Two emails regarding Whirlwind boats both involving life support and the eventual Bic lighter. Here is Howard’s email and story…..
By H. Percival Johnson
For those of us that save old boats, there comes a time when it is clear that no one is interested in the worst of the collection. As the rot progresses, the mice become a community, wasps lay in wait, tires go flat and covers deteriorate. Why keep this up? How about a bonfire? Do you know anyone with a big machine? These pictures tell the sad story
For some years the boats were still inspiring, there was hope then, but now it is clear, no one wants them, no one will ever lift their hand to bring them back. Don’t worry though, our forefathers made plenty of these great boats. For you restorers, there are 45 more boats waiting right here at Oldtimeworld. For now, bring your hot dogs or marshmallows!
How well they burned! How quickly they were gone, Many hours of careful craftsmanship, perish easily. Looking into these flames our imaginations see the beauty, the pride, the good times had, the adventures experienced, the fish caught, the days of swimming and fun, sparkling and crackling, wending their way skyward, on to that great place above, – heaven for old boats.
Friend of mine has a 1957 Whirlwind project boat…high end project boat…very complete, hull has a hole Below the spray rail (painted area…not bright…easy enough to patch).
New transom, chromed hardware done and nice, on a ratty trailer, no motor, but I have a nice period 35 ‘rude to make up a package if need be. This boat is well worth restoring and very complete as to parts….
new decks no installed but material cut and ready etc etc. Boat is in Deltaville.
Could/would/should you wish to put this on woodyboater as a daily feature, we might could find this worthy boat a good new home.
$500 bucks for the boat……$200 for the motor……good home more important than $.
So there you have it. Any one want a Whirlwind clinging on to dear life? Speak up.
Howard, here is your chance to redeem yourself from your burning the sacred molded plywood…..whats another dream in the barn…
Perhaps the problem is a diminishing number of do-it-yourselfers who enjoy doing restoring the boats themselves. Obviously it makes no sense at all to pay a professional to restore any but the most high-vlue, collectible boats. The hobby needs the backyard guy to take an interest in the cheaper boats as personal projects, or they are domed by time, neglect and inattention. Simple as that, I fear. The parts are pretty cheap – but not the labor.
Paul
Paul speaks the truth. As a backyard boy with two boats and no time to use or even work on them, I see LOT OF ROTTING BOATS. I am lucky enough to have indoor storage, so projects can be on the five year plan.
There was a late 50's Chris-Craft 30' cruiser in a shead that was being demolished to make room for a new rack storage building. The previous owner had signed the title over to the marina owner in lieu of paying storage fees owed. Someone offered the new owner 3K but the bid was rejected. He was asking for 8. A few days later the cruiser was being moved to the back lot for dozing as the prospective buyer returned with a new offer. The dozer was staged and ready to crush it. The buyer showed 4 fingers, the owner showed 8 fingers. Buyer offered 5 fingers, the owner ordered the dozer operator to crush it and he did. Sad and insane.
the buyer should have showed the marina owner only ONE FINGER….guess which one…
Good thing I was not there, I would have used all five, tightly clenched. What a jerk.