Frequently Asked Questions About ACBS
Who is ACBS?
Since its founding in 1975 on the shores of Lake George, New York, The Antique and Classic Boat Society, Inc. (ACBS) has grown into the largest membership organization in the world dedicated to the enjoyment of classic boats. All styles of classic boats whether they are wood, fiberglass or metal, powered or non-powered are welcome.
With more than 6,500 memberships, ACBS is the organization classic boat enthusiasts count on for resources essential to their passion for classic boats.
Each year, ACBS Chapters organize more than 100 antique boat shows, workshops, cruises, and social events throughout North America – there is truly something for everyone.
Our Mission: ACBS is a membership-based association dedicated to connecting people who love and enjoy classic boats with events, information, expertise, and other people who share the passion. We serve our members and chapters, internationally, by providing information, education, and resources designed to promote, sustain and grow the hobby, professions, community, and lifestyle surrounding the safe enjoyment of classic boats and boating.
How do I get a password for the Member’s Only Section?
Become a member! You can gain instant access when you join online, or if you prefer to join through the mail, you may download a printable form or you can call ACBS headquarters at (315) 686-2628.
I am a member already, what is my login information?
Every member has their own unique login and password. Your username is the email address you registered with ACBS. You create your own password. If you have forgotten your password, click on “forgot password” or call ACBS headquarters at (315) 686-2628.
Do I need a boat to join?
Absolutely not– although, after reading about some of our activities in Rudder, our award-winning quarterly magazine, you may wish to purchase a boat from the classified page on the ACBS website. There are members with no boats and members with more than a few boats. Boat ownership is not a requirement to enjoy everything the ACBS community has to offer.
Just how old does a boat need to be to be considered a classic boat?
Historic: A boat built up to and including 1918.
Antique: A boat built between 1919 and 1942.
Classic: A boat built between 1943 and 1975.
Late Classic: A boat built 1976 to the year 25 prior to the current year.
Contemporary: A wooden boat built within the last 25 years.
My boat is old enough to be a classic, but it is fiberglass or aluminum. Is that a problem?
No — as long as your boat is over 25 years old it qualifies as a classic boat. Actually, Fiberglass and Aluminum boats are a rapidly growing source of members in the ACBS community. Both are relatively inexpensive and offer both challenges and benefits to their owners. No matter what your boat, you will always find members that share your particular interest.
What is the Mission of the ACBS?
ACBS is a membership-based association dedicated to connecting people who love and enjoy classic boats with events, information, expertise, and other people who share the passion. We serve our members and chapters, internationally, by providing information, education, and resources designed to promote, sustain and grow the hobby, professions, community, and lifestyle surrounding the safe enjoyment of classic boats and boating.
How is the ACBS Organized?
ACBS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with 48 chapters in the U.S., 4 chapters in Canada, and 1 chapter in France. ACBS is the central business office for the organization and is governed by a board of directors with 14 members and a full time staff of two people.
The ACBS Board of Directors meets quarterly to conduct association business. All ACBS board of director meetings are open to ACBS members. The Annual Membership Meeting is held in September each year in conjunction with the ACBS International Boat Show.
