A Much Needed Trip To Woody Boater Heaven!
A perfect varnish coat on a perfect 21 Cobra, getting ready for this summer!
Yesterday I hopped into the trusty Woodybotermobile with Suzy in tow to head up to Katz’s Marina for Suzy’s winter prep. I had cleaned all the oil out of her bilge, but she has needed some tweaks from a summer of use. This year we put about 50 hrs on her, next year, more. The more we use this big beast, the more we love her. We, The boat and I peeled out of DC at 5AM and by 9:30 we were in heaven. The workshop at Katz’s marina is a much needed drug for the winter blues. I was even lucky enough to be able to smell a fresh varnish job in the works. SNIIIIIIIIFFFFFFF! Dam!
Remember Miss Jane the Step Hydro from Lake Dora? She is almost done! Another amazing restoration job done at break neck speed. All the wood that needed replacing was all replaced in the correct lite weight materials. This is a sure show winner for 2013. AMAZING!
She has been renamed with one of the best names to date! Perfect! Alan Johnson’s handy work is perfect!
Miss Step is beautiful from any side.
A bunch of folks came by to say hi which made the morning a true joy. All the Kay’s, came by, and Don Ploetner, and Dave VanNess all were there.
Dave VanNess looking at his 430 Lincoln after a summer of fun. All Checked out..
Seth showed me around between chores and selling a sweet pre war 17 footer. This place was rock’n. Tommy running around the place making sure all was right. This amazing Gar Wood Steamline Sedan is all done ready for delivery. AMAZING little sedan..
Stunning!
Ahhh, that is one amazing interior of the sedan
After a couple hours it was time to head back to DC for Dinner with the boatress. It may seem extreme to drive 9 hours to have small details fixed, and if you see the work done there. It’s easy to make sure your classic boat is in tip top condition. The big mistakes I see along the way of looking at classic boats, is that well intentioned folks do wrong repairs or just don’t know what they are doing. It’s worth the trip to make sure it’s done right. If you live within a days run of one of the few places that can do the work right, its worth it. And the best part is you get to enjoy some woody boater love. Which reminds me, if you are in need of a good varnish hit, this January I will be speaking at the Antique Boat Center. You can find out more info on the destination of the month story on the right of this page. Thanks to Seth and the gang at Katz’s for a fun day and reminder of why we all love having fun with our Woody Boats.
More insane finishes all in various states of completion.
The Amazing Cobra from another point of view. WOW! Note the name.. Veintiuno!
Great way to work off the turkey the day after Thanksgiving. Since you brought up the outing at ABC in January again, where is the Friday night HQ so we know where to stay.
I have left several messages with the Drewey inn to get a special rate. I will update once we secure that.
If Seth ever wants to increase his income he could charge admission to his storage sheds, I could spend a weekend in them just looking around. Just bring me a pillow and some PBJ sandwiches and I’ll see you on Monday.
Lets see the header today, absolute WOOD AND VARNISH PORN!
And how many times have I told you guys to use coasters for the beer mugs? Leaving rings on the front of that boat, you should be ashamed.
My Spanish is a bit rusty, but “Veintiuno” means either twenty one, or open a vein and bleed cash.
Definitely the second one.
I got that pleasent dizzy feeling when that header opened and I got an eyeful of the interior. Nice. Beautiful River boat in any weather.
Great story, I can’t believe that is the step boat from Dora!!!
WOW.
John in Va.
Hey Matt, that big florescent yellow/green dot on your boat, and its orbiting moon… Are you sure that’s factory correct?
It’s a Marian Apparition.
Scratch that. It looks more like Elvis
Inspiration! I’ve had a ’36 20′ Garwood Streamline sedan for over 20 years – still unrestored. (long story) First year of the series, three still known to exist.
I keep promising myself that it will be “this year” that I flip it over and get busy! I think I’m on about the 15th year of that promise…
Seeing that header gets me fired up all over again. Thank you! 🙂
Mmmm, varnish and mahogany, smells better than t/giving turkey. Looking at your header and supporting pix of the Garwood sedan brought back nightmares of finishing a very similar ’47 Gidley Grew sedan I did years ago. Sanding interior overhead ceilings, I can identify with Michelangelo doing the Sistine Chapel. So much detail sanding softer cedar longitudinal planking, you have to be careful with intersecting mahogany frames so as not to get cross grain scratches. Then you’ve got overhead varnishing, oh my aching neck, back, arms. Beautiful work at Katz’s, tip o’ the hat.
Well as always the Woody Boater brings us more examples of some exquisite bright work! Clearly Kat’s Marina does some awesome work!! However for you DC folks I can’t help giving a plug to Jerry LeCompte of Dockside Boat Works, Easton Maryland. Jerry and his team do awesome work and my experience has been; reasonable rates, accurate quotes and an outstanding service and product! At 2 hours from Reston, it’s even closer for you DC Woody Boater Guys and Gals. The winter is here, let the varnish begin. 🙂