Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Woodcraft

Sun-showers were falling as we headed over to the Oxbow Marina this past Saturday, to see some classic old boats that were on display...





Woodies, mostly.



The show was being held by the Baystate Woodies, a local chapter of the larger group called the Antique and Classic Boat Society.







They hold many events like this one, drawing classic wooden boat owners from all over. It's not really a competition, but if the owner wants, their boats can be given a score from 1 to 100, based on such categories as upholstery, engines and finish. The categories are also further divided into classes like Antique (1919-1942), Classic (1943-1968), and Custom or Modern Classic. I'm no boat fanatic, but it's hard not to appreciate the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail employed in building these old beauties...



A lot of them sport cockpits that resemble fine cars of the day...





With engines to match.



Some in fact were pretty much all engine.



And some even had Rumble Seats.



This one might have scored a little under the curve in the finish department, but it looks like a work in progress...



It would take quite a bit of money to build one of these boats today. Well, some people have that kind of money, and do build them today; like the nice example below:



The classic era apparently peaked in the 60's, with some real spacey-looking types...



Behold the Maltese Magnum Missile. Got Testosterone?



Bond...James Bond.



WGGB made a quick appearance, and took some footage.



A couple vintage cars trickled in, as we were leaving. Classics have a way of drawing classics...





This is the second such show I've been to. There's just something fascinating about seeing that kind of workmanship, with materials that are so rarely in use in this plastic era. These old boats must be loads of fun out on the water. If given the opportunity to ride in one, I guess I'd have to say:

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