“How Gen-Z Sees The Niche”

Cru-Sader, a 1958 Century Coronado. Owners – Wes & Sue Yandt

“HOW GEN-Z SEES THE NICHE” – Words by Steve Lapkin – Imagery by Evan Lamson
Gen Z takes niche interests seriously! Particularly the interest-based communities they discover on social media. According to the Horizon WHY Finger on the Pulse Survey, Gen Zers are self-identified super fans, 65% of Gen Zers have said that they consider themselves a super fan or really big fan of something.

Bow-on – Wes & Sue Yandt with Cru-Sader, a 1958 Century Coronado

Here, please meet a modest Gen Zer by the name of Evan Lamson. Several weeks ago, quite by curious and mind boggling circumstances, I met Evan on the occasion of the Whitefish Woody Weekend at Whitefish, Montana. We, both, just happened to be within a stones-throw of each other while watching an independent photographer take detail shots of a Hacker runabout at that boating venue. Within earshot range, I heard Evan ask of the photographer: “Are you Steve Lapkin? I am looking to meet Steve Lapkin.” Well…obviously…I was not the OTHER photographer. Yet, Evan and I quickly became acquainted such that I came to know of his significant interest in veteran boats AND that he is an aspiring photographer…among things.

Aphrodite – with owners Kathleen & Pierre Bordenave of Sagle, Idaho. She is a 1940 34-foot Deluxe Cruiser.

Evan agreed, with his parents Bettina and Donald, to meet me at Sandpoint, Idaho, last weekend…and to partake in the festivities of a boat gathering hosted by the ACBS Inland Empire Chapter at Lake Pend Oreille.
With Evan’s acceptance, I encouraged him to offer a selection of his clicks from that occasion and to share, with the tribe, his vision, perceptions, and his focus. Here, for your viewing pleasure, is “how” Evan caught some special moments and qualities of this gathering at Lake Pend Oreille. Indeed, Evan has become “a super fan” of the veteran boat community. Pend Oreille, at 1,200 feet deep, is the fifth deepest lake in the USA.

Blew by You, owner Dr. Steven Liss, is a 1962 – 26 foot Chris-Craft Cutlass

Dug out by Ice Age glaciers and located within three major frontal ranges of the norther Rocky Mountains, it has a natural splendor to go with a fascinating human and natural history. For over 70 years, the south end of the lake has been the premier testing ground for acoustic development of the Navy’s submarines. It is 43 miles long with 111 miles of shoreline.

Tango, owners Dan & Carol Albanses, is a 1946 25 foot Chris-Craft “Red & White” Express Cruiser

Evan became interested in wooden boats because of “the shape of things.” He reminded me that fiberglass boats normally can’t make concave-to-convex shapes like wood can. What motives him is the design freedoms in wooden boats – it is a labor of love. Wood shakes out the chaff or the people that don’t belong. I belong!”

Meet Mollie, with owners Nevin and Elizabeth Bryant. A 1932 – 18 foot Gar Wood Split Cockpit runabout

Evan uses Nikon photo equipment: A Nikon D800e with a 24-70mm lens. He hopes to continue his camera-career, or as he stated to me: “wherever the Lord guides me in life, I am praying He keeps me around wooden boats…and fine race cars!”

One of a half-dozen Dodge runabouts on display, brought by Carlo Ferreira

Emblematic of Dodge

Tom & Janet Cathcart brought a splendid Shepherd – Huckledybuck, a 1952 – 21- foot Sportsman.

Tooting his own horn? Evan’s gaze at classic chrome.

There’s nothing missing here! Maybe the kitchen sink…..but inclusive of the cigarette ash tray and coke bottle.

Evan had no problem identifying and extolling this Cadillac monster.

Let’s venture another bold prophecy: Evan is/can be one of the ‘next’ visual portrayers of our esteemed collective. Hail youth!