Dan Payne, ACBS Member
Stephens Brothers hull #661 was the last boat delivered by the yard before the outbreak of World War II (launched June 24th, 1941). Built for a ranch owner outside of Stockton, California, her original price was $11,800.00 (equivalent to $245,000.00 today). She was named after the ranch and their brand, Circle Bar R. No other boats were built to that design.
In 2002 I purchased the boat from an owner in Stockton. Named Lenore II at that time, under my ownership she became Payne’s Pleasure. I moved her to San Diego and that’s where she has remained since. I was forced to sell her in 2006 afterwhich she became My Sweet Miss. In 2011, I purchased her back, and she is now Allison E after my friends daughter.
Time has caught up with Allison E. I’ve been working out of town for the last five years though she has remained covered and maintained with scheduled bottom cleaning and basic house keeping. During her last haul out and survey in February 2023 she was in “good” condition, mostly due to having spent almost 3/4 of her life in fresh water. The original fasteners are in unbelievably good shape for their age, though about half have been replaced. The other half will be soon. A full restoration is underway.
A complete machine shop rebuild was performed on the port Chrysler Ace engine, which has now been reinstalled, mounted, and aligned. The starboard engine has been removed and the starboard bilge and engine room are being primed and repainted. I am currently searching for a previously rebuilt Chrysler Ace. I do not want to endure that rebuild process again. The installed rebuilt engine, and the future installation will both have a complete new cooling system and wiring.
The single updraft carburetor and all the original Chrysler Marine engine components have been rebuilt and installed on my rebuilt port engine. Since making the commitment to stay with the original engines, a sense of regret from not switching to diesel or electric occasionally comes and goes. I don’t share the love some have for these old flat head sixes. They may be simple, until a mechanic under the age of 60 tries working on them.
In the era that this boat was built, the engine and lights were the only things that operated by battery. Radios, navigation devices, accessories, even electric bilge pumps were yet to be invented. The combination of 80 years worth of new and replaced electronics left the boat a spider web of amateur wiring, an accident waiting to happen. All of that has been removed and professionally replaced.
Although the plumbing was updated when I purchased the boat, I decided it was time again for a new holding tank and black water hoses. I am debating the conversion from a saltwater to freshwater flush.
Infestation is an issue with any structure and a boat is no different than a house. I have successfully eliminated my termite problem. Coming from the north, this problem was new to me. Wisconsin only experiences subterranean termites. The annual winter freeze limits their damage to lumber and Papermill yards at ground level and below. This is not so in Southern California.
No sooner did I eliminate those migrating pests, I found a new stowaway. An unwelcome rodent, originally thought to be a very large mouse, has turned out to be a very small rat. It’s enjoyed residency on board for one month. Every attempt to eliminate it has failed to this point. If it starts receiving it’s mail, I’ll be forced to charge rent.
I “invented” the custom curved hand grip that matches the shape of the salon sides/cockpit opening. Laminated mahogany, it’s little more than a rooftop handrail, bent to match the salon’s profile. Stylish and functional, way cooler than the off the Ace Hardware store shelf screen door handle it replaced.
Cosmetics are an ongoing issue. I plan to redo some of my own previous repairs that I now know I can do better. I’m transitioning to two-part paints and clear finishes, where appropriate. In the past, the quest for the longest lasting finish or combination of finishes was all consuming. Discussions of EpiFanes versus Awlwood versus Captains led to a variety of opinions. I no longer participate in those discussions as I’ve learned that the best varnish is the one I find in my neighbors unlocked dock box (I’m kidding!).
Seriously, since my first boat in 1976, after restoring and maintaining five major wood yachts of my own and dozens of others for clients, I’m resigned to the fact that I will always be sanding and brushing something on some boat. All the products available today are good for their intended application.
The only major project left on the hull is to replace the original shaft logs. That is scheduled to be done promptly… some day.
I enjoy the boat in the comfortable and safe confines of San Diego’s Mission Bay though I have just as much fun at home at Seaworld Marina. I occupy the first slip, viewed by all from the platform as you enter the marina.
I’ve taken the boat to Santa Catalina island twice but I don’t expect to do that again with a boat now over 80 years old. I do, however, plan to visit San Diego Bay for the annual wooden boat show at Kohler Kraft.
Beautiful boat and I applaud you as a great caretaker of this wonderful example of maritime history!
Thanks for the kind words
What a wonderful project and, a long lasting love affair it looks like
It’s a love/hate relationship. More love than not.
Thank you.
Thanks for letting me play-I mean help out
Good for you , restoring the flat heads with the famous Zenith updraft carburetors .
The tough low rumble almost speaks ” I belong here – plastic molds make way ! “.
She has true horizontal gunwale lines and the aft canvas of tan fabric speaks of authenticity from the last age of taste – refined without glitter . Be sure to retain the transmission levers – so reliable . Not like “Crash 0 Matics” !
Ad Multos Annos ! Commodore Grady , HPYC, Ret.
You know your boats, and engines. “At the end of the day” as people say, keeping the original engines has its benefits. Even if it’s only the sound that they make. Turns out, the exorbitant amount of money spent on the first rebuild is still less than the electric or diesel replacement options.
Thanks
Beautiful boat, cudos to you for keeping that work of art in Bristol shape.
Thank you.
One day back to Bristol.
With all the projects that I have open at this moment, I would be embarrassed to show you a picture of it.
One Day at all comes together.
Nice, candid article – a tip ‘o’ the hat from a former Wisconsinite!
I grew up in Cudahy.
At the time I was born (1958) Dad and grandpa fished commercially out of south shore, Bay View. They promptly got out of the business when a Wisconsin Air National Guard jet crashed into their boat while on the mooring.
Grandpa said that was the best thing that ever happened, getting them out of the fishing industry.
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
Al Neill, Arnprior, Ontario
Thank you, Al
Love the dock box mention! 😂
Great boat. Thanks for sharing.
Got to save money wherever you can!
Thank you!
Over 80 is old?
Yes, 83 years old, 2 weeks from today.
Spending the majority of my summers on my grandfathers boat in Stockton, I’ve seen many of these Steven’s in the delta in the 70’s and they always have had the distinction of one of the best wood yachts admired by all. You’ve done a great job keeping her beautiful and in the eyes of admirers. Having owned many wood boats in my life, it’s no small feat of dedication. Hats off to you Dan, on many levels!!
I appreciate the recognition.
I used to shrug off the compliments. Now, at age 65, THANK YOU. Restoring a boat is very physical. I noticed myself getting old in the last three or four years. The aches and pains associated with just standing up after wedging yourself into a crawlspace for an hour and a half fixing something, have taken their toll.
I can’t complain, I have nice problems to have.
Nice work, Dan. Thank you for sharing
Thanks for the kind words.
They say “labor of Love”.
That’s childbirth.
My earliest recollections of fiberglass replacing wood at the annual boat shows, I wasn’t buying it. About 1970, A neighbor traded his wood Thompson for a Searay. I thought “bad trade”.
He kept that Thompson in perfect condition.
Everyone else thinking how nice that new Sea Ray was, I was disappointed , for him
Dan,
We are trying to find our 1941 that we purchased from Dusty Rhodes Marine at the San Leandro Marina in 1972/73. I got transferred to NYC in 2-1975 and it sold back to Stephens Boats . We kept the name Impluse II.
1941 40’Stephens Delta Cruiser
Fwd V- berths, head stbd side, galley to stbd, 4-seat dinette to port,
Control station on port side in Salon with 2-seat bench on stbd side. Red leather loveseat on Salon port side.
Two 4-panel glass/wood French doors lead from Salon to afterdeck with U- shaped red leather cushions. Canvas cover over afterdeck on metal folding frame. Brightwork transoms.
Flathead straight sixes.
I have never cried over a boat as I did that one as it sailed away! I would like to know if it has survived. At a young 83 I am so excited to hopefully had found my boat.
I now spend my summers on The St Lawrence River in Clayton NY, the home The Antique Boat Museum and am surrounded by beautiful wood boats.
Please give me a call, so I can confirm this was my boat! Thank you and can’t wait to talk.