Charles Mistele send us this note…

We lost another legend that help start the Wood Boat Preservation Movement when wooden boats were being piled up and set on fire to just get rid of them. I have known Bill since the early 70′s and my Dad knew him since the late 50′s.

Chuck Mistele

Dan Sutherland, image courtesy Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

We also just got this news in regarding Dan Sutherland former President of the Wine Country ACBS and boatyard program manager at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, for almost five years, died of apparent heart failure Saturday at the age of 47.

“Danny was a true craftsman, skilled in so many ways but more than that, he was a great friend to us all. Danny was nationally known as a boat builder, but also as one of the best judges of antique and classic boats in the country. Having built more than 50 Rushtons, Danny was probably the world’s greatest expert on the boats of the famous designer and builder, JH Rushton.
Our prayers and thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”  Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum facebook page.

The Sons of Varnish stopped by ACBS HQ to pay our dues and no one was there.

So much for thinking there is never anything to do in the winter with Classic Boats. As you know, we set off to Clayton NY to pick up Suzy’s top, that then turned into another 3 hour drive to Reedville from DC. But that was just part of what was going on all over the country.I will try and summarize.

Jack at St Lawence Restoration was there and gave us a tour of the facility. What a cool place with some rather intence boats.

First, Clayton.
Well, they did say that no one is there in the winter.. Also EVERYTHING is CLOSED UP! Now they are having a very unusual winter. It was in the 30′s there, so we spent an hr of quality time driving around and breaking into buildings, general pillaging. Here are some fun images from Clayton.

Radient heated floors in one of the shops makes working easier in Clayton in the winter

More amazing boats at St Lawrence being dolled up for this summer

Some cool parts just sitting around.. I'll take one of those please. That would be so cool duck taped to my Pinto.

Engines engines engines.. yes thats a hemi in plastic.

A killer Riva in the booth being given build up coats

Then we went off to Antique Boat America.. Shhh don’t tell anyone.. No one was home there either..

Knock knock, Whoes there. NO ONE.. The Sons of varnish don't care. We smell Varnish!

Man that is one cold wearhouse inside. But dang there are some very hot boats in there..

This monster Lyman is the ticket for fun. Dang, that's one heck of a party barge!

Thats it for Clayton, we left in a hurry, leaving Clayton as lonely as when we got there.

More news from this weekend

Antique Boat Center. -A celebration and open house with Charles Mistele and a short talk on his life with one of the most amazing boats in the world, Miss America IX the first boat to exceed 100 mph?

As usual there was a great turnout and fun had by all.

Dennis on the right introducing Charles. If you have not been to one of the winter events at Antique Boat Center. Ya need to. They are always fun. And you get to drool over all the boats in there buildings..

It’s not over yet. That’s right, In from Grand Rapids Michigan. Fellow Woody Boater Chris Schmaltz from Hargerty Marine Insurance sent in these images. Here are a few shots of the show and some building of boats. “We are building 6 boats at the show. Designed by Bill Turner of Aristo Craft. Boy scouts and there families over the event. Water Wonderland Chapter of the ACBS has one of the most trafficed areas of the show.”Click on the link and see there spank’n new website as well..

The sign says it all.

Little Aristo Crafts all set up to be built. Building future woody boaters. I LOVE IT!

Way to go. Dang these things come together fast.

I am always surprised by how much stuff there is to do out there if you look for it. Thanks to the folks at Hagerty Marine Insurance, Antique Boat Center, St. Lawrence Restorations, Antique Boat America, and the ACBS for making this a great weekend! Wooohooo. LESS THAN 30 Days Til Lake Dora!

We are looking forward to joining fellow Woody Boaters Rick, Kathy & “Panther” in June at the big show in Algonac, Michigan.

June 22 thru 24, 2012 – Annual Michigan Chapter Antique & Classic Boat Show.

Chris-Craft Plant Jamboree – “Where it All Began” at the Algonac Harbour Club Marina, Algonac, Michigan. Contact Roy Schoehnerr 586-713-9340 for more information.  Registration forms will be available on-line in April.

You can also click here to go directly to the Michigan Chapter ACBS website for more information on the event.

Texx

What an amazing place with some amazing boats to see.

This very cool 1948 chris craft runabout under construction.

It’s like going to the boat show here in the middle of winter. Dang! And we have the top to boot! Wooohooo! More on st Lawrence at a later date. Now off the antique boat America! Then home… Slowly home!