By Gene Dangel, Northern California/Lake Tahoe Brothers Bob and Billy Campbell became commercial fisherman after WWII and settled on Catalina Island in 1948 living aboard their boat. Applying knowledge and experience gained in all types of boats navigating the blue waters off of the California coast, taught them valuable lessons about performance, seaworthiness, and functional…
By Mark Manes, Northern California/Lake Tahoe Chapter As a child, I knew that I wanted a job that I would truly enjoy, and I think I found it. Many of you may have no idea what a San Francisco Bar Pilot even is…basically we drive ships for a living! A Marine Pilot is essentially a…
By Lew Dobbins, Northern California Lake Tahoe Chapter Warning: Once again you are entering “The Gear-Head Zone”. Not recommended for the faint of heart. Clean finger nails not guaranteed! Hot Tanking parts: A caustic hot bath that cleans and eats paint, grease sludge etc. This leaves the engine internal and external surfaces almost ready for machine work.…
By Frank Robinson, Columbia Willamette Chapter If you’ve seen a gleaming 1928 Dodge Watercar at the docks, it just might be a boat with a long history in Frank Robinson’s family that started when his father purchased it from his boss for twenty-five dollars in September 1937. Here’s Frank’s story… The new watercar didn’t have…
By Gerry VandeVusse, Water Wonderland Chapter If you’re headed to the 2026 ACBS Vintage Boat Week in Port Huron, Michigan, you may be interested in exploring more of this beautiful state? From gleaming waters to quaint towns and some of the best boating in the country, Michigan has so much to offer. The following story…
By Lew Dobbins, Northern California/Lake Tahoe Chapter This article is based on my opinion and experience of dealing with marine engines for way too many years! As we care about protecting our boats, I’m sure that you all made a good job of winterizing your engines and fuel systems. So, let’s take a look at…
By Brian Lawson, Hudson River Chapter In 1973, fresh out of college and newly married, I went to work for Janco’s Marina just south of Plattsburgh, New York, on beautiful Lake Champlain. Although a full service marina, it catered mainly to sailors and sailboats. Janco’s was located on the New York side of the lake…
The Continental Era 1955-1961 By Craig Magnusson, Pacific Northwest Chapter 1955 was the biggest year ever for Chris-Craft in terms of new models. The Capri and the Cobra runabouts were new, a number of new cruisers were introduced, and an entirely new line of utilities were introduced ranging in size from 18- through 25-feet. This…
By Craig Magnusson, Pacific Northwest Chapter In March 1922, Baby Gar won the Wood-Fisher contest at the Miami Regatta with Gar Wood at the helm. Today, Baby Gars are thought of as exemplifying the beauty and speed of Gar Wood boats. But in the beginning, they weren’t intended to be production boats. This fascinating article,…
If you aren’t at the Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival this weekend in Mount Dora, Florida, fear not. Here are a few photos to get you excited for the unofficial kickoff to the boating season! For more photos, follow ACBS on social media. Direct links to our social media are at the upper right of this…
By Mark Manes, Northern California/Lake Tahoe Chapter I remember in my childhood driving my father’s 22’ boat from the launch ramp out to Cayuga Lake and having someone yelling at me that I was on the wrong side of the channel. They said something about Port to Port. I remember it, because it was the…
By Don Leutz, Northern California Lake Tahoe Chapter As a boat owner/operator, there are many responsibilities that need to be taken seriously in order to be a safe boater. Planning and preparation will go a long way to providing safe and enjoyable power boating. Responsibility for the safety of the boat and everyone on board,…