No this not a photo of some 90 year old geezer as a kid. It’s a real kid. Master Cole Franchini, a true WoodyBoater. This is Cole in his 1960 Skeeto made by a company called Moldcraft from Wisconsin. Cole bought it with some money he had saved for a video game when he was just 8. That was a year ago, and now at the ripe old age of 9 he is finalizing some painting on it this week in order to take it to the Columbia-Willamette ACBS show in Portland at the end of the month. The Franchini’s will have three generations at the show, each with a boat. Brian …Cole’s Dad, bought his 1966 Tollycraft Sportabout 5 years ago which in turn sucked his Dad into the hobby. Cole helped restore a 1957 Tollycraft Rumpas for Grandpa this winter that made it to the Sandpoint, Idaho show this past weekend. Cole is excited to have his boat at the upcoming show. He loves to stand by it and tell people about how “he” found it and all the work he has done. Just like the rest of us WoodyBoaters. So here’s a raised glass of milk to Cole Franchini. Wooohooo.
Feel free to call me stupid, but what is the engine in this?
Congratulations Cole!!! Great looking boat you have. I wish I could meet you at the show but will not be able to attend. I think it's great that you are the Woody Boater of the Month. That's quire an honor.
Now you know that you will outgrow your fine treasure eventually so start saving now for a Tolly Craft like Dad's and Gramp's in the near future.
Sincerely,
Al Benton
One more addition: the Franchini’s are not only boat nuts, but more importantly supper nice people.
rob
Wow. That is a super woodyboater and a super boat. When I am working on my boats I wish that they all had the same LOA as that boat. I am sure that Cole will always have that boat because it was his first. He has a long and happy wake in front of him. Congradulations. Maybe he will enjoy a lapstrake someday.
This is one of the most inspiring stories I have had the privilage to do.
nice boat cole, your off to a good start
Thank you for all the comments. As Cole's Dad, I am so proud to see him take an interest in the hobby I enjoy so much. Even at 9, I think he has learned such a great deal from working on "old" boats. While his friends sit on a couch playing video games, Cole has discovered that with his hands and mind, he can do anything he wants. With all the pressure on kids today from school to sports, a little wood boat with some paint and varnish has the great sense of innocence that sadly seems to be lacking in today's world. Again, thank you for the comments. We will keep you posted with his progress!
cole, nice job! Don't forget your throw coushon and life jacket………….markmcisaacinc