You got a great boat… or maybe just a great deal, and you’ve trailered it to your garage. Now what?
If you live in Florida, and are a member of the ACBS Sunnyland Chapter, you attend the Adult SCAMPY Program and enjoy hands-on learning while restoring a Chris-Craft Rocket. SCAMPY stands for Sunnyland Chapter Apprentice Mentoring for Youth. For years this Chapter has led a successful program that teaches kids all about boat restoration. Led by experienced members, they sand, scrape, repair, paint, varnish and polish boats to a shine, ready for display at the annual Sunnyland Chapter Boat Festival held each March at Lake Dora, Florida.
Recently, SCAMPY extended to create an adult program to help those new to restorations. Each Tuesday and Thursday the group meets and works on a Chris-Craft Rocket. Along with needed hull work, a correct Hercules Chris-Craft K (95HP) engine has been acquired and will be re-worked under the guidance of SCAMPY engine expert Herb Hall. Jeff Funk will lead on the hull work with assistance from Frank Miklos who will lead the interior work. The plan is to have the Rocket completed and displayed at the 2026 Sunnyland Show this coming spring.
Following the Rocket’s completion is the much anticipated 1930 25-foot Dodge Runabout…less than five remain in the worl and there is a lot of work to do on this project. But a worthwhile endeavor won’t it be fun? After the Dodge, a 1950 Century Sea Maid is on deck. The Adult Program has a full plate and will need volunteer students and workers to see these classics get finished.
Classes meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 9AM-Noon at the SCAMPY shop located at 31125 Industrial Blvd, Tavares Fl 32778.
Are you ready to learn more about these beautiful antique & classic boats? Are you interested in developing some new skills that can be applied to your own boat? Join the SCAMPY program! You will get your hands dirty, and love every minute of it. Visit the Sunnyland Chapter’s website to learn more.