10 Signs You Are A True Woody Boater.

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As long as the pump works!

Since I got into classic Woody Boats, I have noticed a shift in my attitude to the passion. I am far more relaxed and enjoy the enjoyment of it all. One could say, I am more in tune with the attitude of the folks that owned them first. They were just boats. And making sure it had the right screw or zipper brand, was not all that important. And just enjoying the boat was the fun. I am there. Plus I have the joy of working on them as well. A perfect storm of joy. I did notice some of the changes that have over taken me. I thought..mmm, why not share, and have your observations to share for some of the youngsters that are with us now..

    1. You don’t give a crap how much water is in the bilge as long as the pumps work.
    2. A head gasket is a speed bump repair
    3. I don’t care that your dad had one back when anymore.
    4. If I want a dam lime green interior I am doing it.
    5. Fiberglass bottoms are underrated, and who cares what happens 25 years from now. I will be dead.
    6. Old Trailers and Old Outboards suck! And this has not changed. Yap all you want. You know I am right.
    7. We are a cheap ass hobby. Part of the fun is how little you can spend on stuff. Then try and sell it for a fortune and loose more!
    8. Driving to Montana for a cool boat is normal
    9. You can get into a knock down drag out battle over a knot in a piece of scrap wood.
    10. You no longer wave at people to say, hey look at me.. You now wave because if you don’t they think you are a tool.

 

There are more. But top 10 reasons is a great click bait story idea. Top 12 just sounds random, and top 4 sounds lame. So it’s 10.

21 replies
  1. Greg Lewandowski
    Greg Lewandowski says:

    It’s the smell, sound and feel when they are running across the lake that I love. If you don’t get them wet and run them hard you miss out on a lot!
    Yes, a few nicks and scratches come with that, but who cares.

  2. RH in NY
    RH in NY says:

    Right on all 10 counts. BUT, I’ve never changed a head gasket AND I’ve had a boat that lived up to the acronym
    BOAT. Break Out Another Thousand.

  3. m-fine
    m-fine says:

    Have you reached the point where you realize that a hideous looking and stun destroying woven plastic plaid interior is a horrible idea no matter how “factory original” it might be? I think that’s the official tipping point! 😀

    Oh, and sorry if I come off salty. They say you are what you eat…

  4. Murdock
    Murdock says:

    Thank God.
    Trailer queens be damned.
    “Run what ya brung boy and have some fun” as I was always told.

  5. Troy in ANE
    Troy in ANE says:

    I am soooooo glad you have made that transition and realization!

    User boats are the best!!!

    I can’t help but think “So this is what you think about while on the crapper?” (If any of you reading this do not understand that comment go back and read yesterdays story.) I wish I could say that I don’t understand.

  6. Mark in Ohio (sometimes da U P )
    Mark in Ohio (sometimes da U P ) says:

    I have to disagree with your comment “Old Outboards and Old trailers suck”. New spark plugs, fuel hoses, floats, needle and seat, diaphrams, seals, hitch, wires, chains tires, and bunks. Do all this and you will have many hours of trouble free woody boating. You also know you are a true woody boater if a little creaking doesn’t bother you.

  7. Pete
    Pete says:

    I own all three types (wood, aluminum With an outboard and fiberglass) and each one has its use and enjoyment. The best part is being on the water with family and friends.

  8. RH in NY
    RH in NY says:

    Yes. There is a difference between “old” outboard and “old” outboard. “Runs” or “doesn’t run”

  9. Dick Dow
    Dick Dow says:

    When people ask about the hobby, my first response is: ” We started out as a bunch of people who liked old boats – Now we’re just old boat people…” I sorta disagree with points 5&6 and I’m not sure on point 10 if the last word shouldn’t be “fool”, but the bottom line is we use the boats we have, making great memories and friends along the way, perpetuating the hobby and interest and my other motto: “When the going gets tough, the tough go boating!” Stress relief, whether using or working on a boat. 🙂

  10. Doug in Maine
    Doug in Maine says:

    I get it Matt. It’s more about the design/engineering aesthetic and lake life nostalgia. I like having boats the aren’t like all the cookie cutter Clorox bottle modern offerings. But I do like electic fuel pumps, electronic ignition, and GPS. I like varnish and glossy paint but I do it myself and I’m very much OK with imperfection. I like puttering around the boat shed all times of the year. I like the history of the boats and designers/builders. I really enjoy and appreciate the realative few that go for the concourse restorations. I’m inspired by them and I love shows, but I don’t have the time or wherewithall to go down that road. Beyond all that I enjoy taking peolple for rides most of all. I don’t think that’s quite ten signs but I could come up with more.

  11. Jeffrey Martinson
    Jeffrey Martinson says:

    Anymore if some landlubber asks “does it run?”, I just say “yes”. Saves us both a lot of time and effort even if it’s not 100% accurate.

    If they’re a fellow boater and they really care, though, I’ll give them the details…

  12. tparsons56
    tparsons56 says:

    I’ve been pondering this topic since I first read it this morning. The sad reality is that I’m in the middle – I want to use the boat but I want it to be pristine so I’m stuck in some weird vortex. Fortunately being in Michigan I have 8 months to deal with the bumps and bruises of summer use.

    Being a cold, damp, cloudy day I did go out and stick my head under the cover to smell some varnish and oil. It made me feel better but unfortunately it also made me long for a cold Oberon but damn – it’s out of season until next spring!

  13. Jeff Funk
    Jeff Funk says:

    No matter how many times you fuel up someone will walk over, and ask ‘what year is it, how long have you had it, what kind of power is in there…and can I have a look?”

  14. Briant
    Briant says:

    So true Jeff. After tiring of telling the year to an onlooker every ten minutes, I put the year on the front and back of the car, and now it is soooo nice, as they will just see the year and say, “nice MG.”

    But with the boat…..they will be standing tight next to the stern with the year clear as a bell, and still will ask the year.

    Oh, and NO it is not a damn Chris Craft. Every time it’s, “is that a Chris Craft? It looks like a Chris Craft. My Uncle had a Chris Craft. And the guy down the street has a wood boat and I think that might be a Chris Craft too.”

    But my favourite…”Are you sure it’s not a Chris Craft?”

    JFC.

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