By Brian Thalhammer Sponsored Content Ask any seasoned restorer what truly brings a wooden boat back to life, and the answer goes beyond varnish lines and polished chrome. It lies beneath the floorboards, where cast iron, brass and impressive engineering await a second chance. As beautiful as a wooden hull may be, it’s the engine…
Details
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…
Details
By Brian Thalhammer Sponsored Content by Mecum Auctions Wooden boat restoration is one of those niche pursuits that, once discovered, tends to become a lasting fixation. Those familiar with it know that with two hands, abundant ambition and some extra project space, a unique opportunity exists to navigate sculpted lumber back into the shimmering expanse…
Details
Will you be attending the Chesapeake Bay Chapter’s boat shows this season? If so, you may be interested in a two-part story on the history of the John Trumpy & Sons Boat Company that for decades graced the shores of the Eastport peninsula, not far from Annapolis. For more than a century beginning in…
Details
By Brian Thalhammer Content Sponsored by Mecum Auctions For many dedicated collectors, there are certain auctions that rise above the swells—special occasions that feel less like bidding transactions and more like the christening of a new ship. It’s a sentiment that’s proven prolific within the wooden boat community, where the reward isn’t just in ownership,…
Details
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.…
Details
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…
Details
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…
Details
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…
Details
We recently wrapped up our own version of “March Madness,” pitting the most legendary vintage boat models against each other in a bracket-style tournament. Over the last several weeks, the community voted, debated, and celebrated the boats that have defined vintage boating – each in their own way. The Road to the Final Four Your…
Details
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…
Details
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…
Details