Let’s Get This Party Stared, Lake Gaston 2015
Here we go! Summer is alive and well. The show reports are starting to come in. This weekend was the big Lake Gaston show here in the south east, thanks to fellow Woody Boater Judy Hills for reporting in from Lake Gaston. Here is the report. Take it away Judy.
The Raleigh Durham Chapter of the ACBS held their 10th annual chapter show at the Morning Star Marina in Eatons Ferry, NC which is on Lake Gaston which straddles the NC/VA line. We had over 20 boats in the water and five displayed on land. The show was open only to ACBS members. Most of the exhibitors were with our chapter but we had one boat from the Smith Mountain Lake, VA chapter and several exhibitors that were unaffiliated ACBS members.
The antique and classic boats in the water ranged from a 1931 Chris-Craft 203 to a 1983 Grand Craft and everything in between. The land display include mid-50s vintage outboard powered craft, a strip planked Penn Yan and a polished aluminum Cadillac Boat Co. Custom.
Is that Gilligan?
There was also a display of several antique outboards.
The day was picture perfect and thanks to our advertising efforts we had a good, steady crowd throughout the day. For the first time we offered free rides to the public to give us some one-on-one time to discuss the hobby with prospective enthusiasts.
Emphasizing the importance of classic fiberglass boats, we were able to recognize a pristine example of a 1959 MFG Celeron owned by Richard Charles with an ACBS sponsored award for Best Non-Wood Boat.
The Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club sponsored award for Best Chris-Craft went to Harry and Rita Warren for their 1950 Riviera “Le Soleil”.
We all had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed the opportunity to share tales about our boating adventures and tips on repairs. It was like an old fashioned family reunion. We are looking forward to #11 next year.
Great report Judy – Thanks for taking the time to share your story from Lake Gaston with us today. – Texx
Judy this report get’s a Gold Star, so now it has officially been Stared!
I remember camping on Lake Gaston around the turn of the century. I think it is the only place we ever rented a boat while camping. Of course it was a party barge, but what a beautiful lake and area.
Great story BUT we need an explanation for the header shot. Is that the local method for getting boats on and off the trailer?
I thought they we laying their hands on her for some obscure religious healing. Maybe the motor wouldn’t start?
Header–Looks like they’re trying to center it on the bunks, altho it’s easier with no one in the boat, and much easier if the bottom paint is old.
Hmmm. I usually do that while the boat is floating and have someone keep it aligned from the dock. Then again, I usually have way less manpower on hand.
Is this the same show that Bill Baldwin started when he lived in Ralieigh…? How time flies…
Yes, for the first 5 years we held it at Lake Wheeler in Raleigh, NC. We moved the show from Lake Wheeler, and from the month of September to May, 5 years ago now. This got us a better venue on a beautiful lake, and also gets us a nice start to the boating season!
Matt I know you remember the first boat shot “Symmetry” and how good she sounded starting up and how quiet she was at speed to enjoy the ride.
Back in the mid 90s I sold a 58 17-foot Chris D-17 to a man named Richard Topham whao had a place on Lake Gaston. Unfortunately Dr. Topham died alittle over a year later. The boat disappeared from the ACBS directory after a few years. It was powered with a hopped 350 Flagship setup and was named “Hot Tuna”. Just curious if the little boat is still in use. Don’t have the full serial number handy. CQ
Great Report! I especially enjoyed the shot of the row of windscreens – great detail! I really like seeing – in use – pictures but you can’t see details very well. Plus it was fun just trying to identify the boats by their windscreens!
Is there a reason the boat show was only open to ACBS members. It seems like you would want make the public aware of the wooden boat clubs in the area. Possibly add a couple new members in the process.
Poorly worded sentence. The show was open to the public, and was very well attended. I think boat registration was limited to ACBS members because they require it to provide the insurance for the show.
Thanks Jon k. Your answer made sense. I’m glad it was open to public viewing.
The header shot trailer is a load rite…….ironic.
LOL!
Looks like they read it as load right, as in to the right, now they are trying to move it to the left.