The Fashion Of Classic Boating Is Changing.
We’ve officially entered a new era in the world of classic boating. In fact, I’m not even sure we should call it classic boating anymore—maybe it’s just boating.
Think about it: Is a Singer Porsche a classic car? Technically no. It’s a stunning, high-performance piece of automotive art. A personal, kinetic sculpture. So, what kind of crack is WoodyBoater on this time? Again?
Our boats have gone through several distinct phases:
1. The Boat Period
Originally, these were just boats—purely utilitarian, part of daily life. Varnishing, maintenance, and dependability were the rituals. It was all about functionality.
Bob Speltz wrote the book…s on it all
2. The Restoration Period
Next came the era of passionate restoration. Owners revived their boats with love, often adding their own creative touches. Being “original” wasn’t the focus—keeping them alive and functional was.
3. The Preservation Period
This is the phase we’re now exiting. The focus here was historical accuracy and originality. We preserved boats like museum pieces. But that mindset is starting to shift, and this period is becoming a niche rather than the norm.
4. The Reinvention Era
We’re now entering a fresh chapter. One where these boats are becoming boats again—functional, expressive, modernized. They reflect individual style, are more reliable, and require less demanding upkeep. The old expectations around service and maintenance are fading, simply because the world—and we—have changed. It’s not better or worse. It’s just evolution.
So what does this mean in practice?
Take, for example, the ignition system in your engine. Still using points? Remember those little contacts in the distributor—the ones that never quite work like they used to? Odds are, you’ve already switched to an electronic ignition. Why? Because it works better. And it’s invisible. That’s where we are now.
Chris is happy. Our communities forefathers are always here, baked into the wood, the soul of boating is strong with our classic boats. Now, it’s the weekend, GET OUT THERE. The future is at your dock all swelled up with pride. Ready to transport you forward to the past.
I leave us on this week of insights with this. ” This is not the end of classic boating—it’s the reinvention of it.”
Nice way to summarize what has become a passion for many of us. I think I am a hybrid of the Restoration and Reinvention eras and I like it that way.
I’m going to splash Tiger Lily today and get her all set for the Algonac party in a couple weeks.
All our hobby really needs is another great feel good movie (like On Golden Pond) to bring wooden boats back into the public eye.
You old Poop!
A very thought provoking week of reflection on the past and visons of the future Matt.
Hauled my Scout 30 for annual bottom painting…though have been BOATING all winter too…AND…wait for it…….MET TROY AND SANDI on their cruise up the Chesapeake…took the dink to dinner (he paid…I left my wallet ashore…ahsure…but I paid at Jeramiahas in Dora…soooo….great time, great friends, good woodyboater series this week…bottom paint = bottom line. GO BOATING, John in Va
Guilty! I’ve made a lot of modifications in my U-22 to maximize my time on the water. I no longer have to spend time in the boat house wondering where I can purchase points, oil filters to fit the old canister, etc. Some modifications are hidden and a few not so. I like the better-sounding twin plastic trumpets instead of restoring the old horn that’s hidden under the deck. When I rewired everything, I setup a central fuse panel under the dash so I can inspect and replace without having to chase every in-line fuse.
What color are you using in that Chrysler?
That looks like the same color I got from Mike Murley in rattle cans. Unfortunately probably not still available.
That’s a beautiful motor Ern. What model is it. I have a Chrysler M2 in my 1938 Custom Runabout that I try to keep in the same shape. I appreciate you keeping the original power.
Great (and badly needed) topic this week Matt. I hope the powers-at-be at ACBS are listening, and realize the hobby is going through a paradigm shift.
One Bass Boat metalflake, one plain paint, one varnished Mahogany. One inboard, one I/O, one 2 stroke outboard. One completely original, one preserved, one resto-mod. Good thing there’s room for more than just one fashion statement in this hobby.
Nice job. Good week of hard work Matt. Jeff Funk said the best part today in the comments.
WELL DONE MATT! We gave up judged boat shows years ago, most all of us are modern V-8 power and we don’t have anywhere in Seattle to have a show. Where we did used to have a show in Renton, they just decided it is not doable anymore. We try to have meetings during the summer on the water restaurants. A few of us will head to Penticton (Okanagon Lake) for Western Canada chapter show, then drive down to Whitefish Montana for their show.
BTW, what about people to work on our boats? My guy just retired, the other one has slowed his production down. These folks are also aging out!
I would like a copy of that cost comparison you did to use at the Seattle Boat Show next winter, please!
Great week, Matt. Thank you.
The other category I’d add would be the new builds based on classic designs and principles, but with modernity in all the right places. I’m talking about the kind of boats built by makers like Van Dam and Fitzke. Yes, there’s a price for that bespoke craftsmanship. But the visibility they bring to the hobby and the standards are good for us and our future, IMO. They might also attract the kind of buyer who would never consider a vintage boat: The Singer Porsche kind of buyer. And I think that’s ok.