B Is For This Beautiful Barrel Back?

The Bow!

WARNING: There is will B and overabundance of B’s used in this story. B prepared! Okay you have been warned. We got these images in from the Katz’s Marina Gang, who just purchased this from Greg Jackson at Carolina Classic Boats And Cars. Greg is a fantastic guy and I bought my first boat from him. JUST SWELL. Although at the time was called Little Princess. AHHHHHH! Anyway Back to B’s

Okay, there needs to be some lettering done here.

Those lines!

Why B’s? Well, turns out this little 17 came with a ..WAIT FOR IT.. a B! Yes, a little B. Black wheel etc. A real Plain Jane.. And I love it. Despite all the simple features, it’s still a spectacular boat. Orange seams, Pigskin interior.. and its famous transom. This boat is like that gal in high school, that just was a simple gal, no make up, but absolutely gorgeous once you sent 5 minutes with her. And that is the conundrum. And where you come in.

Hull Card

PIGSKIN Vinyl

Clean nice older restoration

Orange Seams

Simple Wheel with amazing Blue Gauges.

Do you change the B? Yes, its a fun boat as is. But come on. Do you soup up the B to match the HP of a K something? So you get the power and the showability? Do you call her PLANE JANE and embrace it all. BTW, the term Plain Jane according to Webster’s Dictionary was used in 1936! mmmmm.. And some other sources say earlier and some 1940. Regardless, it did become part of our slang in the late 30’s and early 40’s. I suppose GI’s used it.

Plain Jane in a 1940 Comic from WORD HISTORIES HERE

Either way, it will be getting the Katz’s Marina treatment and look insane amazing.

One of the many Barrel Backs done at Katzs Marina.

Stay Tuned for more cool boats this week.

/11 Comments/by
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11 replies
  1. Greg Lewandowski
    Greg Lewandowski says:

    Nice boat. Other than a possible engine upgrade she would be a great as is user. The patina of the boat looks great. Just my opinion.

  2. Troy in ANE
    Troy in ANE says:

    I have only ridden in one boat that was powered by a “B”.

    It was a great pleasure, but very different from what I am used to. The sound is different, the ride, the whole thing was a very different experience.

    I think if this boat were to end up in a fleet where the owner had options on what kind of ride they wanted to take I would leave the “B”, but if this were the only one owned it would probably be more enjoyable to swap it out for something more powerful. Just make sure to keep the “B” stored somewhere so that if the next owner wants it to be original they will have that option.

  3. Cliff
    Cliff says:

    “B” serious. Because it’s a “B” it’s would be a better boat to bask in the beautiful sun barreling down a tropical bayou type back drop with a better power plant. I’m biased I guess but the quaint babble of a 4 cylinder exhaust tone is best in a launch or a Lyman 18 Islander. Basically the boat should keep its owner beaming with pride at best possible speed under a blazing summer day. They won’t have to boast about the fun the day brought because everyone will be envious.
    By the way I was hoping for a Mr. B picture. Bummer

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

    Love those Barrel Backs! Just the looks of them excite me. I think a modern 350 c i Mercruiser conversion would make it more of a good looking user boat.

  7. Tim Robinson
    Tim Robinson says:

    I could be wrong. The boat hanging in the boat well at Katz’s was restored approx. 20 years ago at Robinson Restoration, here in Fallbrook, Ca. The boats name at that time was Good Grief. And was operated at Lake Tahoe.The windshield on this boat is unique and was delivered from the factory this way. At best the boat was refinished at Katz’s and not restored. I did here they put a new bottom on the old girl And did a very nice refinish job.

  8. Dennis Mykols
    Dennis Mykols says:

    I agree, Greg Jackson, from Carolina Classic Boats is one standup boat broker, and overall the nicest guy you will ever meet.
    We bought AND sold our HackerCraft from Greg, and did not have one glitch. It was our first dealings with an out of state broker and I had apprehensions of driving all the way down to South Carolina to see a wooden boat.
    Right off the bat, Greg made us at ease with his Southern charm, and professional operation.

    • Troy in ANE
      Troy in ANE says:

      I couldn’t agree more!

      Greg is a class act, one of the best in our hobby. He helped us find the next steward for American Beauty.

  10. Greg Jackson
    Greg Jackson says:

    Thanks for the shout out Matt! I have been so blessed over the years to have met so many wonderful people in our hobby. I can honestly say many clients have become close friends and that’s a bonus of unlimited value. Thank you for doing your part to keep the antique and classic boat hobby fires burning!

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