Trolling Motor and Hot Water Projects

By Don Chaffin, Michigan Chapter This is a continuation of the restoration and modernization of my 1969 Lyman Cruisette. If interested in the history and earlier projects on this boat, you might want to read: “The Lyman Restoration Project”, published in the Fall 2020 issue of the ACBS Rudder magazine. A brief summary follows. I…

The Passing of Bill Mack

Our dear friend William “Bill” Mack of Lima, Ohio passed June 15, 2021. He was 81 years old. Bill’s life was centered around family, friends, laughter and having fun! Bill collected cars, trucks, fire trucks, Cushman’s, just about anything antique but his wood boats were special. He owned several Lyman’s, Mathews, Chris Craft’s, and a…

Cat’s Meow

By Janet Lowry, Long Island Chapter Cat’s Meow is a 15-foot Old Town that belonged to my late Uncle who was a serious wood boat enthusiast, and got me interested in the wood boat hobby. She needs lots of cosmetic work to be completed, along with several ribs that need replacing/repairing. Right now, I’m using…

Bobby Boat

By Robert Rienzo, Lake Hopatcong Chapter My journey began in 1957 at the age of 9 when my family purchased a 16-foot Thompson Boat with a Johnson 30 HP motor. The boat was docked at Riviera Beach, NJ, several blocks away from our summer home. Several years later a Chris Craft utility was docked along…

The ACBS Boat Show is a GO!

I am pleased to announce the ACBS Board of Directors voted unanimously to hold the ACBS International Boat Show in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, September 17-18, 2021. The Annual Membership Meeting will be held on September 16th. The Inland Empire Chapter is offering a variety of activities starting on September 13th. Registration details can be found…

My Love for Thompson Boats

By Janet Lowry, Ronkonkoma NY This 1957 Thompson 15-foot outboard belonged to my late Uncle. He loved his vintage lapstrake boats, and has passed that interest onto me! The Thompson needs cosmetics and is on the “to do” list. My love for Thompson boats goes back to when I was in the 3rd grade. My…

Defender’s Resurrection

By Todd Nouse (Waterford, MI) It’s a Long Tale. Hang in There In the early ‘60s, the Detroit River Yachting Association, now the Detroit Regional Yachting Association was, and is the parent organization for Detroit area yacht clubs that wish to hold sail racing events. Each club (9 if I remember correctly) was invited to…

The History of Aramis

By Jim Schmidt The cutter rig sloop Aramis (original name Dorjack) was designed by Henry J. Gielow and built in 1935 by the Burbach Yacht Company in Fruitport, Michigan (near Muskegon). She is 38-feet long, 9 1/2’ wide and is constructed of one inch carvel planked mahogany over oak frames. Her 55-foot mast is made…