Live-ish Dixieland ACBS’s 31st Annual Rendezvous In Alabama – 40 Photos!
Sunset on the marina at Joe Wheeler State Park.
Thanks to Fellow Woody Boater Michael Maddox for doing this amazing report from Joe Wheeler State park in Alabama. It’s great to see how some of our Southern Woody Boaters do the show thing. It’s also fantastic to see how Micheal adds some life to dock shots, and knows when we want to see details. WOW, what a joy to see.
The marina is located directly in front of the state park lodge. In the foreground is a 1927 Chris Craft 300 named “Jr.”
The lodge and marina at Joe Wheeler State Park.
Another sunset view of the marina. In the foreground are a 1968 Lyman named “Irish Rover” and a 1958 Chris Craft Capri named “It’s Someday”.
THE BOATS
Show-goers at sunset admire “Jr.”, a 1927 Chris Craft 300.
Another view of “Jr.”
“Seawood,” a 1946 Gar Wood Ensign
“Seawood” had to be taken out of the water due to technical issues, and was later displayed on the trailer.
There was also a 1947 Gar Wood Ensign at the show.
The ’47 Gar Wood had its motor box removed, displaying the impressive 400 horsepower engine.
1948 Chris Craft Special Runabout, “Betty Mae 1”.
“Wood ‘N Whistle”, a 1955 Chris Craft Continental.
“Shelby J” is a 1956 Chris Craft Sportsman. I had the pleasure of meeting the boat’s namesake, the real-life Shelby J, at the event’s meet-and-greet.
Another view of “Shelby J”.
View of “It’s Someday”, a 1958 Chris Craft Capri, at sunset.
More Wood “N” Whistle
“It’s Someday” is 100% original. I had the honor of first seeing this boat, and meeting her owner, last month at the Lake Chatuge show.
“It’s Someday” is a stunning boat, with an amazing story. Here, you can see her original KFL engine.
“Miss Kitty” is a 1958 Chris Craft Utility. -( OK, someone explain the water there?
“Miss Kitty’s” Confederate burgee — this is the Dixieland chapter, after all.
Here, parked in front of “Miss Kitty” is “Aqua Bird”, a stunning 1959 American Marc Stardust.
“Aqua Bird” was certainly one of the most eye-catching boats at the show.
Beautiful period lines.
Elegantly simple interior layout, with beautiful upholstery.
And with that 90 hp E-TEC, I bet she’ll fly.
Also from 1959 is “Lady Nostalgia”, a Marinette Family Cruiser, powered by a 109 hp Grey Marine engine.
“Seaing Red”is a 1960 Century Resorter.
Some detail shots of “Seaing Red”.
Interior detail
“Eleanor” is a 1965 Chris Craft Super Sport. Here, the windshield is fogged over from the steambath temperatures already climbing at sunrise. Temperatures easily surpassed 90 degrees at the show… but the boats were worth it.
“Eleanor” docked alongside the ’58 Capri.
“Eleanor’s” interior.
“Eleanor” at sunset.
1965 Lyman Utility, named “Webster”.
“Webster” docked in front of the state park lodge.
Detail shot of “Webster”.
1968 Lyman, “Irish Rover”.
1973 Crestliner Crusader.
OTHER COOL SHOTS FROM THE SHOW
“Irish Rover” pulling in to the dock in front of the 1958 Capri.
Chris Craft Barrel Back pulling up to the dock.
Thanks again Michael and the entire Dixieland gang putting on a post card show!
Those are some wonderful looking boats.
I met Jr. this spring on the Sunnyland southbound river cruise of the St. Johns river. As I understand it that boat has made the trip almost every year that it has run.
Great Job, Mike!!! See you at G10!!
great pics, nice show…many thanks,
John in Va.
A 400 HP engine in a Garwood Ensign? How do you keep the planks from pealing off at 55 MPH?
Thanks for all the pics, looks like a great venue.
Anyone know where I might find more info on the American Marc, “Aqua Bird?” I have the same boat undergoing restoration and would like to find more pics/info on this one. It’s the only example I have found so far that has actually been finished!