The Payette Lakes Chapter of ACBS celebrates its 20th year in 2026. That’s 20 years of cruising and enjoying some of the most beautiful lakes in the U.S. Many of their members today were original members who joined to form and support the antique and classic boating hobby.
Payette Lakes Chapter members at the Sandpoint boat show.
Centered in McCall, Idaho and with members who span California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada, members enjoy in-water events like the Spring Fling to kick off the boating season, regular luncheon cruises on Payette and Cascade Lakes and their big event, held the first weekend each August, the Payette Lakes Boat Show.
But they also host on-trailer events too, reaching residents and visitors and introducing many to the hobby of antique and classic boating and to ACBS. New sponsor, Dude Dewalt Cellars, invited the chapter to a wood boat and wine event where aerial photographers captured the beauty of the boats and the vineyards. The chapter also plans to participate in the 2025 Huckleberry Festival parade in Donnelly, where they will decorate their boats in huckleberry purple.
Payette Lakes Chapter members boat show at Dude DeWalt Cellers winery.
Thanks to generous community support, the Payette Lakes Chapter of ACBS is able to donate funds generated from their annual boat show to the community, helping the chapter and its members to support the many good area causes and to remain the kind of organization the community can be proud of. In fact, they open their board meetings to the community and encourage members to bring friends who might be interested in joining.
So, back to this weekend’s big event, the Payette Lake Boat Show, where 38 beautiful boats are on display. From Century to Chris-Craft, from Southwind to Dunphy, and even two Wave Jumper Marines, it’s a great weekend to head on down to the docks.
Frankly My Dear, a 1942 Grumman Super Widgeon, at the 2024 Payette Lakes Boat Show
But, it’s not just a show for antique and classic boats, says chapter president Bill Roberts. For the second in a row, a friend of the chapter will bring his “flying boat,” a 1942 Grumman Super Widgeon called Frankly My Dear. Also this year, an additional “flying boat,” a Kitfox Model IV called Evinrude will be on display.
Opening day festivities began Friday with a parade through downtown McCall with many of the show participants towing their boats and escorted by the McCall Police Department. The finale takes place Sunday morning, with a 10-mile lake run cruise to North Beach complete with coffee and a light breakfast.
At the Whitefish, MT boat show.
The Payette Lakes Chapter of ACBS is full of great adventures, all of which can be yours too just by visiting their website and joining.
Here’s a short video clip from the 2024 Whitefish Woody Weekend
and a short video from the 2024 Payette Lake Wooden & Classic Boat Show including Frankly My Dear.
Special thanks to Payette Lakes sponsor, McCullough Photography.
Check out the Payette Lakes Chapter’s webpage and join the fun!