By Jeff & Char Appel members of the Big Sky chapter
We found the boat in a field in an abandon farm in eastern Montana. Took almost 3 years to finalize the sale. Almost 5 years to restore it. The boat was originally built for Yellowstone Park, for rides on Yellowstone Lake. That is why we named it YP with the bear on it.



What a awesome undertaking. Great job.
thanks, Jeff. i know it is not a boat but the cool “bus” you restored to go with it would be of interest. i would post a picture of it myself i took at the sandpoint, idaho show a while back but i cant figure out how to do it.
Great job on the stancraft torpedo, Jeff. I know it is not a boat, but the “bus” you restored to pull it, i think would be of interest. I would post a picture of it i took a while back at the sandpoint, idaho show myself but i dont know how to do it here. maybe you can?
That is the coolest boat I ever saw!
Wow what a great job. Thanks for preserving history.
your STANCRAFT is just beautiful! great job on such a big project. And such a wonderful past.
My hat is off to you for your; decision, dedication devotion and damned hard determination, to end up with a piece of art. Well done!
What a great project! Awesome!
Hi Jerry and Char, I think this is the most remarkable restoration I have ever seen, especially since your back ground wasn’t in wood working. I love your remark about keeping your shop warm by feeding your wood stove all of your mistakes. I remember when we first met and you would show me pictures of the torpedo, and I would silently think “good luck” with that project. But, when you displayed it at Coeur d’ Alene I was blown away, as were many others. The way you bring life back to old “should be” junk is incredible. I’m always curious what your next project is. I’ll stay tuned!
Bob Moore
Hi Jerry and Char, I think this is the most remarkable restoration I have ever seen, especially since your background wasn’t in wood working. I love your remark about keeping your shop warm by feeding your wood stove with all of your mistakes. I remember when we first met and you would show me pictures of the torpedo and I would silently think “good luck” with that project. But, when your displayed it at Coeur d’ Alene I was blown away as were many others. The talent that you have to bring life back to objects that should go to the “dump” is incredible. I’m always curious about what your next project is. I’ll stay tuned.
great work great boat. beautiful!