Live-ish From The 2011 Priest Lake Dry Rot Boat Show & Parade – A Killer Sunday

The organizers planned for a full schedule of events on Sunday at the 2011 Priest Lake Dry Rot Boat Show & Parade. The day began at 8:30AM with a “Dry Rot Breakfast” followed by a casual boat show at the Elkins Resort. Then at 11:45AM the classic boat parade along the lake shore to Hill’s Resort started, which was led by Parade Marshal’s Steve & Linda Zwarg in “Killer” their award winning 1942 Chris-Craft 19′ Barrelback. Then the traditional Dry Rot lunch is served, GIN FIZZ AND HOT DOGS sponsored by the Priest Lake Yacht Club at Hill’s Resort. After lunch the “Dock Walkers Award” and Bubbly’s are presented.

Thanks to fellow Woody Boater & Northern Idaho Reporter Wes Yandt, we get to tag along for the day… Let’s go Wes!

ACBS National Treasurer Dick Winn and his wife Kristen Winn (Columbia Willamette ACBS President) aboard “Sentimental Journey” their classic Hemi powered 1955 Century Coronado.

Canadian Danny Hinds en route to the boat show at Elkins Resort in his ’58 Chris-Craft Continental…

Danny has the right idea, save time before you reach the boat show dock by wiping her down on the lake, then you can get a good seat for breakfast at Elkins Resort.

Riva restoration expert Chris Casparis with his family and crew aboard “Desafinado” a very cool 1959 Riva Ariston heading to the show.

“Sindbad” was also at Priest Lake this year, Dick & Katharine Dow’s rare 1937 19′ Baalmann/Batchelor Split Cockpit Runabout. Dick’s a fun guy to be with at a classic boat show, kind of like traveling with a wooden boat dictionary.

Finally over 40 antique & classic boats arrived at Elkin’s Resort, everyone enjoyed the Dry Rot Breakfast and the boat show got under way. The “Dock Walkers” had their hands full this year choosing the award winners.

Then just before noon, under sunny skies, the boats took off to begin the Parade along the shores of Priest Lake towards Hill’s Resort. (If we could insert music in to this story, this is where we would play the “Cavalry Horn” sound)

When we were at the Coeur d’Alene regional show a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go for a speedy ride with Alan Thomle in “Greyhound” and it was fantastic! “Greyhound” is a one-off 1921 33′ Robert Yandt Gentlemens Raceboat currently powered by a Big Block Chevrolet. Here’s Alan & Yvonne and crew during the Dry Rot parade.

Jim & Sharon West in “Classic Plastic” their 1966 Century Fibersport 17… Looks like Jim is wearing his lucky hat & glasses to meet the judges at Hill’s Resort.

Along the way today ACBS National Director BK Powell experienced some prop problems on his ’55 Sportsman, and Bruce Reynolds & Terry Deems jumped in to help with the repairs.

Then all at once, the flotilla of classic boats arrived at the Hill’s Resort docks for the traditional Gin Fizz Lunch.

Tom & Marianne Carlin were also on hand this weekend with “Malibu” their 1940 Chris-Craft 19′ Custom Barrelback. This particular Chris-Craft has a remarkable life history, and we are hoping to do a feature story on her in the near future.

Then, after everyone arrived at the Hill’s Resort, the Traditional Dry Rot lunch was served… GINN FIZZ and HOT DOGS sponsored by Priest Lake Yacht Club.

Below is the full list of all the big award winners for this years boat show… Drum Roll Please…

Dock Walkers Award Winner – “Mint Julep” Dick & Louise Werner’s very rare 1940 25′ Chris-Craft Green & White (shown below)

Dock Walkers Runner Up – “The Uncle Bob” Ron, Jane, Wes and Sue’s 1963 20′ Yandt Utility

Hardest Working Most Appreciated Boat Show Organizers – Linda Zwarg and Louise Werner

Here’s a few shots of “Mint Julep” Dick & Louise Werner’s very rare, very cool 1940 25′ Chris-Craft Express Cruiser commonly referred to as a Green & White.

Dick Werner describes the boat this way… “Apparently it was called that because where it is not white, it is painted green! Even the instruments faces are green along with a green steering wheel. The boat was very well taken care of but needed fresh paint and new canvas on the front deck and cabin roof. It is strictly a cruising boat with its 95 H.P. Hercules K for power. We will love it!” – Dick Werner

Thanks Dick, the Green & White Express Cruiser is certainly a rare and unique boat, it’s beautiful – Texx

Special thanks to the hard working volunteers from the Columbia Willamette & Inland Empire ACBS Chapters who make this wonderful event a reality.

Also thanks to Wes Yandt for taking the time to send us your daily Live-ish Reports and great photography, we appreciate your contribution!

Congratulations to all the award winners this year. The Priest Lake Dry Rot event is truly a unique antique & classic boating experience in a spectacular location.

Texx