On Sunday afternoon the awards were handed out for the various category’s at the 46th Annual Clayton Antique Boat Show. The award for Antique Boat of the Year Preserved Class was presented to “Foxy Lady” a 1955 23ft Higgins Speed Star Utility. The Higgins, which is owned by fellow woody boater Don Ploetner II from Sparta, New Jersey, is powered by a 200 HP Chrysler V-8. Restored by Dan Nelson another fellow Woody Boater of Nelson boat works…
“Foxy Lady” is just one of those boats that always catches your eye when it’s at a show or criusing across the lake. I have been following this boat for the last year since WoodyBoater published photos of her last summer, and I was pleasantly surprised to see her in Clayton. Throughout the weekend I kept going back to the boat to take more photos, which were difficult to get under the covered docks. So my first reaction when they announced the winner was that I had lots of photos to choose from for the story.
The 200 HP Chrysler V-8 was exceptional, and I was fortunate to get a glimpse of the engine thanks to John Kadimik. When John noticed that I was interested to see the engine, he offered to remove the engine box for the us to see it.
Check out the unique hardware and shiny red deck – This folks is a show boat!
And we all know how important presentation is at a boat show – right? Your first impression is your only impression…
Then after the awards presentation, they celebrated by going for a late afternoon boat ride. The Ploetner’s invited John, Kim & their daughter Natasha along for the ride – they were all smiles as they cruised away from the docks.
A few weeks ago when I was at the boat show in Sandpoint, Idaho I ran across a big Red & White Higgins Utility and I commented that the Higgins marque deserved more recognition in the hobby. I guess they are getting the recognition they deserve in Upstate New York. Woo Hooo!
Texx
They left you at the docks! Thats it.. Why is it that all us Woody Boaters get jilted by the ladies… Its the hats.. I knew it.. Its those dam hats! Great coverage Texx. I have a pay back imgae of the winner taking a bow for my view of the show tomorrow.. Left at the docks… Oh that hurts
And a big "CONGRATULATIONS" to Chad Durren for his "Best in Class" award for LILY, a 1952 18' Utility.
Matt – That's OK, I went for a ride with Dick & Linda Kish in thier Gar Wood Sedan today, and in a big Gar Wood Triple yesterday so life is good.
Chad's 1952 Chris-Craft is beautiful, glad to see he won.
Photos of both boats will be on WoodyBoater later this week, so stay tuned.