XK Making Friends, We’re Just Along For The Ride “Beating The Heat”.
Thanks to fellow Woody Boaters Shannon & Scott Knight for sending us in this fun Beat The Heat story. Take it away guys
When Shannon and I bought our XK19 three years ago, visiting Northern Michigan’s beautiful lakes was at the top of our “must cruise” list.
Our first sand bar. Check!
Installing a new fuel tank this spring marked the end of two seasons chasing mechanical gremlins that collectively conspired against us.
Onto the next sand bar!
After the boat ran strong at our chapter’s show in Algonac, the planets aligned and the July 4th holiday saw us makin’ wake under crystal clear skies on Lake Charlevoix and Torch Lake.
We chased down these local residents on Torch Lake enjoying a beautiful evening with friends.
Glastron Carlson CVX-23 hanging out at the Dockside on Torch Lake.
A week of Rockwelian small town lake life, Independence Day festivities, and boating with family and friends checked many boxes and recharged our batteries. We had so much fun we decided to leave the boat in Boyne City for a return visit.
Snoopin’ on the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix.
With metro Detroit temps forecast to soar near 100 degrees last weekend, it was an easy decision to head North and even easier to convince some friends to join us. Our cruise itinerary included Walloon and Charlevoix.
Photo credit David Irvine
Took a wrong turn at Albuquerque.
Good eats! Brews! Complete with Zingerman’s Pimento cheese imported from Ann Arbor Michigan. Beating the heat with a full and happy belly.
We knew early on that we had a boat that was fun on the water, but we didn’t realize how much attention it would draw. It is a magnet for younger enthusiasts and never fails to draw the admiration of passing boaters, dock boys, and restaurant patrons. At one point, a fellow boater barely had his anchor set in the sand bar before making a beeline for us, exclaiming, “That’s a Chris-Craft! That’s cool!”, and talked boats with us for an hour. After that, we realized the XK makes friends – we’re just along for the ride!
Dave must know something about Shannon’s driving that Brian and Keith haven’t figured out yet.
Beating the heat in a sweatshirt? What? It was 90 Degrees out…
We burned lots of fuel, dove off the transom, and relaxed in the sun. We dripped water, sand, beer, cracker crumbs and sunscreen all over the interior.
We jumped wakes, snooped boathouses, patronized waterfront dining establishments, dove in the lake then did it all over again.
Our new friend. His grandfather bought this boat new in ’67. The seventh to last one off the line.
So far we’ve made wake in Charlevoix, Torch, Walloon, and Lake Michigan. There’s still plenty of summer on the calendar and fuel left in the tank.
Woody Boating And Sunsets, The Best Way To Beat The Heat.
Thanks Shannon and Scott for capping off a fun week of Beating The Heat, today here in VA its 20 degrees cooler. So looks like all your warm wishes helped.
Yes, glass and wood CAN co-exist! That is one sweet ride, Scott! Classic look and I love the white sides. Looks like you two have to the classic boating thing down pat. Like the combination of “spills” in the boat.
What a great article about “Northern Michigan”. Shannon and Scott are two wonderful people. Love the all photo’s… especially of one that features the “original” Chris Craft Red and White. That brings back a bunch of memories for me! Thank you for sharing!
Great story about two great people and their really cool classic glass XK. I am jealous since I have never cruised Waloon or Charlevoix. I hope we can set up a Michigan chapter event up there some time in the future.
That is one good looking boat, love the lines, thanks for sharing
I will agree that Classic Boating is the best way to meet GREAT people!
The best is actually using these boat for what they were made, for just like you two are doing.
LOVE IT!
My former SS and XK…….oh how I miss them!!!