Tucked Away In Paradise – Oswego Boat Co
Down a long driveway back in time
One of my all time favorite WoodyBoaters on the planet is Mike Mayer. We have been pals since the very start of all this stuff close to 20 years, and yet, I have never been to his place for a cup of varnish. Well, we got our chance and were able to stop by his shop and catch up in human form. To kinda put it in perspective, even the Boatress wanted to see his shop! Right, that speaks volumes. She doesn’t even want to see my shop.
You wouldnt suspect a thing, except for a sliver of woody boatness , oh and a hitching post for your horse
Inside is a paradise. Clean, organized and tools from this century
This is a wonderful little boat, LOVE the silver engine. I have never seen that before, but it really is cool.
The TV is all set to have some Game on while working
I lust over some insulation. And heat…
Wonderful touches
Gallery of old posters – Before AI took over and ruined our posters. STAY TUNED FOR THAT RANT
I LOVE a nice organized screw rack
And a VERY cool set of drawers. The color, texture, industrial feel, and functional. WOW. A tower of fastener power
PURE GOLD in a can, this is the stain that Mike hand mixes, and it is what saved B, WOW, if you are doing a restoration, this is the ship! Seriously, it’s the only stain I will ever use again. You can buy it on the Oswego website. Which we will link to at the end of the story
Now, to add to this, Mike keeps the location of his shop kinda out of the public eye. It is part of his home in a way, and is amazing. Outside of Portland Oregon in some insane countryside. Like amazing, near Lake Oswego, and lets just say, there is no way you would find it. But we got photos, and permission to show you the secret place that magic happens.
There is a special clean room, which is occupied by Mikes Hacker in progress. This boat is as cool as it gets, and will be a major winner where ever it goes.
24 feet of pure history
One of the coolest lettering examples in the classic boat universe
Still in the build coat phase
Grey Race 8 engine
Now, this is where the boat really gets some heat. It was a true Rum Runner, and the legend was it had been shot at. And Mike was able to find three bullet holes. Oh, thats pure coolness
There is also a storage barn, which also houses some amazing boats including MIKE, the boat, not the person, which…wait for it.. Has MIKE on the hull card from the factory. As Mike ..the person said.. I thought someone was playing a joke on me.
The white sided U22 is one of my favorite models.
Penn Yann car topper that belongs to Mikes son. Perfection.
All across the country some of the top restorers are hidden away like this. And it’s a true joy to be able to take a peak inside. If you want to Peek inside the Website, CLICK HERE and enjoy!
I love boat shops and that one is definitely first class! Thanks for sharing.
I have never seen a Gray straight eight before. Pretty unique engine.
Mike is da best.
Mike worked on my boat ” Bobby Boat” when I purchased it from his associate Brad Fairchild 16 years ago. It was stored in his facility and working with him was real pleasure and all work was 100%.
LOVE to see Mike (AKA: Mr. Becky) honoring his Dad, Hank the Plank!
I would like to see a pic of the finished board to the left of the pic.
That is one nice shop! Some beautiful boats in there, even a Penn Yan. I am sure it was fun to tour.
For Troy…..
Thanks Mike!!
See you in Dora this year?
Who thanks for letting us see that over the top shop! Great place, great work…but I still love the Reedville Railway! George’s bins are classic.
John in Va. Just back from Going Boating….!