Late Live – ish From The 2016 Spring Lake, Wooden Boat Show

Thanks to long time fellow Woody Boater Dennis Mykols for send in this huge report from Spring Lake.

This year’s 2016 edition of the Spring Lake Wooden Boat Show was a big hit with the Exhibitors and the Spectators as well. Many Shows still use the title “Wooden” boat show from the throwback days, when only wooden boats were old enough to be worthy enough to be included in a classic boat show. Today, it is a whole another story, where the early

FiberClassics are gaining in attendance on the wooden boats, and fast becoming a favorite among the spectators. This year’s theme, and Featured boats were boats built right here in Spring Lake, Michigan:

The Van Pelt Wooden boats, from prams, to hydro plane race boats.

Looking out over the beautiful Mill Point Park setting, it looked like the overall boat count seemed to be a little down. But then as you walked out the new floating docks, there were double the number of boats in the water over the past years.

A small part of the Park setting for the many Land Displayed boats, shot from the new docks. And one thing for sure, there were a lot more FiberClassics being showed this year, along with two metal hulled vessels; a turn of the century steel hulled wood burning Steamboat and a “Stainless Steel” fishing rig.
This turn of the century real wood burning steam engine carries 40 lbs of wood to burn. You can not be in a hurry, tho; it takes 1 hour to just build up enough stream to even think about casting off the lines.

Variety was also very apparent in size, style and how a boat is used by their owners. This one is owned by Noel Harrington

Captain’s Choice: “Pine Cone “ 1968 St Pierre dory owner, Noel Harrington In the foreground is young Brian Lee’s 13 foot Racer

From a flat bottom 100 MPH Drag Boat, to 8 foot prams that were built in 1950 and stored up in the rafters of the original builder, Mr. Bill Sanders, since than. He was kind enough to dust them off and bring them to the show.

We even had a big display of some of the most amazing “Model Boats” built by Roger Burke. I had to look twice when I first saw this picture, since I helped park most of the boats, at first look, I thought, “where were these two boats parked? Great shot, Rick.

And for you project guys, here is a real Chris Craft Riveria just waitin for your talents. Any contact info if some one wants to buy to Dennis in the Comment section.

Here are a couple more of the FiberClassics on display.

This is Rick Warners’ fine Classic Glass, and Cool Rat Rod truck. Rick took all these great photos by the way!

Roger Pacina’s all original 1969 Chris Craft 23 ft Commander.

Dennis Mykols’ 1959 Lake N Sea, on a 59 Gator trailer, powered by, you guessed it, a 1959 35 hp. Merc.

Woodys were well represented, here are a few.

Dave and Connie Willis’ 1964 CC Super Sport

Best Century: “Spirit of Mackinaw” 1947 Century Sea Maid Brian Mortimore

Michael Poort’s 1954 CC Holiday, “Abigail” Big time winner of the day, First place,Youth Judged, First place over 18 foot, AND Best of Show!!!

Sheriff’s award: “Miss Hope” 1949 Chris Craft: Dave and Marilyn Stelma

Peter Cross was there with his restored Grady White.

People’s Choice: “The Hierholzer” Built in 1946 st the old Grand Haven Story and Clark Piano factory, owned by Kevin Fojtik

Best Inboard 18 and under: Second Love 1960 Chris Craft Continental: Ed Fairchild

Best outboard: Goin’ Steady 1962 Cruisers Inc: Michael and Melissa Fairchild

Sticker Envy

Miss Hope

This year’s show was happy to add a new Title Sponsor, with a five year commitment, Mr. Roger Pecina, of the Mahogany Outfitters Classic Boat Brokerage. Roger brought one of his newly acquired personal boats, a rare 1968 Chris Craft 23foot Commander, only 155 of these rare boats were ever built.

As part of Roger’s sponsorship, he provides a beautiful cut glass trophy to the Best FiberClassic Boat at the show. Roger picked the 1956 Arenacraft Barracuda Sportster “Wet N Wild”, owned by Deb and Bob Parker

This year the show organizers teamed up with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Lakeshore to provide the kids a day around classic boats. Four children volunteered to be “Youth Judges”. Hagerty Insurance provided great kits for the young judges, and several boats were chosen to be judged. Based on their different boating style, and used. The kids got an indirect education on what makes each boat different than the prior boat judged. The three winners were an Offshore Chris Craft, a FiberClassic Barracuda, and first place went to a 1954 Chris Craft Holiday. For kids who did not know much about boats, they sure picked the best of the best.

Thats one happy kid!

Ditto!

At the end of Judging, each Youth Judge, here a “Little Sister”, had the opportunity to sit in a real three point hydroplane, which is currently raced by 15 year old Miss Jeanette Dykehouse. This is Jeanette’s grandfather’s racing boat from the 1950’s and still on the circuit.

So, as you can see, we had close to 40 classics show up and there was something for everyone to see. The Rain held off, there was a gentle breeze coming off the water, and plenty of sunshine, a perfect small town classic boat show.