Straight Angles By Tommy “Sexiest Woody Boater Alive” Holm
Now that’s what I call a chunk of fir.
Here we go again, with a great story from Tommy ” Sexiiest Woody Boater Alive” talk’n about his wood! Take it away Mr Holm!
After all those Woody Boater curves at the Danenberg Boatworks I had to get straighten out so I went over to the Cadillac Boat Shop in Cadillac, Michigan. I thought I’d share with you my discovery: a brand spankin’ new engine stringer as straight as an arrow.
The original stringer had served the woody boat well for some 86 years and its final service was as a pattern for the new stringer even though it had some crude modifications. Tools required to make a new stringer include a chisel, trim router, power planer, jig saw and the ubiquitous sandpaper; oh ya a nice clear, long piece of fir.
This is where the new stringer will meet up with the new oak frames. Just simply do another: starboard on Monday and port on Tuesday , that’s how it’s done in Cadillac – after one finds another fir tree. Easy Peasy for the professional.
The craft from the pointy end. Notice the rather unique steel angle brackets on the frames. All woody boaters now know that this a 1930 Dee-Wite 17’ split cockpit boat made by the Dwight Lumber Co. out of Detroit. About 35 were made during 1929-1931. This one has lived its entire life in Presque Isle, Michigan. All cool people named BK own Dee-Wite boats.
Woodyboater.com did a story on Dee Wite boats in May 2011, Here is a link to that story by Texx!
The framing patterning and attachment to stringers just adds to the thought that no one does it the same way. At first i wondered if the boat had sat for 86 years supported only at the fron and back ends but the cockpit sole sort of says no.
What engine did this boat have originally?
you say that is fir? Looks like pine to me? and imho not the equal of those nice oak frames…..
John in Va.
Looks like Southern Yellow Pine. Known for its strength. It is all clear between the knots.
Very cool to see the old woodies rebuilt.
While Tommy is touting the quality of Michigan boat restorers of which they are richly deserving we down here in Florida are gloating over FSU’s thrilling win over Michigan in the Orange Bowl last night.
This “Tommy Holm” series is another one of Matt’s “genus” marketing ploys. He’s either going to charge us to keep Tommy Holm on the beat or charge us to make him go away…..not totally sure yet.
Just email me the money, either way. 💵
Hey, Tommy admitted to a free lunch from Don.
Since we’re talking sexy stuff…found the following at a little shop….image on sheet metal plate….let me know if you want this for your collection….
Things must be pretty quiet around Big Bass Lake if Tommy is out cattin’ around Michigan Boat Shops. Hey Tommy – if you run out of shops over there – come to Wisconsin as we have a few and then you can buy me lunch. I’d even invite Wil…
The original engine was a 4 cylinder Lodge. It was changed to a Gray Fireball 150 in 1937. It had that motor until the early 80’s.
The engine failed and was replaced with a CC K. Back then it was determined that the 150 was not reparable. The engine was saved and now due to new advances it can and is being rebuilt. We have great documentation about the switch from the four to the 150 from Gray Marine. This a great project and a boat that will go back to the lake it was delivered to. Engine stringers are southern yellow pine-mostly knot free. The boat will have 1/8 inch plywood with 7/16 decking and topside planks. All will be bedded with 5200.
What’s the green on the stem ? Resorcinol
Happy new year
I had a 37 boat and the 37 6-150. I rebuilt it in the late 80s for too much money. Had to find a new crank, had Egge make me pistons and the bore was still standard. It pushes my boat to just over 40.