Live-ish From Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania

Dave Exley’s very cool 1958 Century Coronado with a marina full of Thoroughbreds in the background.

IF YOU LIKE CENTURY BOATS (and honestly – who doesn’t like a classic Century) then you picked a good day to tune in to Woody Boater. If you like Dippy boats – that story was yesterday.

Today we have a Live-ish report from fellow Woody Boater Allen Papendick, who was on hand last weekend for the 19th Annual Conneaut Lake Classic Boat Show – hosted by the Allegheny Chapter ACBS. This was also the site of the 32nd Annual Century Boat Club Thoroughbred Roundup. Or as Jed Clampett would say “Today we have a Heapin’- Helpin’ of Century Boat photos (and hospitality) from Conneaut Lake, PA.” – Texx

Tim’s 1967 Century Arabian from Michigan. This 19’ classic is powered by a 425 Chrysler. Docked just behind the Arabian is Jim and Rhonda Wolf’s 59 Coronado “Selah”.

32nd Annual Century Boat Club Thoroughbred Roundup
Report & Photos by Allen Papendick

Hi Texx – I attended the 19th Annual Conneaut Lake Classic Boat Show hosted by the Allegheny Chapter ACBS, combined with the 32nd Annual Century Boat Club Thoroughbred Roundup on Saturday, June 20th.

The rain held off and the weather was comfortable which made for a fun boat gathering at Ice House Park on Conneaut Lake, PA. A total of 79 classic boats were entered this year arriving from as far away as Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Texas and of course the host state of Pennsylvania.

From Ohio, Larry and June’s 1942 Century 17′ Seamaid “Double Barrel” – An outstanding pre-war boat.

The Chuck Miklos Award goes to “Danny Boy” by Bill Markel from PA. The 2015 16’ HackerZimmer has 289 Ford power.

The award for Best Chris-Craft went to “Farmoney” – a 1951 17’ Special Runabout by Rob Muller from Ohio.

A unique view of “Liberty the Second” framed through the gull-wing top of a cool 1962 Century Sabre 18′ powered by a 390 Ford, owned by John & Elaine Fox, Ohio.

Flyin’ high as she is being carefully lowered into the drink with a gantry, is this nice looking 1956 Century Coronado owned by Ray and Rose McFarland, Ohio. “Katie Bug” makes everyone smile…

Jeff Peters boat the “Zipper” won the Peoples Choice award at Conneaut Lake. It’s a cool Glen L Marine design Zip 14 ft’ runabout with a 1961 Mercury 400 45 hp. It was built from a set of plans by Jeff and Jeff jr Peters from Columbus, Ohio. It was started in December of 2009 and finished in 2013.

This is the Century Boat Club’s Best of Show Greve Cup winner “Selah” – a wonderful 1959 Coronado from Texas.

Another shot of “Selah” which is powered by a big 275 HP Chrysler Hemi.

An original bottom 1964 Century Coronado from Indiana – Chrysler Marine Golden Commando 413 cid presented by Chuck and Diane Rice. Click on this shot to enlarge it and check out the impressive line-up of boats on the adjacent docks – WOW! (Texx)

A 1961 Century Jet Drive Resorter – aptly named named “Wicked Wood” won the President’s Choice Award. Powered by a Gray Marine 327, restored by Pat & Christina Wichman from Illinois.

Best Self Restoration winner was Ed Bobowicz and his sharp 1967 Century 17′ Resorter named “Silver Lining” from New York.

Bob Laubrick’s 1957 Century Coronado “Timeless” from Kentucky is riding with the Blue’s Brothers.

The Conneaut Lake Area Historical Society brought “Liberty The Second” for the crowds pleasure. We were treated to a show and historical discussion by engine builder Gary Worthington.

Classic Race Boats were also featured at this year’s show – “Liberty The Second” was on display from the Conneaut Lake Area Historical Society.

On Labor Day 1922 Harry Snavely planned to race his “Liberty The Second” in the First Annual Conneaut Lake Speed Boat Race on Conneaut Lake, PA. During a time trial his magneto faltered. Yielding the tiller to his mechanic, he leaned over to adjust the magneto and the front rudder caught a wake and the boat flipped throwing the two men clear but sinking “Liberty The Second” in minutes. There she sat at the bottom on Conneaut Lake in 49 feet of water for 63 years until July 13, 1985 when she was found and raised.

From the Conneaut Lake Area Historical Society – Spectators and participants at the boat show were treated to a live engine demonstration in the legendary “Liberty The Second” race boat which was a big hit!

Well preserved by the cold spring fed waters of Conneaut Lake, she was restored and now is under the care of the Conneaut Lake Area Historical Society.

Handling the starting duties of the rare 1917 Liberty eight cylinder motor is engine builder Gary Worthington. We shot the following video of the engine demonstration during the show, these old race engines are always a crowd favorite.

Here is a link to the YouTube video. Click Here

Regards, Allen Papendick
Century Boat Club Member

Special thanks to Allen Papendick for sharing his great report with us today. The Century Boat Club is a fantastic organization, and is operated by some dedicated and knowledgeable classic boating enthusiasts. To learn more about the Century Boat Club you can check out their Website Here and you can also find them on their very active Facebook page Here.

Also thanks to the good folks and volunteers at the Allegheny Chapter ACBS for hosting another excellent boat show.

Next stop for us is Algonac, Michigan for the Michigan Chapter ACBS Boat Show – at the Algonac Harbour Club, June 26-28.

Texx
_______________