The Boat Show that Almost Wasn't - ACBS - Antique Boats & Classic Boats

North Carolina Coastal & Piedmont Chapter
Submitted by Judy Hills, Newsletter Editor

The weather forecast leading up to the chapter’s show scheduled for Chocowinity, NC, on Saturday, September 27th, was ugly. Participants were calling, asking if we were going to call the show off. We decided to proceed—after all, boats are made to get wet.

Jon Olsen from Cape Fear Boat Building School and youth judges.

The forecast did not change much on the day of the show. Because of the threat of rain and the distance from the launch to show site, it was decided that all boats would should show on land. They stayed attached to their vehicles in case a quick exit was needed.

Despite the threat of rain, it was a fantastic day with an estimated over 100 people in attendance (not counting all the dogs!), which was great considering the weather. As it turned out, it did sprinkle in the morning, but otherwise everyone stayed dry.

We were joined by four exhibitors: Dave Mahoney with model boats and miniature engines that he builds, and antique engines he restores. The Cypress Landing Yacht Club HOA had information on community events. The Royal Rangers Outpost 91, an adventure-based, merit-driven, faith-based program for boys, had a recruitment booth for their program and Cape Fear Community College’s Boat Building program also had a tent. Capte Fear Community College is one of six accredited boat building programs that received ACBS scholarships.

The community car club was also scheduled to have had a display, but because of the weather, only four vehicles showed. However, we did get to see one car made out of cherry wood! If it were amphibious, it would have qualified as a boat—a resto-mod perhaps.

We had 11 boats on display. Richard Morlock and his wife Gloria brought their 1985 Chris- Craft Scorpion, Glorious, all the way from Scotch Plains, New Jersey (510 miles). They received a plaque for the most distance traveled.

Denny Cole, who just rejoined the chapter brought his newly acquired 1959 Volksboat for which he won a plaque for Best Non-Wood.

Joe Peacos won Best Canoe/Paddle for his beautifully restored Chestnut canoe.

John Dougherty won Best Wood Outboard with Green Flash, his

The Best Inboard plaque went to Rob Weller’s 1938 Chris-Craft Utility named ‘38 Special.

Dave Friedrich’s boat, Chinook, a Fay & Bowen Launch, recently purchased from the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort, received People’s Choice. Chinook also got the Staging Award, which his wife, Beth, accepted since she is the one who staged the boat.

John Olsen, who runs the Cape Fear Community College Boat Building program and is also a NCC&P member, led the Royal Rangers in evaluating the boats using a judging form that he helped create.

Jim Hartman’s 1955 Chris-Craft Continental named Loon, the feature image in this post, won the Youth Judging plaque.