The Tommy Holmes Michigan Boat Shop Tour Part 2
Tommy Holmes continues his glorious trek across Michgan and shares it with us all, today from Danenberg Boatworks! Take it away Mr Holmes
Woody Boater cub reporter reporting in on the 2015 boat shop tour of Northern Michigan Part 2 from Manistee, MI, home of the Thoroughbreds. Second stop on the tour is the Danenberg Boatworks which is actually in Stronach, MI near the railroad tracks where Don Danenberg and Jimmy Raspotnik do their thing.
It is always an educational experience whilst spending time with Professor Don. I could write a book about my visit but I’ll let the pictures tell the story.
Upon arrival we found Jimmy getting ready to dry fit the 1887 Lawley Steam Launch top.
Meanwhile Don was showing off how large the propeller is while I was more impressed by the size of the rudder.
Jimmy is praying over the steam engine.
They told me this was the boiler for the launch but it looks like a bootlegger still to me.
The steam launch has the typical Danenberg wood working, Awesome!
Easy does it for Don and all those curves. He preserved the original coaming but said he could have made it new in less time.
Couple of Chris Craft barrel backs are underway in the shop as well.
The covering boards on the 1942 Custom 19 will require 4/4 stock.
The covering boards on the 1939 will be a walk in the park for Don and Jimmy.
There it is!, an authentic Danenberg bottom.
Don researching some photos from the Cadillac Chris Craft plant.
The Professor is still talking but it’s time for lunch. And no he does not look like Santa Claus.
Oh ya, on the way out, a Silver Arrow in process; wood and fiberglass can play together! As always it is an experience to visit the Danenberg Boatworks. Thanks Don and Jimmy! BTW, visit his web page for more project photos and forum Q&A.
Are you sure he’s not Santa? He’s big, got the beard and he runs what looks like Santa’s workshop. If it looks, sounds and walks like a duck………. It’s gonna be hard to get those down the chimney though.
Tommy do you have a fever? Two stories with no Century’s?
These sure are some wonderful shops, thanks for bringing them here for us to see.
I’ve had the good fortune to visit Don’s shop several times. It’s always a treat. He’s always been a true gentleman and very generous with his time. It helps if you treat him to some Captain Morgan…after the power equipment is put away.
A steam launch would be a lot of fun on the Erie Canal. The perfect cocktail cruiser.
Should someone drive by the Painted Lady and check on them?
The hobby is lucky to have such a wealth of knowledge. Without Don’s books, his forum and his advice over the years I would never have completed my first project.
Same here, he was a big help for my project also, lucky to have them all.
Don is level on the level
Wylie… Nice trailer, too. Not too many of us install walkaround planks or color-coordinate to the boat. Great job… CQ
Shaves even every door…
WOW! Was just taking a look at Danenberg’s site and remembering when I looked through it back before I started my project and trying to make since of it all. Now when I look at it it’s all to familiar and makes perfect since… 😀
Charlie Rondi Vous II a work of art by Danenberg. Photo taken at the Century Roundup, Manistee. Tuobanur I wish I could vote for Eisenhower
Rondi Vous II is featured on Don’s website in the recent projects section, 1931 22′ Upswept.
http://danenbergboatworks.com/1931_CC_Model_202.htm
😀 Don’t think anybody else got it but us..
Love me some JP