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,…
by Lee Wangstad, BSLOL Chapter It wasn’t just the 50s cultural revolution in America that brought style into the American consciousness. Towards the end of the second Industrial Revolution as the last gasps of the 19th century tapered to a halt, the early stages of the 20th century brought a new renaissance in just how…
By James Black, Chesapeake Bay Chapter After ten years of dedication to restoration, we consider Little Debbie herself to be a finished project. As is, she meets or exceeds all expectations for family fun in and around our lakefront community. However, as a test and evaluation platform for anything old to EV-Conversion, alternative internal systems…
By Captain Don Leutz, Norther California Lake Tahoe Chapter Boating season is fully underway and there is nothing more sat- isfying than enjoying a day out on the lake. It’s even better when there are no problems that come up, but just in case it’s always good to try to be prepared. One way to…