A Weekend Of Joy, And Celebrating Family
Ralphs Larson w dad on the bow
This is a very special weekend for many of us. Since according to our stats, we have around 85% men reading, and in an age group that is above 30, its fair to say that many fathers, and grandfathers are here. Being a father is a very special privilege, and as we age, realize how much we appreciate our fathers and Grandfathers. I suppose age does that. Sons by their very nature, want to strive out on their own, and sadly or not, at some point, reject all that there parents represent, only to find the wisdom of age as they, we age.
This is true respect and love. The Turners of Aristo Craft
That is what this weekend is all about to me. A time to appreciate my father, and Father in law, grandfathers. The men in my life that helped make me a better father and hopefully one day, a grandfather.
From Biggest Balls Winner David Konick – This is my Dad on our 19 foot 1955 Cruis-Along Buccaneer. This picture taken at Lynch’s Marina on Pilottown Road in Lewes in the Summer of 1955 or 1956.
Why am I getting so deep today about this? Show us boats! Well, the mistake to make for those of you reading this with Dads still around, is this. It’s not just a day to let dad do what he wants to do. It’s not that simple. It’s a weekend to reflect, and think of the good that is there, and all the ways that your father helped you be a better person that maybe you never understood until you reached the same age?
Dads were kids once! Okay, many of us still are
We live in such a fast paced world where a text is a fathers day wish. Which is wonderful, but its not a requirement. Just remember this. There will sadly become a time where there is no one to text.
Hank The Plank – Mike Mayers dad was a huge inspiration.
And you would give anything for a 10 minute talk with your dad. He was the only person that had been there, done that, and was 100% on your side and always had your back, even if it did not feel that way. He did, and for the lucky few, does.
i am a blessed man!
So, this weekend, if you are fortunate enough to still have your father and grandfather around. Realize that despite how much they know or have done in their lives, you, their son or daughter are the greatest gift they ever received. Happy Fathers Day Weekend.
Billy Burns family memories. This photo says it all!
Great post today Matt. I lost my dad last year and you’re exactly right, I’d give just about anything to talk to him again, go fishing with him again, or just spend a few minutes together. For me now, Father’s Day isn’t about being honored or sitting around on the couch all day farting and doing whatever I want, it’s about thinking of how I can be a better father. This is one of my favorite pictures ever…my dad, my son, in a boat, fishing for crappie. Does it get any better?
Well said Flash
Here is Dad in Yorktown. I believe this taken during a trip to a show on Winnipesaukee (about three hours away).
Also Uncle Dicky (or Dickie) and Marie with one of his many Cobras. (he owned several over the years) It looks like they won some kind of award.
I miss them both!
Here is my dad who got me started in wooden boating in his 1936 Billy Johnson 18′ boat that he has owned since he was 18 (now 80) on the left. In the middle is me in our Sea Skiff and the third generation of Woody Boater on the right is my son in his 1959 Century Coronado.
Happy Fathers Day dad!
Today’s post hits the mark perfectly. My dads been gone for over 6 years now. Since I was a kid he always had a boat at the lake. They were always aluminum or glass but we had all kinds of fun in them. I know that he would greatly approve of my late blooming love of wooden boats and would be beaming to take the helm of the Skiffcraft. Take the opportunity to acknowledge your dad if you still can. Me, we’re off to the Moonlight Bay show on Cross Lake.
Great article, Matt. That’s one of the best things about the hobby. Our boats provide an excellent and timeless venue for creating memories and sustaining that vintage time-on-the-water culture within a family – often for generations. Have countless memories of time spent with my Dad and grandfather – and now with my sons. And here’s a photo of my Dad and nephew from the Les Cheneaux Islands that needs no explanation.
Happy Father’s Day weekend to all!
Where is my draft? Started twice, got interrupted?
With Dad some 20+ years ago. Apparently only the plastic boat needed attention for something.
Just launched my 1961 24 ft Lyman yesterday after 2 years of work to her. My dad and I took her out out for a short sea trial. It was great getting her back on the water and spending time with my dad.
Thanks, Matt, for running the picture of my dad sitting on my Uncle Ralph’s 17′ Larson (Late 40’s, early 50’s model?). That was about 1955 in Sunset Cove, Frye Island, Sebago Lake Maine which is now a developed resort home island community. We rented a 50′ lot back then for $50 a season and put up a platform and a tent for weekend excursions all season long where we were joined by friends in their lots. Some brought a generator (rare back then) to run their guitar amps playing and singing music all night long before Karaoke was ever heard of. This might have been helped along with adult beverages. Here’s to dads, uncles, and grandfathers who provided a lifetime of memories and mentoring us in the hobby we enjoy and hope to pass on to the next generation.
Great topic today. My Dad died 35 years ago, but he is responsible for my love and ownership of wooden boats. It started in my first year of college. I came home for winter break, which would be a period of 2 weeks. Before I left in the early evening to see friends he said”have a good time tonight, tomorrow I have a job for you”. Saturday morning came and he took me to the high school where he was a teacher. In the Agriculture shop, there sat a 24′ Chris Craft Express Cruiser needing much finish work. He said that I would get to remove all varnish and stain, sand the Bright work as well as the painted hullsides, then stain and varnish the Bright work and hull several coats. Some vacation, but I enjoyed it, and instilled in me the desire to own my own. 30 years later I did own my first of 12 boats……so far….. Thanks Dad, you got me started on a wonderful hobby.
My father was a major influence in my life. He taught me a lot of things. He passed to me his love of Boats and the Upper Peninsula Michigan. Two things I dearly enjoy. Sadly we lost Dad 5 years ago. Here he is driving a Penn Yan Trailboat that he bought new in 54. He was 88 at the time of the pic. My son still has that Penn Yan. Went woody boating today with my wife and son. It was wonderful! Happy Fathers Day to all!!
Happy Fathers Day to all boater dads. I had a chance this last week to buy our familys 1956 Century Resorter 18ft back. It has been on Lake Tahoe all of its life and has been in the family all but the last seven years. It is starting a new life on Big Bear Lake Ca. Sierra Boat has been taken care of it since the beginning. Lots of memories. Its name is the Hobany.