WoodyBoaters of The Month. Gary Gondek & Family.

Congratulations, Gary,
You now have the single most sought after post-war runabout out there (excepting a Cobra) that will continue to escalate in value as you use it for family fun. You made a great choice in going with her and probably for less cost than a comparable new fiberglass boat that only depreciates in value from day one. …way to go!!!

I will have to say he did it right, of all the people that I have done this for he never got frustrated (ok maybe a little) and stuck with it asking all the right questions. It all came out great with a very original boat that we are currently making even better; the great thing is that we all get to learn more from this great experience. Mike Green/Maritime Classics

Hi Everyone!
I am the “happy ” guy in the picture above. I am that way for several very good reasons. Not only did I have a chance to fulfill a childhood dream, I was able to do it with a very supportive wife and kids.
In addition, there were very important people helping throughout the process. First of all, I would sincerely like to express my gratitude to Matt Smith. Not only has he gone out of his way over a long period of time, in helping to guide me, he gives us this wonderful website. Matt, I cannot thank you enough for everything.
Then, there is Mike Green from Maritime Classics in Traverse City, Michigan. Mike is a fifth generation Chris Craft family member,an extraodinary wooden boat restorer, as well as a truly super nice person. Mike would go off across the country, on my behalf, in pursuit of the ideal boat. Because of his efforts, the boat I purchased is a very sound, and very original vessel. As a result of Mike’s meticulous nature, I marvel at how beautiful the boat is becoming under his skilled hands. Thanks Mike! I thank you for your friendship and look forward to a gorgeous, “dream come true.”
The third very integral part of the processs was Greg Jackson, from Carolina Classic Boats. Matt Smith had done a previous article in Woody Boater about the value of a good broker. And Greg Jackson is as good as they get. His honesty and dedication were the catalysts that put the deal together. All I can say is that if Grerg Jackson is the broker involved in a transaction, feel very comfortable in putting your trust in his integrity. Guys like Greg Jackson and Mike Green can help prevent a very enjoyable purchase from turning into your worst nightmare. A very sincere thank you to you Greg!
Lastly, one more bit of advice if your considering a purchase. I set a realistic limit as to what I wanted to spend in buying, and setting aside money for a restoration of a wooden boat. By being totally upfront with Greg Jackson and Mike Green, they were able to help me buy my boat and stay within my budget. And from what I hear, that is the recipe for keeping your marriage a happy one.
Again, thank you Matt, Mike and Greg. Because of guys like you I get to regress to my childhood for a time, and preserve a valuable piece of history for my boys. (By the way, Lou Raugh-Antique Boat Center, is another extraordinary broker you can really place your faith in).

Your welcome Matt. But, I already told my wife to blame everything on you. Hope you don’t mind!