What’s The New Fashion Trend In Classic Boats This Year?
Vintage hackers are always in style – Freedom Boat Service
We may not want to admit it, but our love for classic boats is in a way a fashion trend. Yes, I am sure there is a rational reason out there in the universe to own a classic boat. But if you are really honest with yourself, you own one because its cool, and emotional. That’s fashion. OK, so that is out of the way. Like all fashion, there are trends. A couple years ago it was Racing Runabouts, Barrel backs etc.
Barrel Back #1 Being prepped at Katzs Marina for Lake Dora. Shot yesterday
You can see it play out online or at boat shows. Seems like a couple years ago it was 1960’s Gull Wing Continentals. There were 4 under restoration at one time. Below the number one award winner in the country.
Fin & Tonic Lake Tahoe – Photo Texx
Now, some boats are like Ralph Lauren boats, they stand the test of time. Riva’s Barrel Backs, Cobras, Hacker-Craft the early years.
Riva-Aquarama courtesy of Sierra Boat Co on Lake Tahoe
The most famous classic boat in the world. U22 from the film On Golden Pond
So today’s topic is whats the trend this year. Is it U22’s? 25 Sportsman? I get emails once a week with people looking for one? Is this the year of Fiberglass? And if so, which boat? A couple years ago the YNOT guys made XK’s the cool boat and others followed. Donzi? This brand has a huge following and the classic Donzi’s are very very…OK one more VERY cool!
Vintage Donzi thanks to YNOT Yachts
Fashion trends are like girlfriends in high school, here this week, but there is a different one coming along next week.
Classic is Classic be it barrel backs, Hackers, fins, glass, lap-streak, aluminum, ……………………. The real fun is getting out there with friends and family having FUN IN THE SUN!
We leave for Dora in just 10 days!
It took almost a year but just made the deal on my next boat. Gonna pick it up in Summer. SO I now have two U-22s for sale!
what boat are you getting?
Just want you to know how much I enjoy opening Woodyboater each day. My vote classic Hacker
Jeff: I agree that is one sweet Hacker, but don’t leave out your Cobra.
Wish Uncle Dicks Hacker was still on the lake.
The affordable 16′ to 18′ runabouts…..just saying 🙂
Oh OK
When really slow becomes fashionable me and Panther are ready.
Thank you Matt and Texx, as always. Nice to know we’re still (hopefully) in fashion. Hope to see the Woody Boater community at this year’s Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance August 11-12, where utilities will be the featured Marque.
If it floats and moves on the water it’s in fashion
to me! This is an inclusive hobby/lifestyle!
I rather like modifying some of the classic fiberglass models (i.e. Coronados and Lancers) with wood decks and interiors. Been experimenting with these, and I personally like the looks and overall convenience/functionality of well built figerglass hulls. Not for everybody, and purists may call it sacrilege…but it works for me. Just finished this conversion on a very sad ’83 Coronado we found in the back of a storage facility. It will be at the Sunnyland show, then the SJ Cruise.
Great idea and very fine looking boat Jeff! Make more of em.
Like it, very nice. I think you might be onto something. 😉
I like blondes myself, Rivieras, 20′ Custom, Capri.. Drop any one of them off at my dock and I’ll be happy.