2016 Gull Lake Classic Boat Show – Open To The Public

Bob Herrboldt and Mariann Montagne & crew arrive at the show on Friday in “Baby Cakes” proudly flying the Century pennant.
THE GULL LAKE CLASSIC BOAT SHOW IN MINNESOTA always brings out some of the finest and most unique classic boats in the country – and this year that trend continued in spades.
Fellow Woody Boater John Allen and his team at the Bar Harbor Supper Club work hard to present the world of classic boating to the public (without a gate charge), and the public always responds with their support for this great event. Not to mention that the Gull Lake region is home to some of the most significant antique & classic boat collections in North America.
But it’s not just the high end classics that brings the large crowds out every year. The Gull Lake event has a wide range of classic boats and that’s also what makes it so much fun to attend and/or participate. It’s the diversity of the show and the people that makes this event an annual success.
Minnesota correspondent Dane Anderson was on hand throughout the weekend, and shared some great photos for our story today. Also, you can click on the photos to enlarge them today too. – Texx

When is the last time you saw a 1963 Century Palvo 15′ with an IO? This great looking boat belongs to Ian Sandercock.

Our friend and fellow Woody Boater Steve Lively arrives at Bar Harbor on Friday at the controls of “TUSK” a rare 1930 30-foot Hackercraft from the Lee Anderson collection.

The 1930 30-foot Hackers are often simply referred to as a “30-30” and not many are around these days. Outstanding wooden runabouts in every way – the appearance, scale, elegance, performance & handling is superior. The way you fit in the cockpit, it makes you feel safe and comfortable at speed, in any kind of water. Then there’s the ride, like riding on a cloud. And the best part, three of these 30-30 Hackers currently reside on the Gull Lake chain. – Texx

Three proud members of the “30-30 Club” – Brian Mark, Lee Anderson and John Allen all had their 1930 30′ Hackers at the show this year. “TUSK” and “Rebecca Paige” both have Scripps V-12s, and Brian’s “Charismatic” has Sterling power.

So many spectators this year that you can’t see the boats from this vantage point. Gotta love those folks from Minnesota, they certainly love their classics.

“My Darling” U-16 is a stunning 1949 Hacker-Marcy 33-foot Gold Cup single-step racer powered by an Allison V12.

Sitting at the docks amongst the giants, Dane spotted this cool Crestliner outboard. A pure work boat with a custom windshield and a ton of patina. Great to see she is still working.

Bar Harbor is a great venue for a classic boat show, offering wide, comfortable docks, lots of viewing area and good (free of charge) access for the spectators. Big crowds are good for the hobby. You can’t promote if nobody is there to promote to. This show is focused on the public, it’s good for the show, good for the hobby and good for the hosting restaurant. – Dane

A shot of the immaculate cockpit of “HIAWATHA” – just screams “Take me for a Boat Ride!” (And John Allen is always happy to accommodate… – Texx)

Brad Ernst on board “Sweetness Too” talking about the virtues of having a “purse dog” in the family. – Dane

The legendary “Baby Bootlegger” was in attendance this year, from the Lee Anderson collection in nearby Nisswa, MN.

“Baby Bootlegger” is a Nevins built, Crouch designed race boat that won the APBA Gold Cup in 1924 and 1925, and the Dodge Memorial Trophy in 1925.

Classic Chris-Craft Holidays are becoming more and more popular in the hobby these days, because they offer lots of room, they are practical to own and operate, and can be restored for a reasonable cost. This 1955 20′ Holiday belongs to Mike Rocca.

John is a great ambassador for the antique & classic boat hobby, and is very passionate about wooden boats and preserving them for future generations. – Texx

One of the stars at the show this year, “Wyndcrest” is a magnificent 1928 Purdy 24′ Gentleman’s Racer.
The elegant 1931 26′ Earl Barnes triple cockpit runabout “Johnny Barnes” won the Skipper’s Choice Award at Gull Lake this year.
Dane Anderson noted: Texx – The 2016 Gull Lake Classic Boat Show at Bar Harbor was once again a great show, and the weather cooperated. Always some new boats to see and learn about, and the crowds were outstanding. “Royaleze” (1928 36-foot Ditchburn) won the Peoples Choice award and “Baby Bootlegger” won Best of Show.
Congratulations to all the participants, boat owners and award winners. Everyone wins with well run events like this that are open to the public. Also special thanks to John Allen and his team at Bar Harbor for their hard work and ongoing commitment to this event.
Texx
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Some incredible boats, thanks for sharing.
Awesome, as always. Great way to start the week.
This continues to be the benchmark for other shows to follow, even though the selection of boats may be tough to match anywhere else. Congratulations on a wonderful show and thanks for sharing.
AMAZING!
That Miller engine sure looks like a V-8. Great to see such rare and beautiful creatures!!
Hi Bill, As you probably know, those vintage Harry Miller straight 4/8 race engines appear from above, at first glance, to be a V configuration. But at closer inspection, what we are actually seeing is the overhead cams and valve train, with the spark plugs running down the center of the engine.
Like a piece of fine jewelry. – Texx
Bar Harbor is a fantastic venue for this event, but we also need to acknowledge the dedication and hard work put into this show by Ted Rogers and the entire Raasch family. They do a GREAT JOB of planning and organizing everything that goes on at this show. Thanks!
It’s not just the boats (and the diversity of boats), the scenery, the venue and the people that make Gull Lake special: It’s Dane. Outstanding coverage. And the winner of best adjective is “delicious”, to describe Mark Setterholm’s Lyman outboard.
That leaves me speechless. Just happy I got to look at it on my desktop and not my iphone before leaving out of town to work. Great coverage.
What a great weekend. Thanks Dane for capturing it, Ted and the Raaschs for planning, John and crew for hosting and lastly to all those that attended. It was simply incredible to sit in our boat meeting so many new friends.
How did you get a shot of Tusk with water coming out of only one exhaust pipe ?
Must have just started up.
In regards to water coming out of one pipe on Tusk – at idle or low-speed water will run out intermittently from side to side. Once you throttle up, it will even out.
The V-12 Scripps was not available until 1932. These boats are listed as 1930s.
The Model 302 Scripps V-12 debuted at the 1933 New York Motor Boat Show while still in the testing phase. None were sold or installed in a boat until mid-1934. Initially they were rated at 330hp@3000rpm before going to 316hp@2600rpm. These three 30-30 Hackers had either a Kermath six or Sterling six originally.
It was interesting to see Bootlegger still has her Michigan “MC” registration numbers on her, after being sold in Michigan several years ago…
Bootlegger was only sold two months ago, not several years ago.
Beautiful photos Dane (as always). Thanks!
Thank you for the photos and informative captions. Lots of work involved when putting together a good report, and this reporter appreciates your effort!
The 220HP Hispano Suiza V-8 currently in Bootlegger is 100 cubic inches over what would have been legal for the Gold Cup class of the time.
The kids will love the shot of the dog, don,t know if I do thou Ernie the dog makes me look fat in the picture.
Thanks Dane
The Ernst Family