Cockrell's Creek, Reedville VA

Every morning when I am at our home in Reedville I wake up and walk out on the dock and just bask in the simple pleasures of nature and a place that understands that life is for living, not working. One of the magical treasures of the area is that its not all caught up in the frenzy of today’s dog eat dog world. BUT! With all that said.. I have to look at the scene above.. And that beautiful white glorious simple boat house.. AND IT HAS YET TO HAVE A BOAT IN IT! FOR YEARS!!!! The owner has a huge beautiful sailboat, and no boat for the boat house.. In our area, you can not build a boathouse anymore.  Not sure why, beautiful boat houses in populated areas add to the look and feel. You can build a car port type thing here, but it aint the same thing. This boat house is PERFECT.. It screams old wood boat.. And yet.. Empty.. I suppose in a way its the emptiness that makes it all that better. The promise of what could be.. Like finding a barn find boat.. Is there such a thing as a barn find boat house? So if you are one of the lucky few that has a boat house. USE IT..Buy a old wood boat just to park it in there. Anything, just dont leave it empty. Ugh, Is it kosher to covet another mans boat house? And yes I just blended two religions.. bad spelling is just part of my ignorance!

The Woody Boatress on the left and fellow boatress Lynn having a chat on the back of Suzy on the Great Wicomico River. Note to self... I am the luckiest slob on the planet!

80 degrees and balmy here in Reedville Va on the Northern Neck of Virginia. Perfect puffy clouds and lots of great folks out on the water enjoying life. Even Fellow Woody Boater Clif Aimes was out on his new..to him.. very cool 17 Sportsman that he just picked up from Katz’s Marina last week.

Clif's cool new 17 Sportsman with Lynn - What a neat little boat. Clif is like a 10 year old with that thing!

Clif and Lynn headed up the Great Wicomico

Oreo with the Boatress after Oreo's first real swim!

The harvy's and Smiths out having fun

The Boatress and her girls pulling up the crab pots. She does this twice a day. This is defentaltly a good year for crabbing on the bay!

The small catch in there temp home.. Shhh dont tell them, this is better then the next home they are about to stay in.. No AC!

Not only is there no AC in this new home, we are going to turn the heat up!

Going out in the early sun rise fishing with pal and local rock star realtor Becky Haynie.. need a cool Waterfront home? She will show you the area by boat.. A WOODYBOAT!.. She knows the area like the back of her hand.

We caught to many fish! DANG! My Sons of varnish shirt is shot.. I wish I had a spare.. UGH..

Life does not get much better.

However, to truly appreciate a Riva, it often helps to see how they were designed and built from the inside out. A perfect example of this is the electrical wiring, safely linking the engine, instruments, and lighting all together from the dash board. From the outside, we can see the traditional instruments and switches on the dash. But what’s behind the dash of a classic Riva is another story.

Over the last year we have been following the remarkable restoration of a 1959 Riva Ariston which is being completed by fellow Woody Boater Don Ayers in Oklahoma. Last week Don gave us a rare, behind the scenes look at just how these boats were originally wired, just like they were at the production facility in Italy over 50 years ago… Along with a very cool time lapse video of the re-wiring project, condensed into a five minute, thirty-seven second YouTube video.

As you will see, Don enjoys the challenges of restoring classic wooden boats to their original, period correct condition – as well as doing the endless research and as much of the actual work himself, which is inspirational…

A High Wire Act!
by Don Ayers

When people think of a Riva boat it’s usually about chrome and lots of beautiful mahogany – but wait, there is also that little part that makes everything work, the wiring. As with most things Riva, those Italians took the wiring to a new level as well. One cannot help but be impressed if you ever get a chance to look under the dash of just about any vintage Riva. There you find an almost art-like presentation in all its color of form and function.

My project 1959 Riva Ariston started out like so many have, by me thinking I would be able to save this and reuse that. Ultimately, and you know we all have experienced it, you find yourself having to replace just about everything. When it came time to start the wiring I had to face the music.

The biggest hurdle was overcoming the fear and intimidation that slaps you in the face, especially when you don’t have much electrical engineering skills or knowledge. What appeared to be good, original wire turned out to be corroded 50+ year old junk. “No way can I take the boat to this level of restoration and then have trouble or worse yet and have a fire on my hands”, I repeat to myself.

This Is Where It All Started - Looks Like A Mess

Once I made the decision to replace the wiring, all the battle was on! OK, I’ve got a lot of original stuff to copy here this should be easy, right? Wrong!!! Step one, find out what the wire specifications were. A great deal of time was spent determining exactly what it all was and sourcing new wire. Quickly I found that was a very tall order. Most of the wire was not US gauge size and spec, surprise surprise.

Thanks to the folks at Rhode Island Wire company (www.riwire.com) much was able to be crossed referenced to their current stock and with many being an almost dead match for color. Also, Rhode Island Wire carries the stock without any script printed on the sheath so it looks period correct. Thirteen different sizes and colors were had to be sources. Rhode Island Wire was able to get me most out of stock but three types had to be custom made. So, I needed thirty feet of this and that and I ended up having to make a 500’ roll to get it! But that’s what you do sometimes right, “Matt the Zipper”!!!

A Total Of Thirteen Different Sizes And Colors Of Wire Were Required

Next was the horrifying reality that all these different color and size of wire had their own matching plastic tubes, good Lord how am I going to do that? It would be just too easy if you could buy all the right size tubing and color but Nooooo! So you do the next best thing, you buy the available black stuff and hand paint it all in the right color with special paint for plastic. As you might guess that took a little time to do but in the end it really worked great and I was really patting myself of the back even though I had not put a single wire in the boat yet.

All The Colored Tube To Spec Out For The Project As Well

Here’s part of the new wire order from Rhode Island Wire…

Along with the full rolls of special custom made two-conductor wire that we had made for the project – A Lifetime Supply!

And below, all the colored tubes individually painted and ready to be installed in the boat.

An unknown amount of hours later I was finally out of excuses and was faced with starting. Did I mention that with all these special colored wires and tube that are a zillion different sizes of these little plastic wire holders????

All The Different Size Plastic Wire Holders!!

With all my crap in the boat, I decided to start by making the looms and run everything to the back of the boat first. A wise choice as it really helped with the confidence.

Hmmmm, “how do I get the wire through a long length of tube by myself”? Well, let’s put it this way, you have to be very clever and do it alone because the sailor-like language that came out of my mouth would turn any observer’s face red, but I digress.

The main engine loom ready to install… This was at least a two blister job, feeding all that wire through 18 feet of tubing!

The original switches were removed, disassembeled and indiviually stored…

And each switch was then inspected and carefully rebuilt…

All the switch cases replated and ready to be reassembeled then reinstalled.

The original dash and wire was used as a template for duplication…

Another look at the completed dash and wiring – Just like it was in 1959.

Ah, success is mine as I finish all the runs to the stern and even power on the engine room lights for fun, “Carlo, you thought of everything including lighting the engine room!” Did I mention having to buy the original replacement light for $50 each??? ZIPPER!!!!!!!

Let There Be Light !!!

OK with all the easy stuff done it’s put up or shut up time, on to the back of the dash. Since I had just bought a new video camera I thought it would be fun to make one of those time lapse movies so I set it to take one frame every ten seconds. (You can see the cool YouTube video below)

Overall I really have no idea how many hours it took to do everything involved with the wiring of the boat. I do know that I have at least 50 hours under the dash. But do we really care? Not a bit because for most of us those hours are pure vacation time away from the day job and the stressors of life. I really loved every moment of it and am proud to have taken it on. Clearly anyone can do this or any boat restoration work if they put their mind to it. I hope I have inspired a few to take on their project and enjoy the time spent.

Ciao – Don Ayers

Thanks Don for sharing this great story with us here at Woody Boater, we are looking forward to the next chapter in the restoration project as you round the bases and head for home. To learn more about Don’s amazing 1959 Riva Ariston restoration project, and all things Riva – Check out the Riva Forum by clicking here. – Texx

Here’s the great time lapse YouTube video of the wiring project that Don made which is fun to watch…

Click here to view the embedded video.

Original Conceptual Rendering Of Sverige - Circa 1929

At the Stockholm Boat Show that spring, “Sverige” – the name the team gave her was the obvious star. She became the talk of the year in Sweden, in every harbor and in every summer water front house, people were talking about “Sverige”, and her chance to beat Gar Wood for the Harmsworth International Trophy on the Detroit River in America. (You can see the original Woody Boater story from January by clicking here)

But their ambitous plans for the raceboat suddenly changed. In October 1929 the Wall Street Stock Market Crash signaled the beginning of the 12-year long Great Depression which turned everything upside down for the project. The plans for the Swedish challenger were put on hold… Maybe next year or the year after that, they argued. But then in 1932, the economic crisis struck Sweden hard, and “Sverige” fell into oblivion… Until now.

Yesterday, we received an e-mail from another fellow Woody Boater, Harry Wilson (from the Miss Canada IV restoration team) to report the news that “Sverige” had been launched and was being tested in Sweden. – (Thanks Harry!) We e-mailed Anders Værnéus at Swedish Classic Boats and within hours, received this update…

Yieeeehaaaa!!!

It works, it works, it works! After a long winter project, “Sverige” is finally alive! The dream of waking up the Swedish competitor, designed for the 1930 Harmsworth Trophy, took place in my mind for over a decade ago when we built the replica on the express commuter “Svalan”.

Now, “Sverige” is no longer a dream – She’s a reality and She’s alive! The beast is awake and no one in the Swedish Tupperwareboaterville will never be safe again. Here she is. The meanest, fastest, woodiest wooden race boat built in decades in Europa. Here she is – ready to rock the varnish off “Miss America VIII’s” hull sides.

Because – that’s really one of our goals for this restoration. To some day meet up with the owner of Gar Wood’s “Miss America VIII” for that race that never became reality back in 1930. Now – after 83 years, we’re ready to finally compete.

The twin V-12 Rolls Royce Meteors in “Sverige” are furious. The sounds that resonate from them are like music from heaven for us big cubic-inch-lovers. If you think one Meteror is enough – I can now tell you that two are even better. With the standard cruising props on, and running on half speed, we’re hitting just over 50 knots (yes, welcome to translate it to mph – you better get use to it). (That’s Ander’s version of good humored bench racing – it’s 57 MPH – Texx)

Her maiden voyage took place last Friday in the sunny village of Holmsund, Sweden where she was built at the Johansson & Son boat yard. The crane let her slowly hit the water for the first time, and after some pre-flight checks and some chatting at the dock, Master Boat Builder Christer Johansson took his place behind the wheel and fired her up. And again… The Rolls Royce Meteors seemed to be waiting for this. They just sound amazing. The lines came off and away they went.

After some slow testing, Christer was not able to wait anymore. The pedal hit the metal and yieeehaaddaaahhaa, “Sverige” disappeared in a cloud of water and heated exhaust air.

It was really a fantastic day worth waiting for. Now it’s over. Or has it just started? I believe in the later… Will you follow us? And will the new owner of “Miss America VIII” be ready to meet “Sverige” in a competition for the 1930 Harmsworth trophy? Maybe just outside the Detroit Yacht Club. On the correct place and with thousands of viewers on the shores and on boats. We will be there if the crew on “Miss America VIII” will take the challenge. Deal?

Anders Værnéus – Team Sverige Sweden

As you can see from the boat, these guys are dead serious and prepared to travel with the boat to America to recreate history. You heard it here on Woody Boater first!

You can also see a cool video of “Sverige” on her maiden voyage a few days ago in Sweden on our Woodyboater.com Facebook page by clicking here.

Special thanks to Anders Værnéus from Swedish Classic Boats and Harry Wilson from Miss Canada IV / Harold & Lorna film for helping us with this story.

Texx

The Gang form Katz's Marina on Lake Hopatcong is ready to go!

WOW, Oreo and I had no idea we could keep this going for as long as we did. We will certainly do this again, and thanks to Peter Mellon at Antique Boat America for inspiring the idea with there wonderful Golden Retriever Rescue and Art Print Series. Also a special shout out to Hagerty Marine Insurance for sending in a bunch of out takes from there ad campaign years back.

Hagerty Photo Ad Campain outtakes

More Hagerty fun!

And of course Oreo for stepping all over the key board to make this happen.. The sad thing is, she spells better than I do already, and works for biscuits! Thanks again to all our Woody barkers out there..

This in from George Blosser from the Smith mountain Lake Gang - Our original yellow lab was Angel who we lost at age 12 - And below Amie joined us several months later and has taken over the rear seat in our 1956 Chris-Craft Continental “Happy Days”. Happy Memorial Day to you and your family, George

Arnie!

Hi Oreo, My friend Honey Bear told me about Woody Barker... very cool! Here is a picture of my 1959 24' Chris Craft Sportsman before the restoration project began. Good news was it floats, bad news is it needs more work than my owner can handle. I hear you have a boat just like this one... except nicer... LUCKY! Wendy Bean

Dempsey, relaxing aboard his 40' Chris Craft Conqueror. Ken

Sadie riding in OoRAH, Dora canal

Even in italy Woody Barkers rule - Don Ayers

And this just in from fellow Woody Boater Paul Dykstra

Thanks again for all the fun pics! Stay tuned for other news that’s been happening.

And a couple of Woody Bowser shots from our friend Harry Wilson in Muskoka Lakes, Canada. Harry commented “Texx – You gotta LOVE the Woody Barker theme this week… We hope it’s not too late to get a couple of our favorites shots in.”

And below from Alex Watson in Hessel, MI…

His name was Polar. He was a Chow-Retriever mix. We got him at the Indianapolis Humane Society at about 1-1/2 year old. We had him before we were married. He was a saint of a dog. Brought out everybody’s best side.

I had to put him to sleep when he was about 11, in 2007. We all miss him. The pic leaning over the seat back was taken en route to Mackinac Island from Hessel. It shows those ears floating in the wind. Something very peaceful about watching a dog loving the lake air.

The photo below shows his soulful eyes. He could look right into you with wonderful empathy.

Now you might be thinking that’s not a woody boat. And you’re right. It’s our 1998 Cobalt 232. Gorgeous lines. It will be a classic. Meanwhile take comfort knowing it came with the optional genuine wood dash. – Alex

Hey Oreo, Hope you are making some new friends during Woofy Boater week! Or is it Woody Barker? Woofy Barker? Anyway... Attached is a picture of me riding in Big Red, a 1940s Kinnen, in Minnesota! Honey Bear

Thanks to all of you, we have more fun Woofy Boaters to share on Woody Barker Week. Also if you visit our facebook page folks have been sending in more 4 legged crew shots.

From the Franchini's - Mario riding on my Tollycraft in a pink hand-me-down life jacket. He will be so embarrassed when he brings his first girlfriend over and I start pulling out these old pictures! !

Attached is a photo from the 1956 Century Catalog... Funny thing is My wife works with the son of the dogs owner... the dog was named popcorn... I sent the guy this photo he showed it to his mother... They were just there for the photo shoot but she had never seen the photo... I think Popcorn was a English Springer Spinal. The boat is a 1956 Century Resorter 18'.

this in from fellow Woody Boater Jacob Glick-first mate Fritz aboard his boat 'Norm'. Norm is named after our first golden retriever.

Here is a photo of one of my old dogs, Thorton a black Great Dane.. in a 1960 CC 18' Continental... 1990 or 1991 photo. Frnak Miklos

The way restorers see dogs! Something you cannot just varnish out! Don

From Fellow Woody Boater David 'Biggest Balls Winner Konick- Jack Spot - 25 miles off Ocean City, MD "Can we go home, now?"

This in from Don Ayers from the Riva Forum

Our beloved Brewer co-captaining Destiny, a 21’ Staudacher, in downtown Annap:

This is "Tank" with our daughter Amy. One phrase comes to mind: As Sheriff Brody said to Quint: "We need a bigger boat..." Our boat isn't quite ready for water, the symposium at the Clayton was an essential part of getting ready to do the necessary work. Wouldn't have known about it except for having read about it at WoodyBoater. Thanks for all the great work you and Texx and everyone does at WoddyBoater... errrr WoodyBoater!

Stay tuned, there’s MORE! Does everyone out there have a dog? I thought this might get about 4 shots.. BRING THEM ON! We have some cool stuff from companies as well for later.. We will be milking this sucker til Monday so if you are out on the water, get some shots!

Woody gal, and Annie on board Pumpkin! That is one smart dog!

Thanks to Oreo we have gotten in some more fun pics of fellow Woody Barkers.. I suspect Oreo is calling them in that silent language that only dogs can hear! If your dog has barked any this week, its the daisy chain of conversation going on between them.. Either that, or they are glad just to go out and pee.. One never knows…

Here's a shot of our 12 year old black lab Bay with my mother and wife aboard our 18ft CC Sea Skiff just off Harbor Point in Harbor Springs, MI. Dan Kimball

The Woody Boatress and Ruby, aboard Betsy

"Riva" Aboard John Karlson's Century Raven

Jim Scotts Golden who decided that she was not going to be anyones crew mwmbwer. She floated off the dock and having some fun in the middle of the creek!

Stay tuned for more fun on Woody Barker week! Also we received several emails regarding if Oreo had any brothers or sisters available?

Oreo on board 'Suzy" 1960 Chris Craft 24 Sportsman. She even came with built in soft boat shoes.

Yes! 2 Sisters. This is a very special litter and breeder. She is located in Charlottsville Va and is a very well known breeder of Portugese water dogs and havana silk pups. Her location is spotless and very well done. The litter is interesting because nether the breeder or us have ever heard them bark! Dad has a fantastic disposition.. If you are interested in one of Oreo’s Sistas here is Lorna’s web address.. pwdlover.com  Tell her your pals of Oreo! It would be fun to have the entire family all Woody Boaters ! Wooo woooof!

“Easy Daisy” is a 1950 Chris Craft 19’ Racing Runabout named after our two Golden Retrievers who enjoy going for rides on Torch Lake, MI. Easy on the left and Daisy on the right side.

Today we have handed off the reporting to our Pup reporter Oreo.. Take it away Oreo…. Woof grrrrrr, yipe!yap yap yap yap….

This one in from Bob B. Beloved family member. Also brother driving boat.

In from Richard Gambino -Neptune holding court at Great Gun on Fire Island. "Where are my doggie bisquets servants?"

Don't worry, as your crew 'matures', he will act more like this on those special outings. A usually relaxing Gus and a bit more attentive Gracie. Randy Mueller "Starlight Express"

here's Travis and Ginger in Rhapsody. All pugs must wear PFDs, they don't float. Jack Dando

Captain Corbie at the wheel of Lady J II the first day of her complete restoration. Lady J II was originally built in 1990 to a Thames Slipper Launch design from the 1920's. The new owner, Judy Donnelly, wanted her rebuilt to Bristle and as you see from the other image of Capt Corbie, he was quite bored with all the details. The last image is of Lady J II a day before her first show. These days Lady J II is kept at San Diego Yacht Club, so we have no images of Capt. Corbie at the water front since he is just not a blue blazer kind of a dog. He prefers staying at the shop on the ranch with me. Oh, by the way, Capt. Corbie was rescued from a pet store after living there for the first 6 months of his life in a plastic cubicle. They said he was too cantankerous to sell. Now he spends most of his life in my shop or keeping the 5 other dogs in line. Not bad for a dog 1/7th their weight with 4 inch legs. From sunny San Diego, Cal. David Black and Capt. Corbie.

Captian Corbie resting on the job durring restoration.

And this little crew member in from Annette Kjonno

And this one in from Robert Matson This is "Walleye" at the St. Paul,MN Antique & Classic Boat Show!

And to finish of today, the one, the only, the king of all Woody Barkers.

John and Kim Kadimiks Mr White "Best Dog Ever!"

Keep em come’n…  Yap woof woof grrrrr, Oreo out!