What Wood You Do?
Original!
Yes, I know it’s not a typo, it’s a pun. Yes, a bad one. Or is it? Thats the hell of puns. Sorry Rabbit. Anyway, we got this question ..spelled correctly BTW from fellow WoodyBoater Brock, who is kinda in a bit of a conundrum. Would you restore it, or keep it original.
File photo of the Ramsey Bros, Prerestoric Dart
I know, this is that tension that we here have coined the phrase “Prerestoric”. That special time in a “things” life cycle, where you feel the urge to restore, but know deep in your heart, it aint the right thing to do? Or is it? I mean it’s wood, and does need to be preserved? Or is the age of it all make it special. The word Patina is used in a simplistic way. But that too has been clear coated and ruined.
Andys time capsule. I LOVE THIS BOAT
There is a wonderful saying that captures all of this. “It’s only original once” in other words, the originality IS it’s historical value. But what happens when its deteriorating? Is that part of its true self? Okay, okay this is an endless loop of conversation. Here is the real issue.
Oh that wonderful decal
That decal. There is no way in hell you are gonna be able to replicate that amazing decal. Ya ya, sure there are ways, But, why. Its everything. That is the touch that makes this so special. The decal. The brand. What? Well, think of it this way. If this ws just a wood board in a shape, we wouldnt be talking about it? it would and could be used as just a chunk of wood. In a cool shape, yes. But that decal is it’s history, and opens up an entire conversation about CLYDE BOATS.
I didnt know about CLYDE Boats and now I do. Because this aquaplane is old. And thus says this is a true brand. Not some new thing. It has trust in it. And of course to get even deeper. Because of AI now, and the ability to make everything perfect. The actual flaws and age of it all IS what makes it true, special and a real story. A HIstory. SO? Clearly my tendancy is to preserve it best it can be without touching it. But it sure would be cool, all cleaned up. 
And Brock did send some info pics. I am not going to try and copy this. So you’re on your own.
Or just click here on the Wiki page Clyde printed for us.
Very interesting history. I have to question the claim of 10,000 total production. I was born in Detroit, spent my entire life in southeast Michigan, been around boats most of my life and I can’t remember ever seeing one. Somehow that doesn’t box!
Greg: Now that you know about them you will probably start seeing them everywhere.
I hereby give you permission to use as many puns as your heart desires, Matt. Just don’t use them in your advertising.
Very cool decal. That aqua plane is pure art.
Here’s a couple more photos I had found of the Clyde boats. I was hoping someone out there has one or has seen one over the years. Also, I wonder if I should leave the aquaplane as is but protect, cover with varnish or do absolutely nothing. It will be a lake cottage display.
Interior
I vote to leave it as is since it will be hanging in your cottage. I might get a funkier, more colorful old rope since the white one is not original. It’s a beauty!
Matt, you lost me on your thread. Is it the thing in the first picture you are asking about or one of the boats in the following pictures? If it’s that thing in the first picture, what does the rest of it look like?
Leave it like it is. It shows its history. It has been there and back.
Anybody know anything about this one I recently picked up? Also my old CC pictured above is now on display at the Lawson Center in Bemus Point on Chautauqua Lake.
Forgot the picture
Thanks Matt and group. It will remain displayed and untouched.