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WINE COUNTRY CLASSIC BOATS, INC. Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, Inc.
 
From the Editors: Wine Country Classic Boats has a NEW WEBSITE!!! The web address is winecountryclassicboats.com. (Don’t put any spaces in between the words or you won’t get there!) Check the website often for upcoming events and club information… it is updated on a regular basis. We would like to include a “For Sale” page on the website as well, so send those items you would like to find a new home to us at wccbnewsletter@aol.com and we’ll get it on the website for you. If you have additional things you would like to see on the website, let us know and we’ll try to make it happen! Mark your calendars for the annual Wine Country/FLBM/AOMCI Fall Workshop. The workshop will be held at the Morehouse Facility at Cayuga Lake State Park on November 3, 2007. Registration will begin about 8 am and will last until it’s done. (Don’t you love those hours!) The cost is $10 per person, and includes coffee and donuts, admission to workshop presentations, our annual auction (which will be held around 11 am) as well as time to socialize with your fellow WCCB members. Don’t forget to bring any items you would like to donate to the auction with you!!!
Dick and Kaye
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”Raveau 2.0” By Allen Gammon
We have been enjoying the WCCB Show and Regatta with our Raveau Contemporary
Classic Race Boats for five years. We have improved our performance in the
Regatta every year except 2005 when we had an on course maintenance opportunity,
yet managed to finish under our own (slightly reduced) power. After my mentor
and co-pilot Gene Fleming (Canisteo, NY) complained of rough ride while setting
a personal best last year, we had the surprisingly good fortune to find a
larger, For additional information on Raveau 2.0, check out their website at Http://hometown.aol.com/raveau/walwork.htm
Page 3 FALL TRIP 2007 By: Doug Vittum
This years fall trip was organized by Fred & Rose Marks, and took us to “where it all began”.
Wednesday: “museum”
Usually the 1st day is pretty much just a travel day, but Fred had other plans. Since it was only about a 6 hour trip, he scheduled a stop at the local Algonac/Clay Historical society museum in Algonac, after arrival. A small museum right on the St. Clair river, it is actually in an old house. The group was met by two of the museums volunteers, and a local chapter (ACBS) member, Pat Fisher. Pat gathered the group together, and proceeded to give the history of Chris Smith and how he came to be in Algonac. Gar Wood entered the picture a few years later, and actually lived in a house next to the present day museum. His house, although moved a few blocks away, is still occupied. The group was then treated to the various small rooms of the museum, each containing specific displays. Hundreds of old Chris Craft plant pictures adorned every wall. Many of these pictures have never been published. There were many pictures of Chris Crafts being built, and one picture showed what appeared to be about a 22 foot boat, bottom side up, being planked. Pat explained that the crew of 4 men, would plank the entire bottom in 4-1/2 hours, then move on to the next one. One thing the people never miss on a fall trip is a good meal, and it was time for dinner. Fred had picked a place just down the street called the Galley. Located within sight of the old Chris Craft plant, it was not only an excellent restaurant, but a mini museum as well. The walls were covered with Chris Craft memorabilia, from pictures, to dashboards, to boat parts of all kinds. Food was great and the setting was perfect.
Thursday: ‘The Flats”
“Be at the boats, ready to go at 9am” is the last thing we heard from Fred Wednesday night. We arrived at the marina (Algonac Harbor Club) where we had secured our boats in some unused slips, to find very heavy dew had settled in over night. Since the majority of boats in the marina are cruisers, the docks were a little bit high for our tiny craft, but we as always, managed just fine. At 9am on the dot, John Adams Page 4 (local chapter member Vice Commodore) showed up in G-74 “A Touch of Glass”, to be our guide for the day. John’s boat is very unique. He took a 23 foot Chris Craft XK, lowered the freeboard about a foot, changed the sheer line, pulled the transom in on each side for some tumblehome, then built an all wood deck and interior. Power of course is your standard “big-block”, in this case a 426 cu in Chrysler. Our day would take us up thru and around the Middle Channel and the North Channel, out into Anchor Bay, to several local boathouses, and of course lunch on the water. First stop was Art Armstrong’s. On property originally bought by his father in 1938, the family has retained the original building and boathouse, but added beautiful living quarters and a “to die for” garage/workshop. Art entertained us with a wonderful boat story of the family boat Molly-O, and the history of the property, including the fact the small canal the boathouse is on, was hand dug by Chris Smith and crew. Only pictures can describe the workshop, with its spotless epoxy floor, and museum quality boating artifacts on the walls, and the antique motors displayed on stands. Hanging high on the rear wall, was a small duck boat, originally built by John Hacker. Time to move on, and the boats (6 of them) were reloaded. About a mile up the South Channel, we noticed Ed Wightmans sea-skiff was falling behind. Fred ran back to check, while we proceeded at a slow pace towards our next stop. Word came back from Fred that there were some mechanical problems, and they thought it best to secure the boat back at Art’s, and they’d catch up with us. Shortly after catching up to us, our leader turned into a small canal. John advised, by radio, it was a rest stop for his passengers, so we decided not to go in, as the marina was small and docking limited. Later we learned, they decided to visit Peter Henkle’s engine parts business next door. We were content to putt along, and enjoy the many sites, such as the “Old Club”. A group of turn of the century cottages, all brightly painted, sitting on their own private boardwalk, complete with restaurant and shops. A few miles up the channel, we turned into the South Channel. Not long after, we saw buoy number 17 and a small canal going between two beautiful summer homes. We entered this small canal, and followed it to the back of the property, where the main boat houses were located. We had arrived at the home of Henry & Nancy Tinnerman. Henry escorted us into the main boathouse, where we were awestruck with a huge (54 Foot) 1963 Trumphy cruiser. The ladies immediately went aboard, and shortly after, announced they would spend the rest of the day (or was it lives), onboard this beautiful yacht.
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Everywhere you looked, quality and beauty abound. The workmanship on this boat was just awesome in every detail. In the next slip were two boats. One hung above the other. The top boat “Raven“ was an original Hacker “target boat”. Thirty-five feet long, and powered by a 12 cylinder Kermath, rated at 580hp. This boat, and several others like it, was used during WWII to tow airborne targets to give naval gunners shooting practice. Since these were not produced for civilian resale, no records of serial numbers exist, but the engines were traced to 1943 as year of manufacture. Mr. Tinnerman had the super structure all redone, and today it is a beautiful commuter style boat. The boat on the bottom, was named “Speednuts,“ and is a replica of the target boat, made by Hugh Saint (Florida), she’s 34 feet long, and powered by twin Cummins 6 cylinder diesels, each producing 450 hp. Time to load-um up and mov-em out. Our leader now took us over the “back-roads” and thru channels, many of which resembled travel thru the Everglades. In about 20 minutes, we were at a water side restaurant named Brown’s. Good service, great food, and the happy bunch were off again. The last stop was at Jack and Janet Teeters home. Like so many properties in the area, the front of the house faces the main channel/river, and running thru the backside of the property is the road, and a canal where everyone has a boathouse. This provides protection from wind and wave damage. Waves/wakes from huge lake freighters, and large cruiser can play havoc with a boat tied to a dock. Jack has a beautiful three 3 slip boathouse. There are those who say you can’t have one of each, but no one told Jack. The slips contain a 1930 30 foot Hacker, a 1936 28’Gar-Wood, and a 1968 30’ Lyman Islander hardtop. On a cradle at one end of the boathouse is a triple cockpit 1936 28’ Chris Craft, (powered by the original Kermath), ready to be lowered into the water when needed. Jack captivated us his knowledge of these boats, and the interesting history behind each one. His wonderful wife Janet then insisted we all come across the street to their beautiful home, where she provided us with cool beverages and snacks. Our group was once again spoiled by the generous hospitality of fellow boaters who have allowed us to share their wonderful boats, boathouses, and homes. It was about a 30 minute ride back to our home-base marina, then back to the motel to prepare for our annual cocktail party.
Page 6 Instead of having our party at the motel, we were treated to yet another surprise. We had been invited over to John and Melinda Adams cottage. In addition to our group of 20, several local members of the Michigan chapter also came by. As usual, we had more food than needed, including fresh corn on the cob. The location was absolutely beautiful, and to top it all off, so was the weather, plus we were treated to a beautiful sunset over the canal and marshes. It was a perfect setting, and ending to a beautiful day.
FRIDAY – “Shopping for all”
We awoke to another beautiful day. As much as we wanted to head to the boats, and the waterways, Fred had other plans. The guys were going to visit several local restoration shops, and the ladies had visions of outlet malls dancing in their heads. First stop was Mackie Boat Works, where owner Alan Mackie showed us his facility, and some of the boats he’s working on. It is always fun to visit some of the smaller shops, and see the various ways they handle tool placement, storage, and movement of large boats. Alan is a very avid duck hunter, and one of his many projects is the restoration of an historic duck boat. We then stopped in Henry H. Smith & Company (www.henrysmith.com) (a family run business established in 1900), and saw how they repair propellers. They also make and repair drive shafts. It had been a quiet day and the four employees had already finished the straightening of about 150 props, and were now in the welding, grinding, balancing and refinishing stages. -3- Then it was a short drive up to Marine City, where we hit a nautical antique shop, then The Cheesecake Store” for a great lunch. Some quick input into the GPS, and we were off to Mt. Clemens and Ault Boat Works. Owner Don Ault greeted us, and showed us around the shop and yard. The majority of Don’s work is on cruisers. No less than 30 sit in and around the shop. We couldn’t help but notice the many inboard engines around the yard. Engines removed from cruisers whose days were done and had been parted or salvaged out. Before we left, John Ford found a nice big “W” motor he needed, and Harley found a nice 283 Chevy. Prices included “free gift wrapping” (shrink wrap), according to Don. Our next stop was Eversole Marine. Owner Wayne Eversole was most accommodating, and showed us the various boats in various stages of repair. Of particular interest was a day cruiser sedan. If you remember the story in “Rudder” last fall, of a boat found in a garage, built in the
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30’s, that had never been in the water? Well this was that boat. Wayne had received the job of removing it from the garage, and refinishing the boat. The original motor, gauge cluster, everything was there. When you looked at the boat from the bow, and looked at the profile and the side windows, and the headliner of the cabin roof, it just shouted Garwood. Wayne went on to explain that this house where the boat was built was across the canal from the Detroit mansion of Gar Wood. Was Gar Wood a friend of the builder? Did Gar Wood or one of his employees come over to the garage and help? No one knows the answers, but the boat displays many Garwood construction features. Time to move on, so John, Harley and I bummed a ride back to the motel to get my truck so we could immediately return to Don Aults and the new treasures. The rest headed over to Bill’s Marine Service (billgigi@billsmarineservice.net), where more restorations were inspected, and then to Marine Sales and Repair, Inc. (www.marine-sales.com/-earl/marsale.htm), which is Earl Stilson's parts business. Containing one of the largest inventories of NOS and used parts in the country, If you need it, Earl probably has it. We all met back at the motel by 6:30pm, and readied ourselves for our 7pm reservations at a restaurant about 300 yards down the street. Fred must have done some good exploring for this trip, because if you were just driving past this place,(Johnny Lega’s Bistro) you probably wouldn’t give it a second look, figuring it was a local dive. Inside, it was obvious it was a local type place, but between the great food, and the live entertainment, we were in for another night of fun. Bill Long (http://www.billlongband.com/) played his antique guitars and sang 60’s and 70’s songs, for three hours straight. Some even got a little “adult entertainment” from one of the women dancing, right Dr. Bill? Saturday “A trip across the ocean”
No one was really hungry for breakfast after Fri night, so most just hung around the back of John’s pickup, and had a tailgate breakfast consisting mainly of left over cakes and various snack foods, as we discussed the upcoming days events. It was a bit cooler than previous days, and a strong NNW breeze prevailed. Several members had to depart and return home for weddings and other commitments, so we decided to just take the two largest boats. We took Bills 25 foot Continental, and my 24 foot Sportsman. Each boat had about 7 people in it.
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We decided we’d go out the North Channel to Anchor Bay, since we’d been that way before, and we’d be heading almost directly into the wind. The two and three foot waves were not a problem, but the wind would blow the spray, back into the boat. This forced us to don raingear. As we passed the “twin sisters’ (historic lighthouses) then cleared the last buoy out in the bay, we had to adjust our course to the Southwest, so we could hit the entrance to the Clinton river on the western shore of Anchor Bay. The wind never let up, and the change in direction brought the majority of the spray over the starboard side of the boat. By the time we got across Anchor Bay (about 7 miles), we were a bunch of drowned rats. To make matters worse, just as we got within sight of the outer channel markers for the Clinton River, my engine started to die, and I was forced to proceed at a fast idle. Stopping at the first marina in the river, it was quickly determined my fuel filter had picked up something. A new one was quickly installed under the rear seat. This stop also allowed all to head to the restrooms, and the snack bar where warm coffee etc. was acquired. Our destination was the city of Mt Clemens, located about seven miles up the winding Clinton River. It was a pleasant ride up the river, basking in the warm sun, we started to dry out. There were numerous marinas, many of which sported large woodies in the covered slips. Hundreds a sailboats filled the docks all along the river. As the skyline of Mt. Clemens came into view, we noticed a floating restaurant (Captains Landing) (on a barge), so we pulled in and tied up. Another rest stop was in order, and all were ready for lunch. No one had ever been there, so we didn’t know what to expect, but the menu looked good, and the prices fair. We ended up with a wonderful meal, much more than most had expected. While we were waiting for our meals, I went outside and engaged a couple deckhands of the tour boat in conversation. They were most informative, and gave me welcome information on the river and its navigation the next mile or so to the city docks. I also learned the large blue buildings almost directly across the river, was what was left of the old Hacker factory. Today, the remaining buildings house the Mt Clemens Marine Service. Owned by John Milkovich, he, his brother George and several skilled employees store, maintain, and repair a variety of large and interesting wooden boats. Returning to the dining room, I told Fred about my adventure, and “find”. Fred said he had wanted to stop in there, but had been for-warned by local boaters that outsiders were never allowed inside. They had apparently tried and were denied entry.
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We re-boarded our boats, now fed, watered, and dry, and decided to drop the women off at the city docks, and we would then return by water, and try to visit the old Hacker factory. We had no sooner tied up, and climbed onto shore, when a gentleman appeared in a golf cart, asking what we were doing there. Fred immediately introduced our mary band as being “old” wooden boaters from western NY. The man then noticed we had arrived in woodies, and his expressions started to soften. He introduced himself as George (Milkovich), and began to give us a tour. First stop was a building where they were working on a huge 65 foot Chris Craft cruiser. The “65 footer” was the largest cruiser Chris Craft built for public sale. A total “fluff” job on what appeared to be a very well maintained boat. The next building produced several surprises. The first boat we passed was the very last Chris Craft cruiser ever built in Algonac, and then we saw “Her”. Tucked back in a dark corner of the building was “Cigarette”. This 70 foot boat is the largest Gar-Wood ever built. Built in 1923, she is 70 feet long, and 12 feet wide. She was originally powered by five V-12 Packard engines. Two each, in tandem for the twin screws, and the fifth in the center with a reverse gear for backing up. Time and space here doesn’t allow the telling of “Cigarette’s” history, but she was considered the world’s fastest commuter, with a top speed of 50 mph. To stand next to “her”, to touch “her”, and to hear her history as described by George, what a day for us humble wooden boat people. George then took us into the office area. Located in the center of the complex, are several small rooms, just packed with pictures, drawings, memorabilia, trophies, old gauges, and parts. These rooms comprised the original offices of the Hacker factory. Many original pictures are still proudly displayed on the walls. The offices were a mini museum in its own right. Time to leave and pick up the women who went shopping, but George had one more boat to show us. Tied up to the dock, was Georges personal Hacker. A 1952, 33 foot, day cruiser, named “Peregrine”. This is the ONLY one of this model ever built by Hacker. We thanked George for his hospitality and tour, and proceeded up the river to get the ladies. Our return trip was warm, dry, and uneventful. The winds had slacked off considerably, and the “crossing” was dry and comfortable. Anchor Bay had clamed down as quickly as it had riled up earlier in the day. This is partially caused by the shallow depth of the bay. Although close to 150square miles in size, the majority is less than 10 feet deep.
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Boats were once again secured at Algonac Harbor Club marina, and we returned to the motel, to prepare for dinner. Tonight Fred had selected another nearby restaurant, just south of the motel, named, “Club Capri”. Once again we had a wonderful meal, served in a beautiful setting. Most returned to the motel after dinner, as all the fresh air of the day had taken its toll, but a few die hards remained to enjoy some live entertainment.
Sunday “Boaters helping boaters”
Fall trip Sundays usually entail a quick breakfast, boat loading, and heading for home. Fred had other plans. We were scheduled for a mid-morning brunch at a restaurant on the St Clair river, about 25 miles North of us. We decided to use three boats, and started out at 9am. The river was dead flat, with almost no boat traffic. We cruised at a steady 25 mph North. We were being lead by local chapter members Chuck and Althea Beattie in their Chris Craft, with fellow member Dave Wallace as passenger. After about 10 miles, I noticed my motors pitch change a little, then a little surging. Fuel filter again? Not wanting to make the group late for brunch, we decided to let them continue, and we sought the safety of a small marina on the shore. Chuck made a quick cell phone call, and before we were even tied up, a Chevy suburban arrived to take the crew of seven, and we were relayed to the restaurant. The River Crab restaurant sits on the western bank of the St Clair River, about a mile North of St Clair. It didn’t take long, before we were grazing the several buffet tables, just loaded with endless choices. Everything from fresh seafood, to individually cooked omelets, coffee, juice, you name it, just everything. A few even managed to find the desert table. We always manage to eat well on these fall trips, and this one was no exception. It was hard to leave (physically), but most of us still had a six hour drive home, so we left. We managed to get everyone in the remaining two boats, for our ride downstream. We stopped at the little marina, and retrieved my boat. John Ford and I decided we’d go it alone in case there was still a problem, but she ran like a top, never missed a beat all the way back. Having been on sixteen of the seventeen fall trips, I guess it was just my turn to have a mechanical problem. Looks like a fuel tank removal job to inspect the interior of the tank will be a fall project. The few without boats were on the road shortly after we docked. The rest of us, helped each other relay boats, vehicles and trailers the
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quarter mile to the wonderful (and free) public launch, for retrieval. Good-byes were said, and we headed in various directions home. Dave Wallace mentioned to me that John and I could save some time by taking the “blue Water Ferry” from Marine City, across the river to Canada, then some local roads due East. Having come across the Port Huron bridge further to the North, we decided to try this new route. A small ferry, only a few cars were able to get on after John and I put our trucks and long trailers onboard. The total time across the river, unloading, and passing thru Canadian customs was 15 minutes, and we had a neat boat ride. We saved about 40 miles, and 45 minutes. The trip home was smooth and easy. What’s up for next year? Well, as usual, no one jumped up and offered to handle a trip. No one had any special suggestions. John Ford suggested we could return to an area in Canada we had visited and explored this summer. Big Rideau Lake is about 40 minutes north of the Thousand Island Bridge. The lake being 22 miles long, the main channel of the Rideau system passes right thru the center of this lake. From Big Rideau, you can get to Perth Ontario via the Tay canal, with just one lock. The Village of Westport is only one lock away in the other direction. The location offers good boating in most any direction, and there are many islands and interesting boathouses on Big Rideau Lake. If someone has an idea, we’d like to hear it. If someone wants to take charge and put a trip together, even better, just contact John or I, and you’ll have the job. Once again, our sincere “Thanks” to Fred and Rose Marks for such a great fall trip. This of course wouldn’t have been possible without the help and hospitality of the members of the local Michigan chapter, they truly made this trip “to where it all began” one of the best ones ever!
Sunset over Lake St. Claire Aerial View of the Algonac Harbor Club
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Who do I contact? Wine Country Classic Boat Officers:
Commodore Bernie Burns 607-868-5613 bernieb15265@yahoo.com 1st Vice Commodore Charles Gladle 585-554-6448 gladlec@aol.com 2nd Vice Commodore Mike Yonker 585-289-6831 mayonker@yahoo.com Past Commodore Bill Smith 585-586-0754 wsmith4@rochester.rr.com Treasurer Pam Gratzer 585-721-0949 pam@ARtraining.com Recording Secretary Joyce Gladle 585-554-6448 gladleja@aol.com Corresponding Sec. Kaye Newcomb 585-526-6934 wccbnewsletter@aol.com Directors Kevin Issing 585-554-4505 kdissing@frontiernet.net Terry Holland 315-548-9061 holland1@rochester.rr.com Sally Lathrop 585-967-4210 garwood53@hotmail.com Dana Gersbach 585-289-8674 boathead45@yahoo.com Jim Commisso 607-868-4001 John Frey 607-868-3754 Bill Olmsted 607-868-3590 wdodmd@roadrunner.com Fred Marks 607-276-6468 frmarks@stny.rr.com Nick Watts boatbuilder1986@yahoo.com Ed Wightman 607-868-3025 edwightman@empacc.net Bill Wheeler 585-393-9397 wwwheeler47@yahoo.com Membership Dick Newcomb 585-526-6934 wccbmember@aol.com 2008 Boat Show Dick & Kaye Newcomb 585-526-6934 Web Master Kaye Newcomb 585-526-6934 wccbnewsletter@aol.com
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