News from International ACBS

 

The ACBS 7th Biennial Antique Motorboating Symposium

 

by Stan Petersen, Chairman, Symposium Committee

 

 

Fifty members of ACBS and their guests gathered in Clayton, NY, on a beautiful sunny week-end in May top take part in the 7th Biennial Antique Motorboating Symposium. 

 

Registrants heard Tony Mollica give an update on the Gar Wood Story and watched and asked question of Mike Mahoney and David Nagel as they demonstrated stripping, staining and varnishing and engine maintenance. In addition, Lou Rauh lectured on what to look for when considering buying a boat, while Dan Sutherland demonstrated steam bending techniques. Following a delicious dinner served on the water's edge verandah of the Museum's Skiff House, Harold Shield of the Toronto Chapter, gave us an in-depth look at the Ditchburn Boat Co. and other Canadian boats.

 

Saturday afternoon was very special because we had an opportunity to visit three very different boat restoration shops. First, was a visit to St. Lawrence Restoration, where owner Don Price opened up his entire facility to us, and then escorted us to his storage facility and varnishing building. Wonderful examples of marvelous water craft were to be seen in each building. Then, we visited Wooden Boat Specialties in Fishers Landing, owned by Dr. Sam Rivole and managed by Mike Mahoney. This is an example of a facility which attempts to provide all client needs in a very modern environment. Fine examples of craftsmanship were observed there. Lastly, we visited the one-man shop of Ron Waterson, Arrow Boatworks, also in Fishers Landing. Here we saw what one man (with occasional help) in an attempt to keep these "treasures" of ours afloat.

 

Finally, a bonus was added when a rather impromptu visit was made to the home and boathouse of Lou Smith and his son, Martin. We were fortunate to see several magnificent treasures, which include: a 1928 38' Robinson Sea Gull, recently restored by Clay and Patty Thompson of Altus, OK, a 1929 28' Gar Wood, a 1934 28' Hutchinson, a 1976 Venetian Water Taxi built by Ghia, a 1925 29' Rochester (recovered from the bottom of the St. Lawrence River after 51 years) and a 1923 26' Hacker, a twin to the famous El Legardo.

 

ACBS wishes to thank the Board of Trustees of the Antique Boat Museum, Bill Danforth, Executive Director, and his staff for offering such a beautiful site for the 2001 Symposium. It was greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

 

The View From Down Under: An Aussie Perspective

 

by David Noonan

 

My wife Susan and I arrived in Clayton via a circuitous route from Australia

via Boston with limited knowledge of what we would find there. I had discovered the ACBS on the Internet by chance some 12 months prior,

and planned a three week trip to the US for research around the May

Symposium.

 

What a pleasant surprise.  A lovely welcome and more to come.  "A boy in a

candy store" is the best way to describe it. The speakers set the scene

with practical, real experiences and advice. Then came the tours!!

 

The Museum tour was "wonder" full, then the restorers, and finally capped off by the Smith private collection tour.  All the scenes were enhanced by the lovely and generous people we met who rejoiced in their interest and were so willing to help with advice and answers.

 

I have formed a new company in Australia called Craftsman Cruisers.  It has

built its first boat, a solid teak 26ft gentleman's cruiser, using a set of

plans dated 1951 found in a basement in Sydney.

 

This symposium was invaluable in setting the scene for a lifelong

exploration of the wonderful world of wooden boats.  Thank you ACBS.