TOPIC: Geneva Lake boat show at the Abby this weekend

Midwest people, plan on an outing to the Geneva Lakes Antique and Classic Boat show by the Blackhawk Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Club this weekend at the Abby in Fontana Wisconsin. Lots of beautiful vintage boats of all types and a great inspiration for our winter projects. Hope the weather holds off, looks like rain might be done for awhile. I see some members will have their boats there. www.genevalakesboatshow.com/ Here's the link for more info.

I can't make it but keep an eye out for my '63 Century Sabre. The gal who bought it boats on lake Geneva and is from northern Ill. If any one sees her say Cal said hi.
I sent a mail informing her of the show.

Brings back some mems Lake Geneva! Aint been there since the 80's. Way to far away now though!

We had a great turnout at the Abbey with about 150 great classic boats and real nice weather other than a little rain late Sunday afternoon.

And there was more beautiful ClassicGlass on display than ever before.
Just for starters:


1959 Plastyle Lark 400 with 57 Johnson Golden Javelin 35



1976 Lund President

Joe and family celebrating ‘ITs OK’ 40th birthday.

According to Joe:
Over the years it has proven to be more than just “OK” Bought new off the Chicago Boat Show floor in 1976, it has been used on the Chain O’ Lakes for 40 years. It’s 235 OMC engine is untouched and still runs like the day it came off the showroom floor. Lund made pleasure boats for only 3 years, so there are not many of it's kind still in existence. “She is my refuge when times are hard. Takes me away from my troubles and brings me back to my youth and simpler days.” As long as I am boating I will be forever young!


As always, some serious hoisting out on the Abbey lagoon aboard Captain Ron’s 1954 Chris-Craft 28’ Cruiser

‘Casual Elegance’


Lots more later.

Thanks,
Terry

Our friend Dave Wilson from AOMCI Motorheads Chapter makes it up to the Abbey most years and always has something interesting show.

Last week it was with his excellent 1955 14’ Larson Cedar Strip Cartopper with 46 Merc KD3-S 3.2 HP



Thank you Dave and the Larson is for sale folks.

Terry

My friend Dan Calahan’s 1958 Shell Lake Rocket.

A little beauty for sure!

This boat went home with Best Fiberglass at last years show.

Gotta love that wrap-around rear seat.

An excellent example of a 61 Merc 700 with full shift.

Terry, those pictures of the rocket makes me want to keep mine, greg

This was their choice as best fiberglass????????? Sure it's a great boat, but I honestly think they really don't get it.......

www.genevalakesboatshow.com/PastShows/Details?year=2016

Hello Joe,

I feel your pain and other FG folks up there did as well.


People loved this boat and it was fun seeing it out on the water. All it needed was Mickey & Minnie at the helm.

I got an earful after the awards presentations and brought it up with the show committee the next day. The Geneva Lakes Show voting is by Captains Choice. If you have a boat in the show you have a ballot and choose your favorite boat in each category. Simple but not flawless.

My question was if it was in the correct category? Maybe it should have been in the contemporary category. The entry information is not clear on if it was built in 1975 or 85. Or possibly create a separate Tugboat Category or a Novelty Boat Category. How about just handing out participation awards?

All spectators have a vote for People’s Choice. Paul Millers 1947 Aqua-Air Car that won that award could have fit in that Novelty Category as well although it was listed as a runabout.

Thanks,
Terry

Thank you for sharing such great pics!

If you have a category for each too many catagorys,It will never effect me at this show because if you don't go to their Banquet you don't win regardless how good your boat can be,so it actual judges the character of the owner,not the boat,how many times has their only been 1 person at the banquet in each category,regardless how good boat is I wonder,this year I wrote on the spec sheet please don't vote for my boat your vote will be wasted since I don't go to Banquet,,created some coments, my thoughts,,Bill

Bill,
On your supplied spec card to tell what your boat is, Just put in the category line
NON-JUDGED

Bill, that's why I really don't attended some of those shows. If you want recognition you can buy it.
What's really nice about the Door County, WI show is that it is entirely judged by the attendees. The people who come to admire the entries. You can pick up a sheet of paper if you want and choose the one you think is worthy of recognition. Different classes. And you can drink all the beer and eat all the food while you walk around. How great is that. I encourage all the glassheads to put that show on their calendar for next year. Two years ago I was the only glass entry, this year there were two of us. The organizers asked if I could help gin up the glass attendance because they want more variety.

When is the Door County show?

Door County show is the second weekend of August each year.
Here's a link to this years program.
The city of Sturgeon Bay, WI shuts down one of their main streets and makes it a party with food, music, programs etc.
www.dcmm.org/exhibits/featured-secondary/26th-annual-door-county-classic-wooden-boat-festival/

Chuck I understand that but I wanted to put the reason, In years past I get people coming back and asking why It didn't win something,This show is the only one that I have this with I am sure there might be others,,and I don't care but for people to vote,,I actually like a judging sheet to learn from,if available Bill

Cal - I will shoot to have one of the Lone Stars ready to go for next year in SB. I think the Triton with the 1963 Merc 850 would look nice.

Hello Bill,

I agree the number of categories must be limited and that necessitates including an occasional odd boat into the existing categories.

Hey all,

Please don’t be discouraged from attending our show based on perceived inequalities of the judging system. It is not unique to the Geneva Lakes Show.

See:
www.woodyboater.com/blog/2016/09/30/if-everyone-wins-an-award-is-it-an-award-you-be-the-judge/

Look at it this way. For 50 bucks you have a slip in the Abbey Harbor for 3-nights where you will be surrounded by the cream of the crop classic boats. Pristine Geneva Lake is right there for awesome boating and sightseeing.

The Blackhawk Chapter also offers great events before the show to everyone and ACBS membership is not required. Now I know this ain’t for everyone but I can tell you a day cruise aboard Larry Larkin’s ‘Sea Lark’ is an experience that only the Geneva Lakes Show can offer.

Now let’s get back to what really counts. Cool Old Boats!

1958 SwitzerCraft

1947 Trojan Hot Shot Cottage Racer

1956 Aristocraft Typhoon

Thanks,
Terry

This show and many of the others throughout the country are an effort of devotion and love of the sport/hobby/industry of many volunteers. If it's a show of 150 boats or 15, we've enjoyed talking and visiting with the captains and their family and friends. The effort of getting your boat out there in whatever condition it is, and taking the time to drive and go thru the other requirements, what dedication! We have enjoyed many conversations and learning the history of many of the boats of yesterday. I'm sure the captains/owners enjoy talking to people about their boats and to other captains. I hope this tradition continues and grows and is supported by all. In our area, there's a car show almost every summer evening, what a great way to get those beauties out of the garage where everyone can enjoy them. That's how we feel about our classic boats!

Oh, and by the way, the Captains and first Mates who offer you a delicious brew when you stop to chat - thank you, you know who you are.....

Terry,
don't worry I'm not discouraged at all. I'll make it the show some day ? I just need to get one of my boats to float first.

But, I've always been told not to talk about two things.... but in reality, you should never talk about 3 things ?
The three are:
religion
politics
and boat show judging. This one is bad ju-ju...Ha-Ha-Ha !

Hello Mary,

Thanks for your comments and you are welcome. I always have a cooler full of icy cold ones for all comers.

Looking forward to seeing you and Bill soon out on your new Sedan.


1965 Glasspar Seafair Sedan with original Mercury 1000

Out on the rock at the 2012 Midwest All-Classics

Thanks Chuck,

Hope to see you at Geneva Lake in 2017. Show dates are Sept 23-24 with pre-events Friday the 22nd.

We are seeing more Fiberglassics up there every year and so I hope to we can keep that momentum.

A few more beauties that were on display last year.


60 Tomahawk Ski Mate with Homelite/Bearcat 4 cycle 55 HP





58 Owens Speedship with Johnson Super Seahorse 35 HP


1958 Aero-Glas Super Satellite 16 with Gale Sovereign 60 HP


Terry