Woody Boater Of The Month. Howard Percival Johnson.
One phrase comes to mind when I think of Howard… “What a hoot” I have known Howard for several years now, and he is a true joy to be around. He lives and breaths classic boats and is tireless in his efforts to help drive the hobby to new areas. He is at all the shows, participating, and without a doubt the leading expert on Whirlwind Boats. This is not because Howard is just into this stuff. It’s because it’s in him. To quote him“I was held prisoner on an antique boat as a child,” Howard is the first guy to have an answer for you and a creative perspective on repairs and tricks of the trade if that is what you need. And with these boats, that is a key. You can read more about him on his web site. Click here! Or his main site oldtimeworld.com... or just stop by at any show and say hi. Trust me, he will make you feel like you are old pals within seconds. Here’s to you Howard…. My yachting cap is off to you.
I know Howard, I made a trip from FL to his place to buy a boat from him. Sorry to say, I cant say too much about a boater that staples tarpes to the sides of the boat to keep the cover in place. I am sure the boats he had were gifts to get them hauled away. I came home with out a boat. He is a quaint old dude, to say the least.
To know Howard is to love Howard. He has a way of doing things that make folks head scratch and some thankful. I have seen many of Howards boats, and if he staples a tarp to a boat. The staple holes are the least of ones concern.. HA, Thats a classic by the way. I have pal that gets boats donated to him, and its sometimes a miricle to even get a tarp on the boat for sure.
Howard is a great resource to the boating community and has done more to save old boats than anyone I have known. I wish I would have stapled tarps to a few of my old stored boats whose covers sagged and collected water while waiting for their turn at restoration. One of the things about the wooden boat hobby I dislike is all the "experts" who are out there who have nothing better to do than be critical of other peoples efforts. As my mother said "If you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything"….