By Randy Fletcher, Thousand Islands Chapter
The float started as a 1947 GarWood Ensign that we were going to put a new bottom on. As the project advanced, it needed more than a bottom, she needed a total all wood replacement to make her seaworthy again. The decision was to scrap the project, sell off parts and pieces. Then the Christmas Parade thought came, “Let’s make a float representing our chapter with the hull”.
The transom was removed and will be hung in the barn next spring. The bottom was removed, it didn’t take much effort, as all wood under the water line was rotted. 2×6 stringers and 5/4×6 supports were installed to attach the plywood flat bottom. A little paint, some lights and a modified donated trailer and we were set for the parade. We heard a lot of folks along the parade route comment on “the old boat”. It was a good time!
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