Stay Tuned For A Special Week Ahead And Backwards Here On Woody Boater
The YNOT gang has been a leader in our culture
Starting Monday, we’re kicking off a special week of stories diving deep into the world of classic boats—where we’ve been, where we are, and what’s next. We’ll explore the pros and cons, the current lifecycle of the hobby, and put it all in perspective.
Owen Turner, The Next chapter
Here’s the truth: all of us who are passionate about classic boats, cars, and anything mechanical are living through one of the most unique periods in history. In fact, only one other time compares—the Industrial Revolution. I wasn’t around for that (thankfully), but we can still learn from it.
Jon Allen, the preservationist
The other Allen, the current way to preserve and keep going
We are the only generation to have lived both an analog and a digital life. That’s not always easy—but if you choose to see it as a gift, it can be incredibly fun. And that is our moment. Our classic boats are a perfect expression of that tension: we’re using digital tools and thinking while preserving the soul and humanity of analog craftsmanship.
Classic? No! Bad ass cool. YES
This isn’t just about boats—it’s happening everywhere. But, for the sake of my sanity, we’re keeping the focus on boating.
So get ready. Next week, we’ll tackle it all:
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Why classic boats might just be better than new ones
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The real costs
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The future of the hobby
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And the big question: Why?
Kevin Fitzke and his use of technology is amazing
Stay tuned. Sharpen those comment skills. It’s gonna be a ship show—in the best possible way. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll all come out of it a little better.
Ok Matt, I have my seatbelt fastened!
Yes technology IS THE FURTURE and I only wish that I could be around for it.
Me too, sad but true…
Yes, I see this path forward with my 34yo son. He grew up in & understands the digital world. Uses it daily at work, where he engineers large-scale hydraulic systems. Uses scanner tools to repair computerized cars. But his lathe is older than I am, his Bridgeport nearly so & he insists on driving three-pedal cars. He races & has won in both a computerized 2009 MINI & in fully manual Minis built before I completed elementary school. The fact that these attitudes seem to be common among his friends & my nephews, gives me hope for the future.
Not sure that I agree with you Art.. I think that we are very lucky to have lived when we did and as long as WE have lived. Yes, we’re not done yet!
Nothing like mahogany and chrome
Can’t wait, Matt.
Those Singer Porsches, for those who don’t follow, start at a cool million. That’s a 964 era (roughly early 90’s) 911 that is rebuilt and reimagined to the highest standards. But, still, a cool mill.
And, yeah, Kevin Fitzke. He’s building the Singers of classic boats, from scratch, for a fraction of the cost. Compared to where the vintage car world can go, classic boats are so much more affordable.
“Your greatest strength is your ability to adapt.”
I was an Air Traffic Controller for 40 years. What is this “Digital” technology you’re talking about. I never saw it. We still had pulse dial phones lines and just recently got rid of the vacuum tubes. But we made it work.
Part of the three basic things we need in life…
Someone to love,
Something to do,
Something to look forward too!
Bring it on! I got through the first two years of Engineering College with a Slide Rule (analog), and by graduation I was a master of the HP digital calculator. My 5th-year thesis made exclusive use of hybrid analog computers and I ended my career with recursive analytic digital code to perform logistic optimization in supply-chain. And now I learn the world is headed back to analog systems to achieve quantum computing for AI. Yes, the old becomes the new in a never ending cycle. And when all is done, skill in our tools of day is only appreciated when the products of our efforts results in works of art, pure in form and function.