September 15–21, 2025 was the Antique and Classic Boat Society’s (ACBS) Vintage Boat Week in Clayton, NY. The theme for the event was “Celebrating 50 years in 2025!” For those who could not make it to Clayton, ACBS requested their chapter plan a local boating activity for September 20th. As we knew most of our…
Lake Hopatcong has had a big couple of weeks! With their second summer cruise held on July 16th and a practice wedding run for an engaged couple at the end of June, members have been busy! What better way to enjoy friendships and see a young couple off than in a beautiful vintage boat? …
Calling all Outboard enthusiasts! Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 4, 2025 Jim Barrick, Blue Ridge ACBS Chapter Member, avid outboard collector and restorer will present a workshop for the Lake Hopatcong ACBS Chapter on Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 10am-2pm. Jim, who is also an active member of the AOMCI, will share his knowledge…
With a charter date of February 14, 1976, the Lake Hopatcong Chapter became ACBS’ first. Still thriving nearly 50 years later, ACBS salutes those who laid the foundation for this organization and those who continue to build on it’s legacy today. Here is the Lake Hopatcong Chapter’s story… A Brief Chapter History The Lake Hopatcong…
By Don Gulliksen, Lake Hopatcong Chapter Our Chris Craft was built in 1931, now over 90 years ago. We don’t know how many owners she has had or how many adventures she has been a part of. She lived through the Great Depression and World War II. She even survived the boat industry shift to…
By Tom McGowan, Lake Hopatcong Chapter I first met the Old Timer in 1956 when I was 6 years old on a visit to my grandparents’ house on Lake Hopatcong. She was then 32 years old, retired from her career as a Lake Hopatcong tour boat and spending her days floating alongside my grandparents’ dock…
A Minnesota Boat on a New Jersey Lake By Tom McGowan, Lake Hoptacong Chapter Mr Frank is a “preserved” 20-foot 1955 Larson cabin outboard special. His design is straight forward – basically a big canoe with a roof, not fast by any measure. The Beginning Like every other classic boat, Mr Frank has a story.…
By Mike Schillizzi, Director Lake Hopatcong Chapter I first got started admiring and enjoying boating with a Chris-Craft from my cousin’s father. He had three….a 1955 18’ Sportsman, a ‘63 23’ Skiff, and a 61’ 17’ ski boat which he gave to my father in 1967. It needed a bit of engine work which we…
by Peter Takvorian member of the Mid-Atlantic and Lake Hopatcong chapters Riva wooden speedboats manufactured in Sarnico, Italy from the 1950’s through the 1970’s, are generally considered the pinnacle of design, construction, and elegance. In 1965, Carlo Riva and his designer, Barilini, discussed plans for a fast (45 mph) 18-19 ft boat with room to…
By Kenneth Moeri, member of the Lake Hopatcong Chapter My dream of owning a classic boat became a reality in July 2010. I acquired Hornblower with love in my eyes in beautiful Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, from an LHACBS chapter member. Hornblower is a 1954 20’ Chris-Craft Special Sportsman. It had been basically restored to…
From the Lake Hopatcong Chapter Archives She came from England. Demeter, a 1926 28’ Taylor & Bates launch was built at a boatyard on the Thames. Needing a frame up restoration to return to service, Demeter underwent major surgery over two years at Pete Schell’s shop. The Lake Hopatcong Chapter was privileged to see the…
From the Lake Hopatcong Chapter Archives Ken & Cindy Heaton are Lake Hopatcong ACBS Members (since 2000). Both have been on the Board, and Ken is a Past President of the Chapter (2015-2016). Kenny has a well-deserved reputation of being the Fred Sanford of boats-in-need of some TLC. Other members are taking advantage of this…