Woohoo! A Wonderful Woody Water Test.
Captain Dennis Ryan holding down the boat to make sure it doesn’t float away
Long time fellow Woody Boaters Brian Keen and Dennis Ryan, sent us in the timeless ritual and fun reminder that we are not alone in the joy of the first launch.. Oh and that everyone looses something on the trip.. Take it away Brian.
There she is right next to “Captain” Dennis Ryan’s Lyman
Thanks Matt
This weekend we launched our 1949 Chris Craft Special Runabout. Dennis and I (from the Antique Boat Center) have been working on this as our own personal project for the last year. There is something special about launching a boat for the first time. After over a year of restoration we are giddy with hopes and expectations, but are also pensive about the little issues that surround a launching….. Such as, Did you get everything sorted out correctly? Is the plug in? Are there fuel leaks? Do you have all of the correct safety gear? Who gets to drive it first, Etc. Etc…… But when she slips into the water for the first time and fires up all is forgotten and you get to enjoy what you have envisioned in your mind as the first “water test”.
What could go wrong? Go Dennis go!
Our water test went well and we made note of certain things. The tranny was slipping at high RPM’S and we made an adjustment, we had a few mishaps (like losing the gas cap….and the mast light globe.) but all in all had a wonderful weekend and we could finally enjoy a years worth of hard work.
The Coke cooler is a fantastic touch!
Putting a 65 year old boat back in the water after many years of non-use and neglect certainly gives you a sense of accomplishment. We are looking forward to putting many many more hours on our new little bundle of joy! We know that putting a boat in the water for the first time after restoration will certainly give you a list of further things to do and improve on but there’s still nothing like calling it a success and getting to share all of your hard work with those you love and share what you have created with everyone.
OK, that is one very very cool trailer! Captain Dennis knows his trailers..
That is a nice trailer, great boat. Was that a shout out for a new gas cap and globe?
Sounds like a day of fun and reward
I can’t believe the horns haven’t gotten a response. Take a look at the dock shot beside the Lyman, LOL. Congrats to Capt’n Dennis and Brian. Both of these guys are great stewards if the hobby.
you are living the life i dream of! nice going guys, even that trailer looks sweet!
That is an interesting bow light treatment. Looks like you could drop the boat down about 3 or 4 inches on the trailer and get a shallower “float off” at launch unless there are some clearance issues for prop/rudder like hauling the boat around country roads.
Congrats on the successful launch, happy boating.
What is the green truck in the last picture? I’m thinking it is a 1951-1953 Ford. Anybody have another guess?2
If it’s a ’53 and has the set back axle that would be rare!
’53 to ’56 F100
I have a 1940 15’6” version of this boat. I have been very seriously thinking for the last week or so about getting started on it this year. I think I have had her about 20 years, went to the bottom the the second week of ownership, This might be a coincidental inspiration! Thank You.
i’ve got a little ’38 very much like this that hasn’t been worked on for a while, i needed the inspiration too. thanks.
Good lookin’ Lyman tied up at the dock.
Ryan, How you and the Doc doing? I am assuming by the Lyman comment that you are who I think you are….
Chris Wade, Formerly a Gem Beach 30′ Skiff Craft, 38′ Chris Craft Commander and 19′ Lyman Boater