Oh sure there are times when it's not right, and you then thank your other…

Another Amazing Deal On A 25 Sportsman. No Stings, Or *’s

Today could be the day your life changes for the better. You could get a 25 Sportsman. It's beyond affordable, all the works been done, Bottom, engine, passion, love, cool stuff and all. This amazing 1946 25 is ready to go boating. Like…

Attention Lyman Freaks, Your Ship…Tender Has Come In.

First off, we are all freaks, so don't be offended you Lymanytes. Yes I made that up. But I do kinda like it. Anyway, on Facebook Marketplace, the greatest show on earth, between the gold plated toilets and old used underwear we..okay..I…

Thanks Mike Hodes, Holly Weber And Jenny, For The Photos

Art, Woody Boaters

As you may recall the other day we did a story on the Correct Craft Storm Boats, and if you were in Florida you no doubt met or saw Mike running around the lake. You may have wondered, dang, what is that little boat doing going back and…

One Hell Of A Day From Moment One – CLICK! AHHHHH

Art, Boat Shows, Classic Boats, Woody Boaters

Today, I am on the road at 5AM, like in 20 minutes, and these amazing images came in that show a little tease of the action, at around 7:30 AM yesterday. It was insane. Here is how it wend down. I showed up at the show early to set up, and…

Is The Classic Boat Community Shrinking?

One could think very easily that our little universe is shrinking, Is it? Or is it the next generational shift taking place? There were the OG woody boaters, the ones that saved our boats first, back in the 1970's. Started the ACBS and kept…

Run With The Wind Oreo, You Were The Best Ever

Many of you old time Woodyboaters may recall when we got Oreo, it was around 13 years ago, and she has been a regular here. I am sad to say that she has left us all and is where ever dogs go. Heaven isn't good enough for them all. I…

A Plethora Of Poppy Puppy Pics And A Question Of The Peanut Gallery

Classic Boats, Mecum Auction, Woody Boaters

Well, you all saw this coming, and yes, not a lot going on regarding boats today. But there is some big time Poppy time stuff. And of course, what sort of boat she "HAS TO HAVE" My guess is a smaller 16 pre war utility. At least we know…

Meet Poppy. Mr B’s New Little Sister

Good morning, it's been a fun night of little sleep. The newest member of the Smith family, Poppy! She is a Poodle-ish pup. And was advertised at the car dealer waiting room while we waited for our car to be serviced. Crazy, and it's like…

Keeping The Positive Vibes Going For 2025 – Thanks Holly Webber

Art, Boat Shows, Community/Web, Woody Boaters

Today we have some more Webber joy, Holly's images bring a smile to my face, and heart. I love how one can find the soul of each photographer in these shots. The shoot outs we feature here are some of my favorite moments of show reporting.…

I Got A Special Gift For Christmas

Sorry for the late report. A couple days ago, Christmas Eve morning, I was blessed with the joy that just keeps on giving. COVID. Yes I am vaccinated, which with this case may have been whats saved me. This case is a whopper and wiped me out.…

Where In The World Is Kent O?

Art, Woody Boaters

We just got this in from Kent O. Smith who has been on a break Some of you in the WoodyBoater world have wondered where I’ve been. Well, I’ve been hanging out on Eastern Long Island – where I’m from – and it’s been a great…

Well, Well, Well, Scientific Proof That Women Find Woody Boaters Attractive.

Now, if you look at the chart, it says it all. Reading#1, thats you right now. You are being very attractive. #2 Foreign languages. Have you tried to read this here for 20 years? You are fluent in Woodyboaterese. Okay 3-4 are for…

I Am Coming Home Mr B

DADDY'S COMING HOME! Well, I have been away and this year we left Mr B at home with Great Grandma and his Aunt and Uncle. Of course I am sure he is happy hanging out, but it is torture not being able to let him know I am thinking of him…

On Golden Bob, Starring Bob Kays.

Art, Classic Boats, Community/Web, Woody Boaters

We have a wonderful short rip off of On Golden Pond today, copyrighted music and all. I am not sure how this works, so if we hear from Dave Grusin's people, or search robot, according to YOUTUBE, there was no violation, or action? Whatever…

The Berlin Bureau Is Off Again To Conquer The World.

Today I am watching my son leave home again. The pain is of course now even more intense then it was on that fall day in Colorado years ago on his first day of collage. Now it's three to say goodbye to Suzy2 and Ziggy. I love all my kids and…

SummerTimeLess A Short Film By Frances de Larminat Original Music Lucas Carpenter

Art, Woody Boaters

Today we feature a cool film shot this summer here in Reedville. Yes, its from this year. But shot in a very cool way. An old super 8 camera. Director Frances de Larminat is exploring fun new ways to capture moments. We had some great talks…

A Great Injustice Was Done Yesterday. It Was Mr B’s B-Day!

The Boatress had warned me a week ago. But my brain can't remember what was for dinner last night. So? But around 11AM yesterday it hit me. Okay the Boatress texted me. It's Mr b's B-Day. And I felt like the worst Dad EVER. Needless to say,…

The Magic Moments Before Some Last Gasping, And We Need A New Name For The Berlin Bureau.

Art, Community/Web, Woody Boaters

Yesterday was "One Of Those Days" The morning light, calm waters and in the mid 70's here in Virginia. I know the weather is rather fickle this time of year, and hurricane's are reeking havoc further south. Ugh. So in a way, the magic moments…

A Taylor M…ade Story Of The Ages

Art, Classic Boats, Restorations, Woody Boaters

For sure there will be and are already some of the most amazing classic boats on the planet earth at Wood and Water this week. Like never before have so many of these boats been in one place. But for a second here, I doubt any will have…

Another Shootout At The Meeting At Brainerd Lakes.

Art, Boat Shows, Classic Boats, Woody Boaters

A huge thanks Again, to Steve Lapkin, Dane Anderson and Holly Weber for sending in some epic photos. And also giving me and all of us, the different ways artists see the same event. It's not the camera, it's the soul of the photographer. “HANDS…

It’s Chris Brogna Day Here In Woodyboaterville

From the crew at Sierra Boat Company: Chris Brogna is retiring today after more than three decades at Sierra Boat Company. Through the years, he has had a hand in the restoration of numerous antique and classic wooden boats, in the process…

“We Are Taking Water Fast” Drama On The Flats

Fellow Woody Boater and pal Knot That Jeff Gordon, and his with Shelbi... I know, not that Shelby, were out at the flats and were there to witness a disaster in progress. And as always instructed, TAKE PHOTOS! A huge thanks to Shelbi…

One Of The Big Reasons I Keep Doing Woody Boater