Phew, I Needed That! Hooky Day!

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Sniff’n Varnish on Bob Rices Seamaid.

One of the crazy things about my job, is when you are busy, you are real busy, and then there are these strange breaks, right in the middle of a busy moment. Just like yesterday. I am on a large TV commercial production and we had some down time. So I looked at my map as to where I was. Yes, its been that busy, and I saw…mmmm Dang, I am an hour away from my pals on Lake Hopatcong. Yup, I actually used the APP! I called the Katzs gang and the Bobs, and in a second, we had a plan!

Got to go out on a test run for a carb issue

Woohooo

Perfection

Amazing Alan Johnson lettering.

Have you signed up yet?

WOW, Bob Rices Sea maid is amazing

Bob and I out on the lake

Bob Kays, Bob Rice.

Now to add to the drama, the lake is about to Drawn down. Which is like a really low tide for me. But for them, its every 5 years so people can clean up around the lake and fix stuff. So ALL boats gotta be out, or its a mess. So in a sense, this could have been a pre last gasp, or even, the last gasp depending on the weather. And as odd as this is seems to be a strange tradition for me. I find myself on Lake Hopatcong around this time of year for the past 10 years or so.

It’s close to NYC.. Mmmm, the statue is a lot smaller than I remember.

A huge thanks to Bob Kays, Bob Rice, Allen, Shawn, Shaun, Sean, Seth and the gang for allowing me to take a break in style.

I am one happy camper

While out on the lkae we came up on Mar B a wonderful pre war – not in a club, just a pure moment of fun. THIS IS WHAT I LOVE!

Bob’s amazing U22 at the Main Lake Market

A Lake Hopatcong Icon

Wow

Oh boy! Bob, seems like such a nice guy. Bob gett’n all New Jersey on Bob! Actually When I headed out, Bob and Bob returned to the Main Lake Market for gas and ice cream. Leaving the dock the prop caught the carpet over the tires. Wrapped around the prop quite a bit. Bob got in the water to try to undo, no luck. We were towed back by a fellow woody boater, Lee Kevit, in his wave runner. Seth cut out the rest of the carpet and the boat is fine. The water is surprisingly warm for the 3rd week in September! IT AINT OVER TIL SOMEONE GETS TOWED IN!!!!!!!

25 replies
  1. Troy in ANE
    Troy in ANE says:

    It’s always good to have friend who have boats available at the drop of the hat.

    Love those socks Matt!

  2. Greg Lewandowski
    Greg Lewandowski says:

    Glad you got a decompression day. Boating is the the best way to make that happen.
    Quite a few of us here in Michigan are still decompressing with a smile on our face after Boat the Blue. Thanks again to all that participated!

  3. Bob in Mazeppa
    Bob in Mazeppa says:

    Matt

    As I get older the special unplanned moments become even more importain for my well being. Glad you had a break from the pressure.

  4. Bob Rice
    Bob Rice says:

    While I have never “commented” on Woodyboater, I need to thank Bob Kays for his “above and beyond” help in getting my prop shaft cleared of a cumbersome wad of carpet. and Lee Kievit for towing us back to the marina for Seth to lift the boat and complete the prop clearing.

    Let the record show that while it may appear otherwise, I was not holding the “Sword of Damocles” over Bob’s head.

    As to the reference to the Sopranos,,,,,Fugedaboudit!

    • Cindy Heaton
      Cindy Heaton says:

      Bob, had I known this story an hour ago as we were sitting in the Board of Directors Meeting, you know I wouldn’t have let the opportunity go by to suggest you as an Excellence in Boating Award candidate! Glad all worked out…

  5. m-fine
    m-fine says:

    BTW, I absolutely LOVE those Sea Maids, even if they don’t float that well. That boat is looking amazing! Definitely worth the scuba lessons.

    • don vogt
      don vogt says:

      no accounting for taste, m-fine. I always thought those deck patterns on the early post war seamaids were somewhat dorkey. Although it looks like a great restoration job.

      • m-fine
        m-fine says:

        LOL, I like how they tied the wood and interior together. It is a bit busy but nothing like an over done Coronado or the design by committee disaster that is the Cobra.

        • Troy in ANE
          Troy in ANE says:

          But wouldn’t you love to have two or three of those design disasters today, even if it was just to sell them.

          Heck if they were the right ones you might even be able to retire.

  6. charley quimby
    charley quimby says:

    Does anyone out there have 1948 17-foot Sea Maid 48 Q 103 ? Last I heard, around 2002/3 the boat was bought by two guys from Jersey or North PA… CQ

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