Post Archive – Classic Boats

This past Sunday the universe got to see a 5 minute glimpse into our little world. And what a snap shot it was. The crew from CBS Sunday Morning News, Reorter Conor Knighton, Producer Reid Overdahl did an amazing job. But so did some dedicated…

The New Woody Boater Font. WECATCHEM Bold.

By now if you are a regular Woody Boater you have noticed a new font and look. Inspired by WECATCHEM and the original Chris Craft Factory font for the back of there boats. Or at least its what we would like to believe. According to…

Meet “WECATCHEM”, The New 1948 Official Woody Boater Boat With Over 45 Photos.

Classic Boats

WOW, what a weekend. While the world was at boat shows, we did the huge run up to Lake Winnipesaukee to close the deal and bring home the dream boat of all dream boats. By the way, that place is insane beautiful and a post card for all Woody…

Lake Rabun, Georgia Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary This Weekend!

Boat Shows, Community/Web

SINCE THE EARLY DAYS OF WOODY BOATER we have been aware of a very special lake in Georgia - named Lake Rabun. Just 90 miles north east of Atlanta in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Lake Rabun has a ton of history, and along with that…

Algonac Marine Cast – Every Part Of You Wants To Read This!

Art, Community/Web, Destinations, Restorations

The absolute high lite of the Algonac trip was a short...to short visit to Algonac Marine Cast, formerly known as Algonac Cast Products. What ever their new name is, this is the mother load of original parts for your classic boat. Really!…

Gold Leaf Styles, Thanks To Alan Johnson And Katz’s Marina.

Ever think of lettering your boat the old school way? Well thanks to Alan Johnson and Katzs Marina, gold leaf is not as simple as gold leaf. While on one of my trips to the marina, I saw this wonderful board that I have seen a thousand times,…

Grandfather Was A Woody Boater!

The other day, I received some cool documents put together by my Aunt. My Aunt has for years being gathering stuff from our family history. Most of it dates so far back it's hard to connect any emotion to it. But this stuff was amazing and…

Welcome To The 4th Annual Woody Boater Virtual Office Party.

Welcome to the big day, our big holiday party. We hope you can join us in the comment section. Anyone who is anyone will be here, and if they aren't, we will put them here. Being dead is not an excuse, in fact if you are, you could literally…

EVANGELINE – Henry Ford’s 1924 33′ Hacker (Part 1)

Woody Boater of the Month, Woody Boaters

American industrialist Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, developed and manufactured the first automobile that many middle class Americans could afford. In doing so, Ford converted the automobile from an expensive curiosity…

Breaking News – Hagerty Names 2014 Hall Of Fame Inductees!

We interrupt part two of the Pacific Northwest ACBS Story for some humbling news. To Quote the news from the Hagerty website, "The Hagerty Marine Hall of Fame was created in 2009 to honor the people and organizations that have made profound,…

Live-ish From The 2014 Gull Lake Classic Boat Show At Bar Harbor, Minnesota

Boat Shows, Community/Web

Late August in Minnesota means one thing - it's the time when some of the top classic boats in the country (and their owners) gather together to celebrate the Gull Lake Classic Boat Show at Bar Harbor, MN. And once again this year, fellow…

What’s It Feel Like To Tow One Of The Nations Top Classic Boats To Florida?

Classic Boats, Destinations

Yesterday we decided to leave early and head down to Lake Dora to meet up with fellow Woody Boaters also coming into town. Many are doing the same because of the bad weather predicted on the East coast. Funny thing happens when you are towing…

My Grandparents Steelcraft – by Jim Hilton

Classic Boats, Woody Boater of the Month, Woody Boaters

Fellow Woody Boater Jim Hilton sent us in this nice story of his grandparents Steelcraft the other day, in the email he said he had some old shots... I had to ask, and the gods of all tha's cool and fun, delivered. Thank you Jim for sharing.…

It’s A Good News Bad News Not So Bad News Thing On Lake Hopatcong!

Classic Boats

Yesterday was spent taking down walls and lifting floors to reveal the 1st floor. The good news. Some of the boats, like the bat boat, correct craft and some other boats made it. The sad news.. Seth and Renee's first boat, a white Corvette…

Absolute Miracle

Thanks to all of you for your kind wishes regarding the many boats under the roof. In what has to be the miracle of miracles, Absolute has emerged with what appears to be minor damages. Nothing has been looked closely, but she is all…

Sunday – Live From Lake Hopatcong.

Classic Boats, Community/Web, Destinations

Today, is the day we find out if some of the boats under parts of the roof are safe. Last night as the sun set here, another miracle. The Rare Stuphen that we thought might have been damaged came out in one piece. No real deep inspections…

The Little Model 99 That Could.

Community/Web, Destinations

As they extract the roof parts and walls, all work had to stop on extracting boats for a while. The little model 99 is actually part of the support of the wall. I love that little sucker more and more. She has taken a beating for sure,…

Live From Katzs Marina – Damage Report

Reporting live from Lake Hopatcong New jersey We have had the chance to look inside the building and it ain't pretty. Many boat have been saved and some with minor damage are out of the way. But sadly many are still inside under portions of…

Stay Tuned For Live – ish Reports From The Scene At Katz’s Marina.

We are en route this AM to Lake hopatcong to document the removal of the roof on the Katz's marina storage building. Housing some 50 rare and perfect show boats. Today will be the day that we are able to see what was saved and what is gone.…

A Fun Tour Of Some Snazzy Homes On The Potomac River Near Washington D.C.

One of the surprising parts of living in Washington DC is that we often forget that there is an amazing river running right next to it. Honestly I feel like a fool, since I am 4th generation from here. Yes, I knew it was here, even learned…

The Last Day Of “Oldies Week” – We Dedicate Today’s Story To Russell A. Kirsch And His Team

Art, Classic Boats, Community/Web

The last day of "Oldies Week" is today (at least for now), and the response from the Woody Boater community was fantastic. It was great to see all the vintage photos and stories from the good old days of classic boating when wooden boats were…

We’re Still Rock’n To The Oldies.

Once again, we are moved to see the rich history of Woodyboaterville. The shots of Fathers and how much they loved there boats are fantastic. Thanks again for sharing. Thanks to…

And The Oldies Keep Chugging Along!

Art, Classic Boats

Wow, the hits just keep coming in. Some fun stuff and heart warming to know that you all have saved these pictures for all this time. Here ya go. Happy Wednesday! And now back to the 80's.... Stay…

More Oldie Memories From Fellow Woody Boaters!

Classic Boats, Woody Boater of the Month, Woody Boaters

Thanks to Mr. Andreas Rhude for getting today's Oldies day started, here is the note he sent along. The boat is a 1964 T & T Boats, Inc. 17'-11" Breakers, lapstrake outboard. My dad went to the liquidation auction in May 1965 after…

The Kind Of Story You Would Hope Your Son Would Write.

Last night the Boatress said, "did you read your sons website today?" Note, she reads his site and not mine.. More on that later. I looked at it at dinner and had one of those moments where you realize that it's the dumb little things you do…

Do Classic Chris-Craft Rivieras Get The Respect They Deserve?

A few weeks ago during the Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival in Florida, we had the pleasure of spending some quality time our friend and fellow Woody Boater Jimmy Scott from Virginia. Jimmy kindly (and patiently) assisted us with our daily…

Hey World! The Sun Is Alive in Sunnyland!

Boat Shows

the Sun came out and never left yesterday. But today is supposed to be a bit messy. So Texx has taken so many pictures that his computer crapped out. We forget how many wonderful things there are here to shoot. It's neck snapping, were ever…

To My Boys!

Boat Shows, Woody Boater of the Month

I have now written 5 stories today that all are crap. Nothing I write is right, it all seems to frivolous, or just not appropriate. My two boys will be coming home soon from school. One tonight and the other next week. Home for the holidays.…

An Old Trick To Keeping Your Brite Work Clean!

Art, Classic Boats, Restorations

One of the wonderful things about having a nice Woody Boat is how beautiful the brite work looks in the glimmering sun. The depth and luster of glowing wood grain makes even the most boring ride, exciting. BUT, in our area in brackish water…

The Perfection of The Imperfection of Woody Boating.

Our day started like any other fantasy day, we were off to the old club on Harsons Island for a brunch, and small talk with the group from the Michigan Chapter of the ACBS. Which I am now a proud member of I might add. First though is a nice…

Woody Boater Has Gone To The Dogs This Week!

Community/Web, Woody Boater of the Month, Woody Boaters

While we were waiting on News from the Mikkelson Collection last week, we did a short story on Oreo our new crew member of the Woody Boater gang. Well we hit a nerve and the photos have started rolling in. To start off Woody Barker Week, …

The New Zipper Is Here, The New Zipper Is Here!

Restorations

I feel like Steve Martin in the Jerk when he gets his phone book with his name in it. It feels like such a small dumb thing, but seeing the mail man show up with my new LENZIP #10 Aluminum zipper for my convertible top cover made my day!…

My Golden Pond Moment!

This past week, I had the chance to dig through some old family files. While digging through the old family pictures and old baby shoes, I came across a box of slides. These slides are dated 1973. I recall the trip very well but never…

The Future Of Classic Boating Speak Up. We Hear You Loud And Clear In Woodyboaterville!

Community/Web, Rant

Yesterday was one of those days that exemplifies why we do this. And yes I had to Google exemplify. We can see traffic stats and know where, wear, were the readers come from, what time of day etc. We have had a hunch that we are reaching…

Could Someone Please Lend A Hand With Suzy’s Zipper?

Restorations

For those of you following the story on Suzy's need to put a top on her. Here is the latest thing she needs. When we got the top we only could find the metal bars. A gold mine for sure. But no soft top as a reference or pattern. There is…

Clayton, Grand Rapids, Cincinnati, Reedville. What A Classic Boat Weekend!

Boat Shows, Community/Web

So much for thinking there is never anything to do in the winter with Classic Boats. As you know, we set off to Clayton NY to pick up Suzy's top, that then turned into another 3 hour drive to Reedville from DC. But that was just part of…

Starlight Express – Realizing A Childhood Dream (Part 2 – The Next 22 Years)

In 1956 fellow Woody Boater Randy Mueller's dream of one day ownig a Matthews Martinique Express began when he received his first set of brochures from the MATTHEWS Company in Port Clinton, Ohio with a nice letter from their sales manager,…

Starlight Express – Realizing A Childhood Dream (Part 1 – The First 33 Years)

Classic Boats, Woody Boat of the Month

This is a remarkable story about fellow Woody Boater Randy Mueller and his 55 year dream to some day own a perfectly restored Matthews Martinique Express. I first met Randy at the 2010 Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance, he was there with his freshly…

Mariah, On Golden Pond U.S. Mail Boat Is Down To Just Skin And Bones.

Restorations

Here are the latest snaps of Mariah undergoing massive surgery at Katz's House of Beauty. WOW! Work is progressing quickly. The pictures speak for themselves.OK it's not like they talk.. Its just that what you see is whats going on.. If…

The New Official Woody Boater Go To Classic Boat!

I am not sure where to start. So I will start on Friday night.. You may want to get a cup of coffee.. I left the office mid day Friday to head up to Lake Hopatcong to Katz's marina to pick up the new b. 7 hrs later at an average speed of 25…

Make Your Classic Boat Look Like A Million, With A Cell Phone!

Last weekend after all the birthday festivities for the Woodyboatress we ran back to the river from our Boulder Bureau on Saturday for some fun on the water. We did not have time to enjoy one of the countless shows around the US.. Ugh..…

Reedville Virginia Classic Boating Cures All!

Community/Web, Woody Boater of the Month, Woody Boaters

In was an interesting week here last week. One of our beloved pets was killed by a fox in the front yard the day after our last son graduated from high school, now making us empty nesters.. a happy yet sad time...my father was put in hospice,…

Tiffany Cockrell- The Richest Man I Know.

This story has taken be 5 days to write. As you know, I can usually write a story on my iPhone while driving a boat then post it. But this one was to painful. I have spoken about my pal Tiffany Cockrell for years here on Woody Boater. Our…

The Speedboat Ride Of A Lifetime

Classic Boats, Woody Boat of the Month

"Miss America IX" is unique in many ways, her history, her records, her famous designer & builder, her awards... But for us, what makes "Miss America IX" special is the fact that unlike most other vintage 80 year old race boats, you don't…

Never Published Gar Wood Factory Photos!

Art, Classic Boats, Community/Web

Fellow Woody Boater Joel Terbrueggen from The Antique Boat Center came across these one of a kind photos down at Lake Dora from a gentleman named John Webber from Wisconsin. John is a member of the Antique Outboard Motor Club. John found an…

The Official Woody Boaterese Dictionary Is Now Out. The Top 20 Woody Boaterisms.

Community/Web, Rant

With all the new readers from New Zealand this week, we here at Woody Boater felt it necessary to publish a new dictionary of Woody Boaterese. The official language of WoodyBoaterville. A small community located on a bluff over looking Lake…

Classic Boat Water Skiing- Lake Tahoe Style!

Boat Shows, Classic Boats, Destinations

If you are going to go water skiing on Lake Tahoe, do it with style. Glass-like conditions, a bristol blue sky, snow capped Sierra Nevada Mountain peaks and assure calm waters. Buzz Gibb (formerly the owner of the Queen of the Lake: THUNDERBIRD)…

Chris Craft XK-18 Woody Boater Boat Of The Month

I know I know, it's not made of wood. But there is a strip of wood like stuff on the dash. So it's in. This thing is stunning. It looks like a 1969 Z/28 made sweet love to a bass boat in the garage. And this came out. It's pure 60's - 70's muscle,…

CSI: On Golden Pond

Classic Boats, Woody Boater of the Month, Woody Boaters

Starring Frank Miklos - He's out to prove U-22-1460 is the real deal! Well... I don't know what's harder, allowing comments attacking Pat, Frank and I or writing this and starting up all the crap again. The week of the U-22-1460 Golden…

An Un Edited, Uncensored Unplugged Day With Pat Curtin..

Pat today. Standing in front of Thayer IV U-22-1460 for the first time in 28 years. In order to set up what you are about to read.. I thought it would be a good idea to set the tone and what you are about to read. Pat Curtin for many years…

What In The Heck Was I Thinking?

Mariah and Thayer IV together out in the work yard where we found them last monthImagine for a second that you are riding down the road one day.. you see the transom of a Wood Boat hanging out of a barn... as you zip by, you see it.. Thayer…

Mariah, The Barn Find Of The Century

Frank Miklos and his brother Bob inspecting U.S. Mail Boat "Mariah", the Golden Pond U.S. Mail BoatWhen I was on the trail for the 3rd Thayer IV to be honest the U.S. Mail Boat Mariah was the last thing on my mind.. "Don't forget the Mail…

U-22-1802 The Most Well Known Thayer IV

It's tough to report something on this boat that's not been covered before. But we will try of course.. I am sure the peanut gallery will chime in today and let me know what's right or wrong with the story.. But we did find some stuff out along…

The Rumored 3rd Thayer IV.. The Barn Find Of The Decade!

Woody Boater and U22-1460 Thayer IV - October 2010In what is to be the barn find of all barn finds. Woody Boater has been on the trail of finding all the Golden Pond boats used in the film On Golden Pond. This adventure started for us when fellow…

The Best Of Both Worlds..

Here is your chance to look at Boat Babes and feel good about it. Click here and you to can help. The this years official 2011 Don't Turn Your back On Breast Cancer calendar! What a fantastic idea. Your $15 bucks goes to a good cause and you…

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning And Your Classic Boat. A Scary Tale.

I am not going to regurgitate the same stuff you can find on the internet here. You can click here if you want to know more.. What I am going to tell you though is rather chilling.. and sobering.. We all love our antique boats.. We also know…

Breaking News.. More Parts From The Warner Auction..

Warner Auction

Enjoy and imagine your home decorated with 400 vents.. Kick in your imagination.. These items just in from Mecum Auctions for the big Warner Collection Auction in October.. Make sure you sign up now....

The Enlightenment Of Algonac.

Gar Wood, looking forward...Our last day here in Algonac Michigan was actually the most moving day of the weekend. The show was done, the awards handed out, and the history lesson was over. It was just boating from this point on. Which of course…

Our World Was A Cooler Place Because Of Fred Hudson.

Woody Boaters

You ask, who is Fred Hudson? Sadly we all know who the Octomom is, but very few of us know the names of people that truly impact our little marine world. Fred Hudson was one of the countries top automotive and marine designers. This week, the…

Lori Pastic – Are You Out There?

Boat Babes, Community/Web

Thanks to fellow Woody Boater and former Chris - Craft big shot Herb Pocklington we now have a name of one of the iconic Chris Craft girls. Lori Pastic pictured here on the right with Herb and Chris Crafts General managers wife Lydia Pickell.…

Classic Boat Screw Trivia – By Herb Pocklington

Restorations, Woody Boaters

A while back a Woody-watcher took another to task for saying Chris-Craft were held together by "Reed & Prince" screws...... not "Phillips-head" screws as alleged. Actually they were "Frearson-head" made by Reed and Prince (then in Worcester…

Real Classic Yacht Boat Skipper Hats Caps Chapeaus. Not The Cheap Crap!

Art, Community/Web, Woody Boaters

Here we go again. We have an order ready to go. We have enough ordered to go. I will be sending the order in tomorrow. To date we have found heads for 45 hats. Is your head lonely? If so you to can join the lonely heads club. the hats are hand…

Lake Dora 2010-Heaven… Pure Heaven….

Boat Shows, Destinations

What an incredible weekend. It was great to see folks that we only talk to by email. Sorry for the late story, but.. Well... mmmm... I left my computer and stuff in the Chris Craft tent that was 1 1/2 hrs away. So i had to return for a 3 hr…

Century Thunderbolt. Drool Cup Optional.

Classic Boats

One of the lowest production boats to come out of Century Boats is it's most desired today by collectors. Like most performance boats of the day, they were used well and worn out. There are just a handful of these little lake terrorists around…

Calling All Chris Craft Girls!

Is this you? Were you one of the Chris Craft girls? Woody Boater is looking for any of the original Chris Craft girls out there. We are about to announce a special project and would love to have some of the real Chris Craft girls as models....…

A Statue For Christopher Smith and Gar Wood… It's About Time.

This is a artist rough work in progress Chris Craft celebrity Herb Pocklington was addressing a large boating symposium in Seattle in April and learned that their generation was extremely interested in preserving and honoring the life and work…

Barbi's Dream Boat? Dang! Barbi Was Having More Fun Than I Thought.

Community/Web, Rant

Here I am cruising eBay for some innocent Classic Boat stuff, and I come across this listing.... As I looked through the listing it started just getting stranger and stranger... Is it just me and my sick mind? If you want to add some music…

Classic Boat Email Cards!