From the moment we arrived at the Abbey Resort in Wisconsin for the ACBS International Meeting and Boat Show a few weeks ago, folks were saying “Texx – You have to get over to see the latest creation by Doug Morin.” The next morning, just as we made our way out to the dock, we spotted “Amy Ann” in the marina. (Click on the images to enlarge them)
As the sleek 30 ft runabout manoeuvred her way around the marina with her bow thruster, the sound of the Italian V-12 BPM Marine engine let you know this boat was the real deal.
Then, she dissappered from site as she made her way out to Geneva Lake for some high performance cruising… or as high performance as you can get on a lake with a 45 MPH speed limit.
On Saturday afternoon we noticed that “Amy Ann” was in port, so we made our way over to check her out. We had the opportunity to visit with Doug Morin, the boats designer and builder, for a few minutes. Although the dock was packed with people trying get a glimpse of the boat, Doug patiently answered our questions and shared his vision for this creation. It was great to visit with Doug and learn about his families history in the boat building business, and his passion for these unqiue runabouts.
“Amy Ann” has it all… Doug has captured the elegant style from the 30′s and combined it with modern performance. I asked Doug why he decided to go with the Italian BPM power and he smiled and said “Because we wanted to be different” – and that it is. Every aspect of this one-off runabout is unique and the attention to detail is remarkable. Doug told me that he already knows what creation he will be building next, and it’s hard to imagine how it could top “Amy Ann” in terms of styling and performance.
The big 700HP V-12 with it’s six twin-Weber carbs seems to fit with the boats personality, and is like a work-of-art under the wooden hatches.
Here’s a shot of the engine looking back from the forward cockpit towards the rear cockpit…
And the long forward deck gleaming in the Wisconsin sunshine.
On the dock, Morin Boats had a sign board with some information on “Amy Ann” along with the specifications for the boat, which, by the way, was also one of the nicest sign boards I have ever seen at a boat show… An elegant sign board! Below the photo of the sign board, we have copied the information directly from the sign board so it’s easier to read.
The sign board reads as follows…
Amy Ann is a custom one-off, 30ft runabout designed and built by Morin Boats, owned by John and Amy Zea of Oconomowoc Lake, Wisconsin. Her long flowing lines and low profile speaks to her design origins taken from the fabulous Chris-Craft and Hacker Boats from the mid-to-late 1930′s. Amy Ann is not a replica. The intent of the designer Doug Morin was to make one pause and ask; is this an antique? Amy Ann features an early ’30s customized Cadillac dash, late ’20s steering wheel used in both Buicks and Pierce Arrows, and custom hardware heavily influenced by Canadian boat builders.
Beyond her elegant design, Amy Ann has speeds documented in the 65 MPH range. Her performance is a result of her hull weighing less than 3,000 lbs powered by an Italian Hemispherical Head BPM Series S Marine Engine upgraded by Bob Mishko of Rocky Summit Performance. A Borg-Warner transmission has been modified to handle the tremendous torque of the BPM engine. Engineering, design, craftsmanship, and performance – the totality of these elements destine the Amy Ann to become a classic.
On the essence of design and function, the collaborative efforts of new and old make the Amy Ann a truly special runabout.
Doug Morin – Morin Boats
Here’s the enlarged specifications of “Amy Ann” also from the sign board.
Thanks to Doug Morin for taking the time to visit with us here at Woody Boater and share this incredible runabout with us at Geneva Lake. To learn more about Morin Boats and the Mittler Collection that Doug has been entrusted with, you can click here to go directly to their website.
To learn more about BPM Marine engines you can click here.
Texx
There was one award at the International Boat Show that I didn’t agree with, and that was the 2nd place that Amy Ann received in the Best Contemporary class. She should have been first. There… I said it.
A modern boat, with a amazingly classic appearance. Every detail, and every piece of hardware on this boat was a nod to the past. Spectacular boat!
Chad, I think there were two perfect contemporary boats there with Amy Ann and Jefe. Both boats were perfect (and I usually say there is no such thing as a perfect boat). My guess is that it was a coin toss between the two for 1st and 2nd.
How are modern boats judged? I am not a judge and never will be, but there are no objective standards for new one-off’s in the same way there are for old boats. I heard from several people at the show that both of these were perfect as Brian says – phenomenal in fact.
I am just glad there are people who will put this kind of money into a new, technology laden wood boat, as opposed to just another cookie-cutter offshore boat or some such testosterone fueled sword fight effort. There is class and elegance in these, not just pugnacious jersey shore style crass. I liked both the boats, and lets hope we see more like them.
I don’t think contemporary boats should be judged. Basically they look at fit and finish, design execution, etc. Not really much of a standard and it’s too personal especially on home built boats.
Hey Paul: Pugnatious jersey shore style crass? This should be in the Woody Boater hall of fame !
Beautiful boat. Why should there be judging of what you buy off the shelf yesterday?
Totally cheating with a bow thruster…
What makes this boat so cool is Doug did not do what everyone else would do with a 30′ runabout by making a triple. By essentially omitting the front cockpit (making a long foredeck) it makes the lines really sexy.
What kind of fuel does she burn and how fast will she go?
LOTS!! Lots of high octane. With 6 2 barrel webers and 750CID it’s got to be thirsty. I read somewhere about 65mph
They have documented a speed of 65 MPH and indicated “Amy Ann” was capable of exceeding 70 MPH.
It started and ran at the dock like a fuel injected engine, firing as quickly as the ignition key was turned. The dual fuel cells can be balanced for weight distribution as well.
That sliver of omage to an upswept tripple is beyond killer.. It’s the magic touch that sets this boat apart from all the other modern stuff. Is shear genus from a design stand point. Dammmmmmmm !!! The web era as well.. Brilliant.. Double dog dammmmmmm!
That combined with the barrelback means she looks fine coming and going!!
Sliver of omage? What is going on ? Creative writing 101? I cant stand it.
Cap’n Grumpy, instead of “…sliver of homage to an upswept triple…,” I believe Matt meant to say “…server of fromage on an upswept triple…” A boat like this comes complete with own catered wine and cheese party. I take it the cheese was first rate.
Joinery work was so so. Nonetheless a very nice.
“Amy Ann” defines the term “eye sweet” to me. With 30′ to transition frim a gentle flare forward to the complete tumble home of the barrel stern, this boat is pure elegance. And, how cool to have a boat of this size done in a split cockpit configuration? Bravo Doug.
John Williams