By Reuben Smith, Adirondack Chapter and owner of Reuben Smith’s Tumblehome Boatshop In traditional boatbuilding and restoration, perhaps no other tools are as critical and as often used as edge tools. We find these to be the most accurate tools in the shop. In some boats, the seams are made tight with wood-to-wood fits, and…
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Every summer, Rocky Mountain Classics Chapter’s biggest show of the year brings everyone together for a high-altitude celebration of wood, water, and camaraderie—and Grand Lake never disappoints. With 18 boats in the water and two on land, 2025’s show was their largest yet, full of sunshine, surprises, and stories we’ll be telling for years. A…
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The Ohio Valley Chapter of ACBS stretches from Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. Founded in 1989, the chapter has a common enthusiasm for antique and classic boats and provides an opportunity to exchange information about the history, preservation and restoration of these boats while emphasizing enjoyment on the water and creating camaraderie among…
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Each October in South Carolina, Georgetown’s historic waterfront comes alive with sawdust, sea spray, and stories. The Georgetown Wooden Boat Show, now in its 36th year, is more than just a festival—it’s a living showcase of craftsmanship, community, and coastal heritage. On October 18th and 19th, Front Street and the Harborwalk will once again be…
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Welcome Aboard! The Buckeye Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS) was founded in 1979. It is one of the oldest chapters of the ACBS. Buckeye Lake has a long and rich history of being a play-land and boating destination in central Ohio, a tradition that continues today. This lake has a lot…
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The Blackhawk Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society hosted the 39th Annual Fox Lake Antique & Classic In-Water Boat at Famous Freddie’s Roadhouse on Pistakee Lake in Fox Lake, Illinois. The show was originally scheduled for Saturday, July 12th but due to a rainy forecast that day, organizers pivoted to the following Sunday. …
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(by Marcus Divita, secretary Rocky Mountain Classics) We’re the Rocky Mountain Classics chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, serving the geographical region of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico. We’ve always known that our passion for historic boats isn’t just about preserving the past—it’s about inspiring the future. That’s why, starting in 2021,…
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The Northwest corner of Montana has a long and proud tradition in wood boating. Beginning at the end of the 18th century, mighty wood steam ships plied the waters of Flathead Lake, delivering goods and services and providing the quickest form of transportation around the 29-mile-long Flathead Lake. Recreational boating followed with fisherman and boat racing. The…
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By Tom Flood, Michigan & Sunnyland Chapters John Hacker’s primary interest was in designing and building wooden boats. John was born in 1877 in Detroit, Michigan. He spent his boyhood days in Detroit, where he roamed the many boat yards in his spare time analyzing the design of the wooden craft of that era. His…
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By Neil Satterly, Adirondack Chapter The Adirondack Chapter’s Adironduck Project began in 1987 with the kit boat donation from ACBS to several chapters. We began construction on the shores of Lake George in September of 2007 at the ACBS Annual Meeting. Now in its 17th year, the Adirondack Chapter has been providing rides at…
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Adapted from articles on chapter history by Dick Newcomb and Wine Country Classic Boat newsletters The Wine Country Classic Boats club was founded in the fall of 1981 after a group of wooden boat enthusiasts got together at Fred Tillman’s house for what became the formative meeting of Wine Country Classic Boats. Those present that…
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The first weekend of August was a big one for the Water Wonderland Chapter. With two events, a casual Lake Leelenau Rendezvous hosted by Bob and Mary Shapton, and their yearly Boats on the Boardwalk, it was all hands on deck for a great time! First, on Friday, August 1, the Lake Leelenau Rendezvous was…
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