By Ryan Motter, Bay State Classic Boat Club President
Happy August Boaters,
In the realm of the unexpected, life sometimes takes us on the most extraordinary journeys. This summer, I embarked on a journey of my own that began with an email that seemed like a scam, but ultimately led me to an unforgettable experience. I found myself playing the role as a professional stunt driver for a nautically inspired car commercial.
The story began when I received an email that promised an opportunity that seemed too good to be true. However, this one caught my eye with a few key words “looking for a classic boat, like a Chris Craft”.
With a mixture of curiosity and caution, I delved deeper into the email’s details. To my surprise, it wasn’t a scam. The advertising agency behind the project sought to showcase Hyundai’s towing abilities. Cape Cod was selected to provide the quintessential backdrop of classic New England landscapes.
What truly amazed me was the agency’s desire for authenticity. In a world of CGI and clever editing, they were adamant about featuring a genuine classic boat. That’s where my Chris Craft came into the picture. A true labor of love, my 1949 17’ Deluxe Runabout was deemed the perfect fit for this endeavor. It was a humbling honor to see my passion recognized and celebrated by professionals in the advertising world.
The experience was not only a personal milestone but also a celebration of the spirit of the ACBS community. Classic boat enthusiasts, like everyone in ACBS, need to keep an eye out for opportunities and find ways to keep the spirit alive in these old wooden boats.
So, the next time you receive an email that seems too extraordinary to be real, consider the possibilities, as life has a way of surprising us. And if you haven’t seen it yet, keep an eye out for a Hyundai commercial airing this summer.
Or check out the link below:
Reading this on our drive home to Smith Mountain Lake as we leave Cape Cod from our annual week long vacation here. I love the sprit of your story and can’t wait to get back to my 53 Riveria.
I saw that commercial for the first time about a week ago and thought it was really cool.
Darned if I didn’t see that commercial last night here in the Pacific Northwest. I remember thinking at the time “I wonder whose boat that is?” Well done, and thanks for a great article!
Great story and commercial. Wished they showed the boat more than a split second. But it was a car ad.