Two Types Of Classic Boats – Dream Boats, And Painful Boats

AMAZING!

While recently we featured the Clayton, and Tahoe Boat show, I noticed a funny thing about myself. I didn’t even pay that much attention to the over the top insane boats. Oh, don’t get me wrong. They are amazing, stunning, and just so over the top… It’s painful to look at them. WHAT?

Dreamable!

Okay, here is how my brain works. I see something and my brain clicks into I want that, or no I don’t. If I want it, I dig into it and dram about how to obtain it. I like having dream goals. But they need to be somewhat attainable. And here is the thing. Some of those boats are totally unattainable. They are pure art, and there to be appreciated as such.

I start dreaming and SCREEETCH, my dreamons kick in and stop me.

Whatever brain stimuli happens in my brain is great, but I cant go to deep or I get depressed at what a failure I am. Now I suppose on some level we are all that way at different levels. But can anyone own a classic boat, yes. Heck for $3K you can be there having fun and showing off. But at 3 million? UGH!

Mahogany lust

This is in now way a slight on a fancy boat, I do lust, but there is a governor of my dream that kicks in. And I suppose in a way this is all very different and personal for many. I still walk out to WECATCHEM and think, I did I pull that off? And how incredibly grateful I am to all those that help keep her going and looking and running way beyond my dreams.  So am I alone in my mental issues?

Stinky fits me like a glove!

15 replies
  1. Ranger
    Ranger says:

    Someone out there has my dream boat and I have someone else’s dream boat… I absolutely love my barrel back runabout but I want this one, too!

  2. Tparsons56
    Tparsons56 says:

    The 10th commandment (revised) “Thou shall not covet your neighbors classic boat”. Impossible to do when you’re at the Hessel show and every boat is beautiful (especially when docked right next to Alex Watson’s fabulous Sportsmen). Also at the show was John Allen’s “Windswept” which is a very fast work of art.
    Based on this the international show in Port Huron (plug) should really test the limits of our resolve.

    • Mark in da U.P.
      Mark in da U.P. says:

      I agree, It is impossible to go to Hessel and not dream of at least 100 boats. My brother says going to Hessel boat show is like going to a strip club. You see a lot of beautiful things you would like to have but can’t touch.

  3. Sean
    Sean says:

    I agree 100%. When I walk the docks at Gravenhurst and see the beautiful Ditchburn and Minett-Shield launches I appreciate them as both history and works of art. However, I don’t spend much time looking as they are not attainable nor are they what I would want in a boat that fits my lifestyle. Even though I like “go fast” boats I found myself almost ignoring a Chris-Craft Cobra as the cost of ownership is ridiculous and it’s not that practical a boat. I prefer by far the type of boat I can use and stretch somehow to afford. There’s a lot of cool boats that fit that description…. like a Kavalk!

  4. Reddog
    Reddog says:

    There was an Edgewater park near Detroit. But that was before I remember so I’m sorry I can’t tell anything more about it. Maybe some of the older guys could comment about it.

  5. m-fine
    m-fine says:

    I am with you Matt, and not just because of the financial aspect. I am all about using a boat, so it has to be semi-practical and have room for large dogs and other people. I have 24 foot covered lifts that are good for anything up to about 23 feet. I love the looks of a 25 sportsman, but I don’t have a strong desire to own one. Too much extra hassle. A 30 foot gentleman’s racer? Yeah, no desire at all.

  6. floyd r turbo
    floyd r turbo says:

    Its comforting to know you validate my most inner feelings, however, that just confirms this disease which impairs normal function (and logic?). The cure? Bacon wrapped mahogany?

  7. Tom Gruenauer
    Tom Gruenauer says:

    On a side note why is Pete Townshend Of the band Who
    driving the Sportsman in the header pic?

  8. ian
    ian says:

    I am on the other side of the fence;
    I love seeing the amazing boats like Baby Bootlegger and Wyndcrest to name a few.
    I am planning to fly up to Gull Lake Minnesota on Sat Aug 25th for the Race Boat Regatta show; it will be great to see all the boats and I hope Juno is there;

  9. Dennis Mykols
    Dennis Mykols says:

    Again, Matt hits the nail on the head. I often have these discussions in my head, and you explain it so clear and precise.
    I could write a book about the “I want, How to Get” struggles I have had in my head over the past 50 years.
    In my early years, I always had that “2 foot itise ” and had to have the next bigger boat, until I came to the realization, “someone will always have a bigger boat than me”.
    Now in my Autumn years, it is more of “I want it, but can not afford it, or it is not a practical boat” a “Cobra” falls into this category.
    Thanks Matt, for explaining my thought process I have had in my head, over the years so eloquently.
    Now excuse me, boat number 33 is calling me!!!

    • Kevin F
      Kevin F says:

      You had a Trojan 13 meter? Love to learn more about that boat! You have a very fun and good list of boats you have owned.

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