1. Who is the ACBS ?
2. How do I get a password for the Member's Only Section?
3. I am a member already, where do I find my login information?
4. How do I join the ACBS ?
5. Do I need a boat to Join?
6. Just how  old does a boat need to be a classic?
7. My boat is old enough to be a classic, but it is fiberglass or aluminum ?  Is that a problem?
8. What is the mission of the ACBS anyway?
9. How is the ACBS organized?
10. How to buy a boat?

Since its founding in 1975 on the shores of Lake George, New York, The Antique and Classic Boat Society, Inc. (ACBS) has grown into the largest society in the world dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of historic, antique and classic boats. ACBS brings people with this common interest together to share fellowship, information, experiences and ideas. Over 100 antique boat shows are held each year throughout North America. Add to these the many hands-on workshops, symposiums, cruises, parties, trips and meetings, and you will see-there truly is something for everyone.

Become a member! Complete the membership form and a login and password will be e-mailed you to shortly-- normally within 24 hours-- although it is a manual process.

Joining the ACBS is as easy as printing off an ACBS Membership registration form from the membership page, locating a chapter nearest to you (or whatever you choice is) and mailing back that information to the ACBS Headquarters in Clayton NY.  

The login and password is located on page VI of your 2005 ACBS Membership Directory or is available from ACBS HQ at hqs@acbs.org. 

Absolutely not-- although after reading about some of our activities in Rudder, our award winning quarterly magazine you may wish to purchase one from the Trading Dock pages.  You will find members with no boats-- or members with over 10 boats. 

Whatever your preference, the ACBS is your one-stop information source for Antique & Classic Boating events, news,  and activities.

Boats that are at least 25 years old qualify for membership. Soon in this FAQ will be a list of specific categories that the ACBS uses to categorize its boats.

No-- so long as your boat is over 25 years old it qualifies for membership.  Actually, Fiberglass and Aluminum boats are a rapidly growing source of members in the ACBS.  Both are relatively inexpensive, and have both difficulties and benefits to their ownership.  No matter what your boat, you will always find members that share your particular interest in particular boats.

Founded 25 years ago this year, the ACBS has many activities-- but first is to bring people together with a common interest in historic, antique and classic boats, sharing fellowship, information, experience and exchange of ideas.  Read our Mission Statement!

The ACBS consists of varying numbers of individually organized chapters in the U.S. and Canada (but not limited to those locations), loosely controlled by an international non-profit Board of Directors.  There are 12 board members, with three additional at-large directors.  Many standing committees work together to further the mission of the organization and provide direction to the individual chapters.  

The international Board of Directors meets quarterly at differing regional locations, with an annual meeting of the general membership open to all chapter members that changes location from year to year. There are several standing committees that govern different areas of the ACBS, with representatives from different chapters that serve for various terms.

The ACBS Headquarters at Clayton, NY is staffed by Kathy Snyder, ACBS Administrative Manager.  She is the point of contact for all chapter members at the Headquarters.  Chances are if it needs to be done at the ACBS Headquarters, it is Kathy that does it.

The ACBS Directory, published annually, provides specific information regarding committees, committee members, and the ACBS Mission.

submitted by Gregg Dearth

Having just gone through the process of finding and buying two classic boats (one fully restored, the other a $1 basket case) I thought I would share my thoughts and perhaps you might add this to your FAQ's. 

1. Be patient and take some important preliminary steps before just jumping in and buying something.

2. Do your homework. Join the ACBS and any other affinity groups (Century boat club, etc.) then go to the gatherings and talk to the members. Or call someone from the membership list if you have a specific question. Most people will gladly lend you their time and advice. They'll shortcut your learning curve tremendously and help you avoid expensive mistakes. Gather as much knowledge about what kind/type/style or age of boat you're interested in. Start by reading the various hard cover books that are out there. Do an Internet search for what you're interested in. You'll be amazed at the web pages devoted to antique and classic boats.Attend some of the terrific wooden boat shows across the country where you can see boats first hand and get an idea of how you might join in--either by doing your own complete restoration, or buying something that doesn't need much work, or a boat that needs nothing. 

3. Once you decide what it is you're looking for, you have at least 3 paths to find something:

• There are many dealers in antique and classic boats. They advertise in Rudder, Yacht Trader's Antique & Classic Boat Trader, in Wooden Boat magazine and elsewhere. Many have websites where you can look at boats on the Internet. Tell them what you're looking for. If they don't have it, they may know where to find it. 

• Club magazines like Rudder and Thoroughbred (Century Club) list ads for boats each month or quarter.

• The Internet is a great resource. There are many different on line boats for sale sites. I like www.traderonline.com and there are many others. Search boats for sale and you should find many of them. Also, search for the make/model you're interested in. Boats can be found on E-Bay--don't forget to search completed items too. 

4. When you've found a boat, go see it firsthand. Absolutely. Nothing can substitute for looking at just what you're getting into. If you can, take someone  with you. Some wooden boat restorers will inspect prospective boats and issue an opinion (If for a modest fee then its is well worth it.) Your homework should have turned up some key things to look for before buying a boat, but here's a short list: 

• Is it complete? What hardware/parts/pieces are missing? Can they be obtained without too much time/hassle/money?

• Has it been altered? (this can be good or bad) 

• How much wood has to be replaced? Where? Learn how to spot and test for dry rot. 

• Is the engine/transmission/wiring original? Do they need work?

• What is the condition of the finish, the chrome, the upholstery?

• Does it come with an appropriate trailer? Wood boats need particular kinds of trailers. What's the age/condition of the trailer? 

• Do you intend to show or use your boat, or both?

All of these factors will affect the price and the amount of time/trouble and money you will need to enjoy this most rewarding form of recreation. 

From an economic standpoint, buying a boat that needs work and doing the work yourself is the least expensive way to go. But it is the most time demanding. And can require some real woodworking skill. Buying a boat that is completed can cost a lot more, but you can use it right away. Paying to have a rough boat restored professionally is the easiest way to go, but it's also the most expensive--figure on only a 50% to 75% return on your investment if you have it done for you. If you do it yourself, don't forget to factor in what your time is really worth. The pride you can take in the finished product, however, is priceless.